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Rachel Gray is entering her second year in IU McKinney’s hybrid program. She works for the Indiana General Assembly.

Where are you from? Where did you do your undergraduate studies and what was your major?

I grew up in Bloomington, Indiana, where I also pursued my undergraduate studies. In 2019, I began my journey at IU Bloomington, and at the age of 32, I proudly earned my first degree. I double-majored in Linguistics and African American Diaspora Studies.

Any lawyers in your family? What made you decide you wanted to go to law school?

I will be the first attorney in my family. My interest in law began in the fifth grade when a group of law students visited our classroom weekly to help us prepare for a mock trial. At the end of the semester, we had the opportunity to conduct the trial in a real courtroom at the law school. I was deeply impressed by the students and thrilled by the experience of speaking in front of my peers. Since then, I've aspired to become a lawyer, and now, decades later, that dream is becoming a reality.

What brought you to IU McKinney in particular? What has your experience been like as a student in the hybrid program at IU McKinney?

I chose IU McKinney for its hybrid program, which perfectly suits my life as a mother of three children and a full-time employee in the state legislature. IU McKinney's hybrid format allows me to balance my responsibilities effectively. Even a traditional night program felt daunting as a full-time employee and parent. The ability to do a portion of my weekly coursework asynchronously online was a game changer. I still reside in Bloomington and commute an hour daily for work. The trifecta of work, school, and travel every weekday appeared unfeasible until IU McKinney's adaptive model presented itself.

Being in the program has provided me with a network of peers who are share many of my experiences. As a first-generation law student my friends and family don't fully understand the academic rigor involved in pursuing a law degree, let alone what it's like to couple that with a budding professional career and parenthood. There are lots of parents in the hybrid program, lots of students who are currently out in the professional world, and students who commute even farther than I do. We're all highly motivated, successful people and lean on one another for support.

What’s been the biggest adjustment you’ve had to make in your life since you started law school?

Undoubtedly, the most significant adjustment I've undergone revolves around balancing my diverse array of responsibilities. Adjusting to the reality of occasionally missing out on picking up my kids or attending their after-school events has been challenging at times. However, it's crucial to me that my daughters witness firsthand my pursuit of my dreams within a profession where I'll get to make decisions, problem solve, and help people.

What student groups have you been involved in?

I was inducted into Phi Delta Phi, a legal honor society which celebrates academic excellence and provides networking opportunities.

Although it's not a student group, I am currently working as a research assistant several hours a week for one of my professors along with two 1L classmates. We are getting practical experience researching an issue that could have a tangible impact on the lives of an underrepresented population of people.

What are your plans for after law school?

I'm thoroughly enjoying my journey through law school, especially as I delve deeper into the intricacies of the law and discover where I fit within the legal landscape. Right now, I feel particularly drawn to appellate practice. The idea of working on appeals, engaging with complex legal issues, and shaping case law is incredibly appealing to me.

After law school, it would be an honor to clerk for a judge. This opportunity would not only allow me to gain invaluable insights and experience from the judiciary but also to hone my skills in legal research and writing. Following a clerkship, I aspire to continue my career as a practitioner, where I can contribute to the field and advocate for justice.