Brock Flynn, a long-term Missoula-area resident, is a 3Y Clinic Student in the UM School of Law Mediation Clinic. During undergrad, he attended UM and majored in history, a subject he is passionate about. He decided to pursue a legal career because he enjoys research, writing, and learning. He also saw a legal career as a great, practical way to contribute to the betterment of the community. During his time in law school, he focused on developing skills and knowledge for a career in criminal defense and civil legal aid. After graduating and taking the bar exam, he hopes to start a career with the Montana Office of Public Defender where he can put his skills and knowledge to work by helping underserved populations.

 
What originally inspired you/your family to choose the UM PLP?
 
I wanted to learn more about law school and a potential legal career in general. I also wanted guidance on how to navigate the complex and competitive admissions process.
 
Which aspect(s) of the UM Pre-Law Program contributed the most to your success in matriculating at the law school of your choice?
 
Honest guidance and advice about the expectations for scores and GPA. In addition, the    pre-law advisor worked with me to review application materials in detail and assisted me in a rigorous editing process.
 
Which aspect(s) of the PLP would you say contributed the most to your career success?
 
The opportunity to work one on one with the pre-law advisor to workshop different ideas and avenues for achieving admissions success.
 
What aspects of the campus culture at UM helped you successfully prepare for applying to law school?

Faculty genuinely want to see students succeed. They worked with me to improve my formal writing and other areas I needed to build on.
  
Would you share a specific moment or experience that had a significant impact on your time in the Pre-Law Program at UM?

During my junior year, I noticed concrete results in terms of grades, and realized great intellectual fulfillment in my coursework. This is when I felt a great positive momentum and that my ambitious goals, in due time, could become a reality.
 
Is there any advice you would offer prospective students considering joining the UM PLP community?

You have plenty of time. There is not one “right” path to law school and a legal career. Nor is there an exact timeline for getting to law school.