Angelyne Cooper transferred to Roger Williams after a successful start at another law school.  She hails from Harrisville, New York and graduated from Utica College.  Angelyne hopes to work in both immigration and real estate law.

On student organizations:
I am the Chair for the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) and also a member of the Multi-Cultural Law Student’s Association (MCLSA).  I came to RWUSOL as a transfer student, so joining MCLSA was just what I needed.  It was a great way for me to meet other students and learn some “facts” about the law school and Bristol community, like where the best places to eat were and what classes to take.  Additionally, if I had a question about something but did not know who to ask, I could turn to one of the other MCLSA members and they would send me in the right direction.  Furthermore, the events that MCLSA and BLSA sponsor are not only academic, but also fun.  We have legal professionals present discussions on a variety of important issues, a mentorship program with other students, as well as local practitioners, and events to celebrate Kwanzaa, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. day, and Black History month.

On the benefits of attending the only law school in RI:
The most significant benefit of being the only law school in Rhode Island is the networking opportunities.  Law firms, judges, and other legal professionals are eager to assist students in a variety of ways, whether it is through mentorship programs, internships, or summer associate positions.  In turn, these positions offer students vital legal experience to help build their resume and in some cases, students even end up with their first job offer for after graduation.

On her summer job experience:
This past summer I interned at Kent County Superior Court in West Warwick, Rhode Island for Judge Thompson.  I loved it.  Everything you learn in the classroom comes to life in court.  It is one thing to be able to sit in class and take a test at the end of the semester, but it is a whole different experience to be able to apply what you learned in class to the real world to come out with what the law says is the right result.  Not only that, but I was able to interact with several attorneys, who gave me important advice on law school, the Bar, and how to go about finding a job after law school.  I also had the opportunity to observe some of the other judges’ courts and talk to them in chambers about what I had observed, and my personal opinions on issues that had been brought up during court proceedings.

On her favorite professor:
Although there are many outstanding professors and staff at RWU, I would have to say that my favorite professor is Professor Emily Sack.  I had Professor Sack for Domestic Violence and I am taking her again this semester for Family Law.  She is very approachable and down to earth.  I have never felt intimidated about going to her to ask a question, and she always takes class time to welcome any questions students may have.  I also like Professor Sack’s teaching style.  She is very straightforward and thorough in her explanation of the material.  When it comes time to take a test, I know there are not going to be any surprises that I am unprepared for.  What is more, I think Professor Sack is very fair in her presentation of the material.  Domestic Violence and Family Law, two of the classes she teaches, are often times thought of to be “male bashing” topics, but Professor Sack always acknowledges that the issues raised in these areas apply not only to both genders, but to all cultures as well.

Angelyne Cooper

Harrisville, NY