Alexandra Prendergast '27 is pursing a JD in the day division.
Why do you want to attend law school?
"Throughout my life, I’ve watched loved ones navigate interactions with an incredibly complex American legal system. As a professional, I’ve enjoyed helping clients demystify that system and fight for favorable legal outcomes. A law degree offers so much agency to the lawyer who holds it and for the communities impacted by their advocacy. I know that a legal degree will enable me to better serve my own community in myriad ways, and for that reason, I could not be more excited to become an attorney."
Why did you choose UConn Law?
"I am thrilled to be attending UConn Law this fall. The warm and collegial school community was what first drew me in; it was clear from early interactions with future classmates that students here take delight in watching each other thrive. I’m also excited to take advantage of the extensive experiential learning opportunities. As a liberal arts college graduate, I value small class sizes and one-on-one time with my professors, and the intimate culture at UConn aligns perfectly with my ideal learning environment. Finally, I’ve always considered Connecticut home. I was born in this state and completed my entire education here, including college. I’m looking forward to applying all the lessons learned from my postgraduate experiences to my legal practice and hope to give back to the state that was instrumental in my upbringing."
How do you want to use your law degree?
"I had the opportunity to engage with a project in the human rights space during my final months at Mintz Levin in Boston, which I found particularly intriguing. It involved drafting a law for the Thai government that protects survivors of domestic and sexual violence. In addition, supporting survivors at Mintz as Domestic Violence Project coordinator was deeply fulfilling and made me realize how much I enjoy working directly with clients. My upbringing also comes into play; my mother came to this country from the Philippines in her early twenties, and growing up in a multicultural household emotionally equipped me to work with those navigating a challenging immigration system. While I’m keeping my mind open to various practice areas, I’m inclined to believe that my passion for human rights work in combination with my interests in international and immigration law will shape my career."
What was your path to law school?
"I graduated from Wesleyan in 2020 with a double-major in the College of Social Studies and Government. After graduating, I spent two years in Boston, where I completed Mintz Levin’s Project Analyst (PA) Program. Coordinating Mintz’s Domestic Violence Project (DVP), supporting clients through the asylum and humanitarian parole process, and partaking in human rights projects were among the highlights of my time there, and I quickly discovered how fulfilling a service-oriented legal career can be. After completing the PA program, I spent a year in Brussels, Belgium as a Fulbright ETA Fellow. Brussels is the capital of the European Union and hosts the European Parliament and NATO. Watching these institutions operate whilst living in a diplomatic hub led me to develop a strong interest in international law. I had a wonderful year abroad and loved working with my students, who taught me as much about Belgian culture and life as I taught them English. After returning stateside, I spent a year exploring my interest in family law at a small matrimonial firm in New York City."