Class of 2026: JD Grad Lucas Muller on Finding Community and Embracing New Perspectives

Name: Lucas E. Muller 
Degree: Juris Doctor  
Hometown: Independence, Oregon 
Undergraduate: Pacific University 

What inspired you to pursue a law degree? 

Problem solving. Since childhood, I have been fascinated with solving problems and puzzles. I originally thought that would take me down an engineering path, but I hit a major roadblock: math. Now, I am here with a chance to solve the legal issues lawyers face every day!  

Why did you choose Arizona Law? 

I chose Arizona Law for one main reason: the community. My first steps in Tucson were for my visit to the school, and I knew then that this was the place where I would take my next journey.  

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

This is like asking me to pick between children. If I had to choose one, it would be Arizona Law Review. As Editor-in-Chief, I was responsible for overseeing the selection of Articles to publish. This exposed me to hundreds of papers, all written about novel topics from novel views. I was able to sit down and chew on these pieces, which exposed me to new perspectives that I would not have otherwise experienced.  

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

Imposter syndrome. Though this is something that students are warned about, the feeling persists. I wish I had a better answer about getting through it, but I don’t. My strategy was to lean into it. Being from rural Oregon, I felt as though I did not belong here, in a firm, or on journal. I used this as motivation to keep working as hard as I could. Every day has been a chance to “earn my spot,” and this helped me stay focused and motivated.  

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

Tell people your goals. At the beginning of school, I was hesitant to tell people what I wanted and to ask for help. But once I started doing that, I was astonished by how much people want to help—especially the faculty. You are never truly alone, despite how much it feels like it. Ask for help, and you will be amazed how happy people are to offer it.  

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

Before law school, a family member gave me the “Caddyshack”-inspired advice of “think like the gopher.” I was unsure of what that meant, and it took me three years to figure it out. Law school teaches you to step into other perspectives—a lesson that applies far beyond just academics. Now, I find it much easier to look at issues from different angles.  

What will you miss most about law school? 

Easiest question thus far. I will miss the people. This process has introduced me to some of my best friends. Since 1L I have been surrounded by incredible, impressive people. Luckily, some of those people are also moving to Phoenix, but I will, without doubt, miss seeing everyone with the frequency that I currently do.  

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

I am going into appellate litigation and hope to do some administrative and political work as well. Besides loving the legal deep dives this work entails, I also look forward to the chance to make a difference and uphold the rule of law.  

What are your plans after graduation? 

Immediately after graduation, I will be clerking for Judge Roopali Desai of the Ninth Circuit (an inspiring alumna of this law school). And then I will be joining Perkins Coie’s Phoenix office in the litigation department.