Class of 2024: MLS Grad to Combine Passion for Social Work and Law to Help Tucson Community
Name: Madeleine Linson
Degree: Master of Legal Studies
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Undergrad: Grand Canyon University - Behavioral Health Science
What motivated you to pursue a degree in law, and how has that motivation evolved throughout your time in law school?
After undergrad, I knew I wanted to find a way to deepen my advocacy efforts in the community. That is when I found the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program. The MLS program has given me a great legal education with knowledge that will empower me to serve the people of Tucson. During my time as an MLS student, I pursued additional ways to become involved in the MLS and Legal Paraprofessional (LP) community. I have done this by seeking out volunteer opportunities with Southern Arizona Legal Aid and trying to create legal advocacy services at the non-profit I work for.
Why did you choose University of Arizona Law?
I am a fourth-generation University of Arizona student. I did not attend the University of Arizona for my undergraduate degree, so when picking a master’s program, it was a no-brainer. Also, UArizona has the leading MLS program in Arizona, so when I was considering the quality of education I wanted to receive, UArizona was easily my first choice.
What area of law are you planning to specialize in, and what influenced this choice?
I am planning on specializing in administrative law. What influenced this choice was my passion for helping children with special needs in education, and my background in healthcare. Administrative law will allow me to represent clients in special education related cases and handle cases dealing with administrative agencies.
Which courses or professors had the most significant impact on your legal education and why?
The classes that most impacted my legal education have been legal writing and professional responsibility. Legal writing gave me a foundation for research and how to use “legalese”, while professional responsibility was paramount to helping me understand my duty when representing clients.
What are your immediate plans post-graduation?
After graduation, I will be starting my Master of Social Work at Arizona State University. I believe I need more advanced education to work with the diverse populations that live in Tucson, AZ. With my clinical therapy background, and a legal background, I know I will be more understanding and more empathetic to the needs of those who I will be working for, which is a major part of the work I want to do.
How do you hope to make a difference in the legal field or in society through your career? Future career plans?
From a young age I knew I wanted to change the world and dedicate my life to helping other people. By getting my LP certificate and my MLS degree, I plan on ensuring access to legal services for lower-income populations in Arizona. I also plan on making sure people become aware of the rights they have, and ensuring individuals have ways of getting them.
Looking back on your experience at the college, what would you have done differently or what advice would you give to your younger self?
The advice I would have given to my younger self is to trust that you know what is best for you. At first, I wasn’t sure how I was going to blend my two careers (law and social work), but as I have been in law school, I have seen how they are the perfect fit. Had I not trusted my instincts, I don’t know that I would be where I am today. Just like the blue fairy in Pinocchio said, always let your conscious be your guide.
What will you miss most about University of Arizona Law and/or Tucson?
I will miss the community on campus! It has been such a joy to be around so many like-minded people. I have made great friends, even being an online/hybrid student, and I will miss seeing them in person as often as I do now.
What was your favorite school experience or extracurricular activity, and why?
My favorite school experience has been my time as student advocate at the Education Advocacy Clinic at the University of Arizona. Through the clinic, I’ve worked with clients that have faced an array of issues within Tucson’s education system, including struggles with students individualized education programs (IEPs), and children/young adults facing suspension hearings. I had the pleasure of working as a student paraprofessional under Professor Diana Newmark, who has been nothing short of amazing. I have learned so many lessons from her and the clinic. I have told all my mentees through the Gradcats program to try and get a clinic placement!
What are you most proud of while at Arizona Law?
I am most proud of the work I have done while being a student advocate at the clinic. During my time in the clinic, I’ve written part of a complaint to the Department of Education’s Office of Civil rights, written formal documentation sent directly to schools, and sat in on a few hearings representing clients. Through my work, I have seen real change, such as amendments to IEPs, and changes to disciplinary records. My work in the clinic has had a lasting impact on the families I have served, which has been the best and most rewarding feeling.
Message for your fellow Class of 2024: Law school is nothing short of challenging. It is many hours of reading, endless case briefs, and a lot of time trying to understand difficult concepts. We all started this journey with a dream. We all decided we were brave enough to listen and bold enough to pursue it, which led us on a journey to discover who we wanted to be in this field. Through this process, and now graduating, we’ve proved that with a little faith and trust, we have done what we set out to do. I am so proud to be part of this class, and to be a UArizona alumni. Bear down!