Kayla Martin

Life at Temple Law

During my time at Temple Law, I was an active member of the Black Law Students Association and Temple Law Review. I also served as a teaching assistant for a first-year contracts course.

As the Vice President of the Black Law Students Association, I was able to contribute to and benefit from an active community that centered issues of race and social justice. BLSA created an environment where members felt relief from the daily stress of law school. I will certainly miss the general body meetings, but I look forward to returning as a member of the alumni.

I joined Temple Law Review as a Staff Editor and was later chosen to be Editor-in-Chief of Volume 93. Together, these experiences provided the opportunity to work closely with dozens of exceptional students who spotted flaws in our legal system and were determined to address them. My time on Temple Law Review sharpened my legal research and writing skills, introduced me to various areas of law, and ultimately made me a better leader. While I am appreciative of my Temple Law Review predecessors, I am particularly grateful to the members of Volume 93, each of whom dedicated countless hours to making the journal the best it could be.

Advice from a Graduate

There are two pieces of advice I would like to share with incoming students. First, know that you are not on this journey alone. Whenever you need support, lean on your community, including the faculty and administrators at Temple Law. There are people rooting for you every step of the way, and they are eager to help if given the opportunity to do so. It takes a village, and you have one here at Temple Law. Second, extend yourself grace. Law students are often their worst critics. You did not make it to law school by chance. You are worthy of your place in the Temple Law community and will do great things, regardless of the challenges you will inevitably face along the way.

A Lasting Impact

Mentorship is invaluable. Throughout my time at the law school, I had the pleasure of mentoring first- and second-year students while also being mentored by those who have come before me. As a first-generation college and law student, mentorship played a crucial role in my academic and professional success. I look forward to continuing to pay it forward—lifting as I climb.

Temple Law Lessons

Take care of yourself. It is easy to lose track of your health and wellness if you do not make them a priority. Check in with yourself regularly and ensure you are pouring into your mental, physical, and emotional well-being just as often as you are pouring into your academic and professional endeavors. You can grab dinner with your friends, watch your favorite show, and still do great in law school. Success is much harder to achieve when you abandon the aspects of life that bring you peace and comfort.