Class of 2026: JD Grad Audrey Conant on Growing Through Challenges, Showing up for Others and Making Space for Laughter

Name: Audrey Jayne Conant 
Degree: Juris Doctor 
Hometown: Parker, Colorado 
Undergraduate: Metropolitan State University of Denver 

What inspired you to pursue a law degree? 

I was inspired to pursue a law degree through my experiences growing up alongside my brother, who is on the autism spectrum. Watching my family navigate challenges related to acceptance, support and fair treatment exposed me early on to how difficult it can be for individuals and families to advocate for themselves when they are not being heard or understood. Those experiences showed me how often people in vulnerable positions are overlooked or dismissed, even by institutions that are meant to support them. 

This perspective led me to seek out opportunities to work with and support individuals facing similar barriers, including through adaptive recreation programs and volunteer work with youth and therapeutic organizations. In these roles, I saw how meaningful it is to have someone who listens, takes concerns seriously, and helps guide others through unfamiliar or difficult situations. 

Over time, I recognized that my strengths in reading, writing and critical thinking aligned with a desire to engage more deeply with these issues. I became interested not only in individual advocacy, but also in understanding how systems operate and how they can be navigated effectively. That combination of personal experience and academic skills led me to pursue a legal education, where I could develop the skills necessary to analyze complex problems, communicate clearly, and advocate on behalf of others in meaningful and impactful ways on a broader scale. 

Why did you choose Arizona Law? 

I chose Arizona Law because of its strong commitment to support and mentorship. From the moment I stepped on campus during my initial visit, I felt a genuinely welcoming and positive environment. I was especially drawn to the collaborative atmosphere and the accessibility of faculty. It was clear that this is a place where students are encouraged to ask questions, seek guidance and grow both academically and professionally. Professors, advisors and students all came across as approachable and truly invested in each other’s success, which made me feel confident that I would have the support I needed throughout law school, especially during more challenging moments. 

Another important factor in my decision was Arizona Law’s generous scholarship opportunities. Knowing that I could pursue my legal education without the weight of significant student debt gave me the freedom to focus on learning, gaining experience and exploring my career path without feeling constrained by financial pressure. 

On a more personal note, coming from Colorado, Tucson quickly felt like home in its own way. Being surrounded by mountains gave me a sense of familiarity and comfort, which made the transition much easier. It felt like having a small piece of where I came from while building my future somewhere new. It also didn’t hurt to trade early winter mornings scraping snow off my car for sunny walks to class. 

Which class, professor or experience most changed the way you think, not just about the law, but about life? 

One experience that truly changed the way I think, both about the law and about life, was receiving my first semester grades during my 1L year. Like many law students, I came into law school having been used to academic success and being near the top of my class. While my prior coursework had been challenging, I had not often faced a situation where I questioned my ability to succeed. 

Getting my 1L grades back was one of the first times I did not receive the results I had hoped for, and it led to a real moment of self-doubt. I remember feeling like I might not be cut out for law school and even questioning whether I could succeed in the legal profession. I was overwhelmed and discouraged, and I distinctly remember going home and crying in my husband’s arms about it. 

What changed everything for me was meeting with Professor Sylvia Lett. I walked into her office feeling defeated, but she took the time to reassure me that my experience was not only normal, but part of the process of law school. She emphasized that one set of grades would not define my future and even offered to personally help me in my job search if needed. Her support and perspective completely shifted how I viewed the situation. 

That experience helped me internalize an important lesson which has stayed with me throughout law school: growth often comes from moments of failure or discomfort. I wrote “failure is how you learn” on a Post-it note that day, and it has remained on my computer ever since, now nearly three years later, where I still see it every day. Since then, I have approached challenges with a more resilient mindset, understanding setbacks are not a reflection of my potential, but an opportunity to improve and keep moving forward. It is a lesson I will carry with me beyond law school, continuing to embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth throughout my legal career and in life. 

What is the hardest thing about law school that nobody really warns you about, and how did you get through it? 

One of the hardest parts of law school that I was not fully prepared for in the beginning was navigating the process without having a clear roadmap. As the first person in my family pursuing a legal career, I did not come in with a strong understanding of what law school would look like day-to-day, how to approach building a legal career, or even the steps required to become a licensed attorney. There were a lot of moments where it felt like everyone else already knew what they were doing, while I was still trying to figure out the basics. 

What helped me get through that uncertainty was learning to actively use the resources around me and being honest when I did not know something. I relied on professors, the Career Development Office, and mentors to ask questions and gain clarity on everything from coursework to job opportunities. Through my work experiences, I also leaned on supervisors and colleagues who were willing to share their own paths and advice. Over time, I became more comfortable asking for guidance and trusting that not having all the answers at the beginning was part of the process. 

If you could go back and whisper one thing to yourself on the first day of 1L, what would it be? 

If I could go back and whisper advice to myself on the first day of 1L, it would be this: trust the process and do not be so hard on yourself. Law school will change the way you think in ways you cannot fully understand yet, and that is part of the experience. It will feel at times like everything is uncertain, but that does not mean you are doing anything wrong. 

I would remind myself to stay humble and to lean into the people around me. Take the time to get to know your peers and your professors, because they will become your biggest resources and support system. You are not expected to have all the answers, and asking questions is part of how you grow. And when you have no idea what the professor is saying, raise your hand and say it with your whole chest. Chances are your peers are just as confused, and they will thank you later. 

I would also tell myself to make space for laughter and to enjoy the process a little more. A certain amount of stress is inevitable and even helpful, but it does not need to take over the entire experience. You will have mentors and professors who are invested in your success and who will help guide you through the challenges, even when it does not feel like it in the moment. 

And one practical tip: get comfortable with carrying snacks. You will always be hungry at the worst times. 

How has earning this degree changed you as a person — not just as a legal professional? 

Earning this degree has changed me in ways that go beyond academics or professional development. It has shaped how I see other people, how I handle responsibility, and the kind of person I strive to be in everyday life. 

Through my experiences in law school, especially in the courtroom and working with others, I have developed a deeper sense of empathy and awareness. I have learned to slow down and recognize the human impact behind every situation. Moments where I witnessed people in vulnerable or emotional circumstances taught me the importance of patience, respect and simply giving others space when they need it. Those lessons have carried over into how I interact with people outside of legal settings as well. 

I have also grown in my sense of personal accountability. Law school pushed me to take greater ownership of my work and my actions in a way I had not experienced before. I began to approach everything I do with the mindset that my name and my integrity are attached to it. That perspective has made me more thoughtful, more detail-oriented, and more committed to following through on my responsibilities, both personally and professionally.  

Finally, this experience has changed how I show up for others. The mentorship and support I received throughout law school made me realize how impactful it is when someone takes the time to guide and encourage you. As a result, I have become more intentional about being that person for others, whether through mentorship, collaboration or simply being available when someone needs help. 

What will you miss most about law school? 

What I will miss most about law school is the sense of access to people, ideas and conversations that you do not find in many other places. There is something unique about being surrounded by professors, peers and mentors who are not only knowledgeable, but genuinely excited to engage. Whether it is breaking down a complex legal issue or talking about U of A sports in between classes, there is always an opportunity to connect and learn in a meaningful way. 

I will also miss the feeling of being part of a community that consistently shows up for one another. From the very beginning, I have been supported by people who believed in me, and being able to see and interact with those mentors, professors and peers on a regular basis is something I do not take for granted. While those relationships will continue, the day-to-day presence of that support is something I know I will miss. 

One of the things I will miss most is the opportunity to give back while still being a student. Through my role as an Arizona Law Ambassador, I have had the chance to connect with prospective and current students, alumni and valuable members of the legal community, share my experiences, and be part of a team that helps shape how others experience the law school. Being able to support others while going through the same journey myself has been incredibly rewarding. 

And, of course, I will definitely miss the free food. Law school has a way of making you appreciate just how many events come with great meals, and it is something I will not overlook. 

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

I am most interested in practicing criminal law, specifically pursuing a career in prosecution. Through my experiences in law school, and particularly through my work with the Pima County Attorney’s Office and as a Certified Rule 39(c) Limited Practice Student, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the impact this work can have on individuals and the community. Being part of that environment and contributing to meaningful outcomes has been both challenging and rewarding. 

What draws me to this area is how closely it aligns with the reasons I chose to attend law school in the first place. Prior to law school, I was motivated by a desire to support individuals navigating difficult situations and to be someone who could help guide others through unfamiliar systems. Through my work in criminal law, I have found a way to carry that purpose forward by working with victims, witnesses and other individuals who are often encountering the justice system for the first time. It has allowed me to apply my strengths in analysis, communication and problem-solving in a way that feels both practical and impactful. 

I also recognize the role of a prosecutor carries a significant ethical responsibility. It is not simply about pursuing cases, but about exercising sound judgment, maintaining fairness and considering the broader impact of each decision. My experiences have reinforced the importance of approaching this work with integrity and care, and I am committed to taking that responsibility seriously. I am motivated not by individual outcomes, but by contributing to results that serve the interests of justice and the community as a whole. 

What are your plans after graduation? 

After graduation, I am excited to begin clerking for the Arizona Supreme Court in the chambers of Justice James P. Beene. This opportunity will allow me to continue developing my legal skills while learning from some of the most respected legal minds in the state. 

I view this clerkship as an invaluable next step in my professional growth. It will provide me with the chance to strengthen my legal analysis, writing and understanding of the judicial process, while also continuing to learn under strong mentorship. I am especially looking forward to gaining exposure to a wide range of legal issues in a practical setting and to better understand how different areas of the law directly impact the lives of the people who call Arizona home.