Sam Bass

Sam Bass (she/her) I grew up in Delco and am a Philadelphian through and through and from a family that is truly Temple made (my mom is a professor in public health and got her masters and PhD here and my sister graduated undergrad from Temple last year!) I am a Day student. In August I will be going back to the Conviction Integrity Unit at the DA’s office (why I went to law school in the first place). I went to American University for undergrad. 

What motivated you to pursue a career in law? 

My first job out of undergrad was as a paralegal at the Philly DA’s office. I first worked on juvenile violence prevention programs and then I was transferred to the Conviction Integrity Unit where I ended up spending 5 transformative years. I read thousands of letters and submissions from incarcerated people (most of whom are lifers) and was the point of contact for them. I also worked on many cases and was able to be a part of two exonerations from the beginning that changed my life. Both of those exonerees are now my friends and colleagues. Through these experiences and connections, I knew I wanted to support incarcerated people in their post-conviction fights for the rest of my career.

What experiential learning experiences (clinics, internships, trials teams, affinity groups, etc.) did you participate in, and how did they contribute to your legal education?

I did the Systemic Justice Clinic which was such a wonderful 2L experience to be able to take charge of a project and work on something I was passionate about (school discipline policy changes). For my summer internships I spent life changing summers with the Pennsylvania Innocence Project and Phillips Black, Inc. both which do post-conviction defense. I was able to write appeal and PCRA briefs, work on cases, and contribute research to a groundbreaking study published in Harvard Law Review. My 3L fall I also took part in the Federal Defender’s externship class which I absolutely loved and learned so much about federal law and trial work in general. 

What participation and leadership positions did you hold, and how did that shape your law school experience? 

I was a 1L representative, then the Co-President, and finally the Treasurer of SPIN, the Student Public Interest Network. I am very passionate about supporting other public interest law students and found this work very fulfilling, especially our fundraising efforts and the annual auction. I found a lot of confidence and made great connections through my leadership experiences with SPIN. 

Which faculty members influenced you the most, and how? 

Shanda Sibley and Zamir Ben-Dan have both influenced me greatly. Professor Sibley’s clinic is one of the most memorable experiences I have from law school and I learned so much from the clinic discussion classes. Professor Ben-Dan’s Race and the Law was my absolute favorite class I took in law school, I love his enthusiasm and knowledge and learning history and the law in a different and important way. Both Professors create wonderful environments for class discussion that led to some of the most interesting conversations I had with other classmates. 

What advice would you give to current or prospective Temple Law students? 

Find your people and go outside! If I think about what has helped me the most in law school it’s not a specific study technique or anything, it’s actually prioritizing the things I love most and finding my community of people. I found class work not only more manageable but also more enjoyable when my cup was full. 

Do you have any networking advice for current or prospective students? 

This is the most basic advice but it is really so important – be yourself. Don’t be who you think a “lawyer” is. Don’t be the fancy version of yourself that you think everyone wants to meet. Of course be professional but allow your personality to shine. That is what I have found to be the most effective in creating relationships with other legal professionals. 

What challenges do you see facing the legal profession today and in the near future? 

Oh what a question! I see many things as challenges today and in the future – AI, the whole entire political climate, and especially the Supreme Court. But as scary as these things are, they are not “new”. Those in power have been making decisions that only benefit them since the inception of this country. And brave people, in the streets and in the court room, have always fought back. I am inspired by my friends and classmates who I know will be the new generation of brave lawyers fighting back. 

What are some ‘can’t miss’ opportunities at Temple Law? 

Any experiential learning, clinics and externships for sure!! Also don’t miss out on doing some trial advocacy. Trial ad was not something I expected to like. I didn’t come to law school to be a trial lawyer (and I still don’t plan on being one), but it gave me something I didn’t expect; a sense of confidence and preparedness in oral advocacy that I never believed I could have. I hated public speaking and was honestly terrified the first time I did an opening statement. But trial ad gives you the room to make mistakes and learn and laugh at yourself in a supportive classroom with professors who really believe in you. 

How did you balance law school with your personal life and responsibilities? 

By the time I started law school, I was already married and had a whole established life in Philadelphia. I wasn’t prepared for how much more work and responsibilities law school can be than a 9-5, but I leaned into what I already knew. I prioritized time with my family and friends and having fun. I learned that there’s always time to get the school work done but there isn’t always time to focus on building and maintaining relationships, unless you choose it. 

What do you wish you had known before starting law school? 

Being a lawyer is attainable. If it’s something you want, you can do it! I couldn’t picture myself as a lawyer. I thought that it was going to be so difficult and complicated and hard and I was so worried about every step in the process. And, of course, law school is hard! But it’s also fun and exciting and gave me some of the greatest friends I’ve ever met. If you work hard and prioritize the things that are important to you, you can do it. You are strong and confident and can do hard things.