Conner Edwards

Hometown: Seattle, Washington
Location: Moscow

Bio

Born and raised in Seattle, I took 5 years off between finishing my undergrad and going to law school to work. Living in Olympia, I spent most of my time working as a legislative aide in the Washington State Senate, but also held positions as a paralegal, consultant, and contract lobbyist.

Outside of law school, I am volunteering with the CASA program of Idaho’s Second Judicial District (covering Nez Pierce, Latah, Clearwater, Idaho & Lewis Counties). After being trained, CASA volunteers are appointed to cases where children have been taken from the home due to abuse or neglect. Volunteers then investigate the circumstances of the children and must advocate for the child’s best interest within the judicial system. If that sounds like something that interests you, please get in contact with me and I’d be happy to provide you with more information! Hours spent volunteering will count towards your pro-bono hour requirement.

I am also a contract campaign treasurer, helping over a dozen different campaigns of all political persuasions navigate the extremely complicated world of campaign finance law and making sure that all campaign financial information is accurately reported to the public.

In my spare time, I enjoy fixing up cars and doing home renovation projects.

What advice would you offer to incoming 1L Law Students?

First, don’t let law school consume your entire life! Keeping up with class readings and assignments is important, but don’t forget the things that kept you balanced before you went to law school. Having activities outside of law school, such as working a part-time job, volunteering with an organization you love, or pursuing your hobbies will help you “de-stress” from law school and bring depth to your life as an individual.

Second, try to avoid getting sucked into unproductive political or ideological fights with classmates or professors. Law school is not the appropriate place to engage in political debates; this sort of confrontational behavior usually results in hurt feelings and soured relationships with your peers. Regardless of your personal beliefs, you will find that many of your classmates do not feel the same way as you. Respect their ability to think differently from you.