Catherine Plante

Motivation in becoming a lawyer  

At several points in my life, I was faced with situations where my lack of understanding of the legal system had a direct impact on my life, and my family’s life. When trying to navigate these situations, I remember feeling like the law was not only impossible to understand, but also often failed to acknowledge the emotional and stressful circumstances in which people were confronted with it. I decided I wanted to be able to comprehend the law in a way where I could use that knowledge to find solutions for people who need them, and do so with kindness and compassion. 

Experiential learning 

During my 2L year, I participated in the Community Lawyering Clinic which allowed me to gain real client experience, and actually represent one of our clients at an Administrative Hearing. Being able to hear people’s stories and advocate for them was such an honor, and preparing/arguing an appeal before a real judge, for a real case, was an incredible learning opportunity. I continued this type of work in my clinic at the Defender Association of Philadelphia during 3L, where I represented several clients in Philadelphia Dependency Court. My time at the Defenders was an invaluable experience, because I got to experience real trial advocacy on a weekly basis for an entire semester. The best way to learn how to be an effective advocate is to practice, and having several months of practice made me so much more confident in my abilities as a lawyer. 

Participation and Leadership 

I was a member of the Moot Court team for my 2L and 3L years, and I can honestly say it was the most impactful decision I made in law school. While taking the associated Appellate Advocacy course 2L that is required for all team members, I realized that my passion in the law lies in appellate work. My incredible Professors in that course went on to become invaluable resources for me, helping me immensely when it came to finding post-grad job opportunities, including my incoming clerkship at the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. After that, competing in competition during 3L was also an incredible experience! Writing briefs, being mooted by faculty and peers, and actually getting to compete against other law students really helped me hone my advocacy skills. It was also a great opportunity to get closer with my teammates and make incredible memories! 

Faculty impact 

Oh gosh, so many! Mary Levy has been such a support for me personally and professionally, and I have no doubt she will continue to be as I move forward in my career. Susan DeJarnett has been incredibly supportive since being my LRW professor 1L, and Jules Epstein has been an incredible mentor to me as I began to find my passions in the law. Branden Albaugh, my Appellate Advocacy Professor (and future co-worker) has also been a huge part of my law school journey, and I would be remiss to not mention Professor Shellenberger who helped me fall in love with Criminal Procedure! 

Advice to prospective students  

I can’t emphasize enough the value of community in this endeavor. My time at Temple has been entirely shaped by the peers and mentors I have met here— whether it be classmates, fellow interns, Professors, or members of the incredible Alumni network. You never know which person you meet will be the person to get you your dream job, or introduce you to an area of the law you never expected you would love. Approach everyone with an open mind and you will make amazing connections! In fact, be open to everything. These three years will fly by in an instant, and if you take opportunities as they come to you, you will get SO much out of this time.