Class of 2024: BA in Law Grad Inspired by Employee to Become Legal Advocate
After graduating from the University of Redlands in 2002 Matt Niccum built his career as a construction company owner and started a family in Tucson. It was not until one of his employees, who was doing masonry work for his company, asked him to be a character witness in a hearing to adjust his immigration status that inspired Niccum to pursue a legal education.
“The hearing did not go well, and I felt compelled to work towards representing others like him. This motivation has evolved to include immigrants and other underrepresented communities,” said Niccum.
Now in his 40s, Niccum will receive two undergraduate degrees, BA in Law and Political Science, at this spring’s commencement.
“If I were to give my younger self any advice, it would be to have the courage and confidence to succeed in higher education. In some ways, I wish my younger self dared to start a law education earlier in life. However, I feel the life experiences I have gained since I received my first bachelor’s at age 22 have been invaluable in making me a successful student,” said Niccum.
During his time as a student at University of Arizona, Niccum dove into the online programs, and maintained a 4.0 GPA while completing two degrees, owning and running his successful construction company, and being an attentive father and husband. He now plans to continue studying law by pursuing a JD.
“My journey and original motivation to go to law school was to work in immigration law. However, as I continued my education, I have decided not to restrict myself to a particular specialization yet,” said Niccum. “I want to explore several aspects of the law that are relevant and related to immigration, including civil rights, criminal law, and poverty law. I have even considered using my construction background to work on affordable housing.”
Niccum says all graduates should remember the privilege of receiving a college education and hopes to be able to use his to serve the Tucson community by providing legal representation to underrepresented communities.
“Whether that means working in immigration law, as a public defender, or helping a single mother from being evicted. Even though I only have another 20 years until I hit “retirement age,” I have plenty of time to work actually representing people in court and helping to write and pass legislation that will have long-lasting effects,” said Niccum. “I have learned over the years that having a goal and a dream is good, but you have to be open to where the journey leads you.”