Fighting the Good Fight: A Q&A with Class of 2025 JD Grad Dylan Tully

What inspired you to pursue a law degree? 

I wanted to be in the “room where it happens.” So many life-changing decisions are made in courtrooms every day. These decisions impact all of us and yet only a select few have any influence or say on the outcome. I went to law school so I could put on the proverbial boxing gloves, hop into the ring, and fight for the outcomes that I believe are equitable and just. 

Why did you choose University of Arizona Law? 

Location, location, location! I’m passionate about Arizona-centric issues such as immigration, natural resources, and Indigenous rights, and the University of Arizona offers uniquely close access to learn about each of these issues. Also, I very quickly fell in love with Tucson and can’t recommend driving up Mt. Lemmon enough! It's a completely different world accessible by car in only 45 minutes. 

What has been your favorite class or professor, and why? 

My favorite class by far was a seminar taught by Professor Xiaoqian Hu, called “Property, Social Justice, and the Environment.” It was a class where every week we arranged our desks in a circle and discussed the roots, implications, and ethical frameworks surrounding property, wealth, and the environment. The diversity of materials we read as well as the liveliness of the discussions were unbelievable and that class will stick with me for the rest of my life! 

What’s one of your most memorable experiences as a LawCat? 

One of my most memorable experiences was the Jenckes Closing Argument Competition in the Fall of 2023. The stress leading up to the final competition was unbelievable! Hours and hours of video evidence to review in preparation for the closing argument, and the case itself was not easy either! But the thrill of getting up in front of dozens of the most prominent lawyers in Arizona and knocking my argument out of the park was deeply rewarding. The hard work does pay off. 

How has your perspective on the law or legal profession changed since starting law school? 

I genuinely used to think that lawyers don’t work hard enough, or don’t fight hard enough. Now I realize that the legal system is deeply complex and lawyers can do everything right and still lose their case. 

How has law school shaped you personally and professionally? 

I have grown immensely. In ways I never anticipated. I am more patient, more focused, and more driven than ever. Law school feels like the beginning for me, which is crazy because at 30 years old, I thought I’d have my life planned out by now! I feel like I am ready to make my mark on the world. 

What advice would you give to incoming 1Ls? 

Law school is hard. It will challenge you in ways you never even considered. Make peace with how challenging it's going to be and make a plan for how you want to respond. And, if that plan doesn’t work out, have some grace for yourself and re-focus. Just keep swimming! 

What will you miss most about law school? 

I will miss the classroom environment. I genuinely enjoy being in a setting where people are exploring ideas, asking questions, and learning. The working world doesn’t have that. For most of us, this is the last time we will ever be “in class.” 

If you could sum up your law school experience in one sentence, what would it be? 

It depends! 

What area of law are you most interested in practicing, and why? 

I am most interested in public defense.  It combines my love for criminal law with my passion for public service. I love speaking with clients and getting to know them. Every day that I have worked in the public defender's office, something has made me double over in laughter. Whether it was something a client said or something a fellow attorney said, I find a type of joy that feels very rare in the legal profession. 

What are your plans after graduation? 

My plan is to work for the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office as an attorney. 

How do you hope to make a difference in the legal field or in society through your career? 

I hope to inspire others by showing them how valuable “fighting the good fight” is. I want to demonstrate how persistence and hard work can be an extremely effective combo in making a change in our world.