THL-LOGO


10 Questions with Allison Cole

1. Why did you decide to go to law school?AllisonCole
Both my mother and sister are lawyers. I resisted the urge to follow the “family business” but I always knew that I would be a lawyer like my mom. My attraction to the law is based in my desire to advance fairness and justice.

2. What was it like going to law school during a pandemic?
Going to law school during the pandemic was surreal. I thought it was going to be temporary. I never imagined I would still be attending law school virtually a year later.

3. You were a legal extern at the U.S. District Court and you are currently a law clerk at Barnes & Thornburg. How have these experiences prepared you for life as an attorney?
My time at the U.S. District Courtgave me the opportunity to work and shadow a great mentor. The most valuable take away came from my observation of the broad and diverse style and approaches of the various lawyers who appear in the District Court.
As a law clerk I have had the opportunity to work on a broad range of assignments. This has provided me a foundation and a springboard as I start my career as an associate.

4. Did anything surprise you? What did you learn in court or at the firm that they didn’t teach in law school?
What surprised me was the personal journey I encountered. Law school
has required me to exercise patience, persistence, and endurance. As an
extern and law clerk I received the practical experience to solve real life
legal matters. Law school gives you the tools and shows you how to apply
them, but when it comes to real life matters it’s a different experience.

5. What do you like to do when you aren’t working or studying?
I love working out and spending time being active. I grew up singing, dancing, and playing the cello, so whenever I find time, I also go to the orchestra or a play.

6. As an undergraduate at Oberlin, you majored in politics. Do you have any political aspirations?
Right now, I am focusing on becoming
the best associate and lawyer I can
be. At this point I haven’t given any
serious thought to it, but I never say
never.

7. What are you reading these days?
I am currently reading Becoming and A Promised Land. I also just finished reading Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman.

8. What is your go-to way to cope with stress?
My favorite way to cope with stress is indoor cycling. I fell in love with cycling two and half years ago. It’s a great way to step away, have fun, and refocus.

9. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
I hope to be a lawyer that people trust. I would like to become an integral part of the continuing efforts to create a stronger and diverse legal community. I am dedicated to serving my profession and community. And I hope to develop the strength and qualities to be that kind of lawyer.

10. Sum up your life in 3 hashtags.
#FitLife #AttitudeOfGratitude #FaithFamilyFun
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Elsa Cournoyer

Executive Editor

Joseph Satter