Brian Eisenhower is a graduate of the Webb Institute, a prestigious naval architecture and engineering school in New York.  He came to law school well prepared for a career in maritime law; during his undergraduate years he interned in a shipyard, aboard a commercial oil tanker, at an engineering firm designing high-speed vessels, and at a maritime law firm.  He hopes that combining his undergraduate background with his law degree will allow him to handle both the technical and legal aspects of maritime issues.

On why he came to RWU:
There are many reasons RWU School of Law is the right choice for me.  First, it is one of the few U.S. institutions that offer a full program in Admiralty and Maritime Law.  On top of that, the Joint Degree program offers a masters degree from the University of Rhode Island’s well-established Marine Affairs program.  Additionally, the Sea Grant Law Fellow program provides opportunities to research current issues in maritime and environmental law.  RWU Law is clearly an up-and-coming school that has invested in top-notch faculty.  After observing classes and meeting with Kristen Fletcher (head of the Marine Affairs Institute) and Jonathan Gutoff (Professor of Admiralty), I was sold on RWU Law!   Finally, the Ocean State is a beautiful place!

On student organizations:
I belong to the Maritime Law Society, which participates in networking opportunities such as the Connecticut Maritime Association’s annual Shipping conference.  The Environmental Law Society has been especially valuable to me.  The group hosts a number of outside speakers throughout the year on interesting topics such as offshore wind power; this provides additional networking opportunities and exposure to current legal issues.

On competition in law school:
Don’t worry about Hollywood’s depiction of law school as a cut-throat environment - RWU Law students don’t hide books and tear out pages!  I’ve found RWU Law to be a friendly community; everyone works to achieve their personal best but people are still approachable and willing to help each other understand the subject matter.

On life outside of law school:
Contrary to popular belief, law students do have lives!  My recreational activities include running, intramural soccer, and “Circular Logic,” the law school’s ultimate frisbee team.  I attend some of Rhode Island’s many boating-related events and get out on the water whenever I have the chance.  I also enjoy meeting up with friends in nearby Boston.

Brian Eisenhower

Schenectady, NY