Class of 2024: JD Grad Goes from Health Policy Research to Shaping the Future of Health Law
Name: Danny McDermott
Degree: J.D.
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Undergrad: University of Arizona
What motivated you to pursue a degree in law, and how has that motivation evolved throughout your time in law school?
Prior to law school, I worked for a health policy organization called the Kaiser Family Foundation. I was on a small team that studied the ACA’s individual markets, and we produced analysis that tended to fuel the debate over whether to protect or repeal the ACA. It felt a little powerless to put out findings only to watch them be used to support opposing arguments. Watching that struggle play out really solidified for me that if research is how we understand the world, the law is how we shape it. So I came to law school to get a degree with some “teeth,” so to speak.
Why did you choose University of Arizona Law?
Having attended the University of Arizona for undergrad, I knew firsthand how much emphasis the school places on fostering cooperation between departments and the community. I had heard from faculty and students that the law school was no different and goes to great lengths to leverage the strengths of Tucson and the entire University. I have certainly found that to be true.
What area of law are you planning to specialize in, and what influenced this choice?
I am planning to specialize in health law. That said, when friends ask me what “health law” even entails, I have a hard time answering concisely because it is such an expansive field. But that is why I love it. Each day presents novel questions, and even seasoned health care attorneys often face issues they are entirely unfamiliar with. Health law might be viewed as a “specialization,” but I think it is less niche and less subject to being pigeon-holed than other specialties since it tends to overlap with nearly every other area of the law.
Which courses or professors had the most significant impact on your legal education and why?
The writing professors—namely Professor Sylvia Lett and Professor Diana Simon—have been incredible resources for me. Not only do they teach the most foundational class in law school, but they give amazing career and life advice.
Also, Professor Tara Sklar has been an invaluable mentor. Professor Sklar is the best and most generous networker I have ever met. I never had the chance to take a class with her, but she took a genuine interest in my career and connected me with several research and writing opportunities outside of school. She has been instrumental in helping me build my CV, skillset, and rolodex.
What are your immediate plans post-graduation? (e.g., joining a firm, pursuing further studies, etc.)
I will be working in-house as an Associate General Counsel for Tucson Medical Center (and their parent organization TMC HealthCare).
How do you hope to make a difference in the legal field or in society through your career? Future career plans?
I hold immense respect for lawyers who can synthesize or contribute to research and meaningfully connect it to their work and cases. For example, I have a lot of admiration for Sara Rosenbaum (at GW Law School) and her work advancing and defending legislation that prioritizes the physical and financial health of low-income families. I’m going to try my best to mold my career after lawyers like that.
Looking back on your experience at the college, what would you have done differently?
I probably would have gotten more involved on campus. I tend to keep to myself, and there’s a good chance most people who read this will have no idea who I am :)
What will you miss most about University of Arizona Law and/or Tucson?
If it paid to be in school then I’d pursue degrees forever. I’m going to miss the privilege of coming to campus each day and getting to listen to sharp, interesting, and well-spoken professors speak about topics they are passionate about.
What was your favorite school experience or extracurricular activity, and why?
Being a writing fellow was super fun. I had the pleasure of getting to experience Professor Lett’s class a second time, and the student groups I got were great. Helping the 1Ls work through the legal writing process definitely helped polish my own writing, too.
What are you most proud of while at Arizona Law?
Generally, just saying “yes” to opportunities to work with professors and practicing attorneys. At times, I felt overextended, but each of these projects turned into connections that will benefit me later (particularly as I am starting my career).
Message for your fellow Class of 2024:
Congrats to everyone! I hope you get some time to decompress and relax before post-grad life kicks in.