Nick Hunsicker 

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 participated in the Mazzoni Center Clinic and the Tech Justice Clinic. The Mazzoni Center Clinic was an eye-opening experience that taught me a lot about direct service work and the importance of uplifting your community through legal expertise. Through that experience, I was able to assist queer and trans folks obtain name changes and second parent adoptions. The Tech Justice Clinic was a foundational experience for me. In that clinic, my classmate and I drafted a winning brief on a groundbreaking case in the 11th Circuit regarding AI chatbot companies and corporate liability for tort harms. That awakened my excitement for law because it allowed me to work at the confluence of my passions: law, media and technology, and service to others. I hope to continue this work in the future. 

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

I was the President of OUTLaw, and I believe this had a profound impact on my time at Temple Law. Going into law school, I had plans to lay low and avoid any leadership positions. However, OUTLaw was an important space for me in 1L and I felt compelled to continue that for others. I served on a board consisting of my best friends in law school, which allowed for an extremely collaborative experience. While President, I blended professional events with social events, building a space for queer community to thrive. The highlight was our screening (and live shadow cast) of Rocky Horror Picture Show around Halloween! What was really so special, however, was to welcome a new class of law students and learn from their enthusiasm, excitement, and energy. I am so fortunate to have served the queer and trans community at Temple Law! 

Which faculty members influenced you the most, and how? 

Dara Purvis (Icon, Legend… she IS the moment! No but seriously, Prof. Purvis is a one-of-a-kind professor who is not only rigorous and thorough in class with her discussion of the law, but also a kind, supportive mentor to so many folks at Temple Law. I never thought I’d find a law professor who “gets me” until I met her! She instilled confidence in my abilities at a time where I really needed that. I’m to grateful for her guidance on both of my major writing projects in law school). Jaya Ramji-Nogales (my 1L Civ Pro professor. She created a classroom environment that was simultaneously warm and inviting while also being demanding and intellectually challenging. Prof. Ramji-Nogales takes a lot of care in her teaching. I still remember cramming into her office hours with 15 other students – a classic trope of law school that never seemed to materialize for any of our other 1L doctrinal courses. She is magnetic. She is also a kind, gracious, giving person who is committed to seeing her students thrive. I cannot imagine going through law school without her support and without the strong grasp on Civ Pro that she gave me! I am forever grateful!). 

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

Don’t be too serious! Yes, law school is tough. Finding a job is stressful. Exams are scary, and cold calls are worse. But also, these things can be a fun experience, too! The professors at Temple Law want to see you succeed. The more relaxed you approach your legal education, the more you will get out of it. Many, many people have made it through law school. You will too! 

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

A practical one: the rising use of AI both by pro se litigants but also by attorneys, themselves. As we stray more and more from human effort in the research and writing of legal documents, the more vulnerable our profession becomes to attacks on legitimacy and credibility. A related, but more foundational one: the perception (and reality) of SCOTUS. SCOTUS has always been a political institution, but its political bent is boldfaced and unashamed now. We need major changes to ensure the legitimacy of our highest court. 

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

Find a schedule that works for you and stick to it! Some people like treating law school as a 9-5 job. Personally, I did all of my readings for the week the weekend before and then rested and relaxed with my parter after classes on weekdays. This allowed me flexibility and avoided the dreaded “late nights” reading for class the next day. Whatever works best for you, stick to that! And remember: it will all be okay!