In Profile: Zach Brady Makes the Case for Law School and an Ag Degree
Senior year is typically a time of uncertainty and even anxiety for many students who are finishing their undergraduate degree. Whether they intend to continue to higher education or head straight into a career, they often need help of someone who's been in their shoes. Law school, especially, is an area where prospective students could certainly use a veteran's advice.
"I felt like I was in over my head my entire senior year," said first year Texas Tech law student Alicia Daugherty. "I was trying to prepare to apply to law school and wondering how I would survive when or if I got there."
Daugherty, who grew up in Alpine said she had always been interested in law school, but still could have used some helpful advice while tackling the admission process. "I wasn't sure how an agriculture degree would compare to other applicants," she said.
Lubbock lawyer and member of Tech's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Advisory Board, Zach Brady, has a good grip on the topic. The Hamby native grew up on a farm and received a Texas Tech agricultural communications degree and later law degree from the University of Texas. "Law school is all about whether the individual person is willing to put in the kind of effort it requires to be successful, than it is about any preparation or personality trait," Brady said.
For students concerned that an agricultural background may not be desirable in the law field, Brady said the special attributes characteristics these types of students can bring to law school and future clients. "Personally, I feel like I'm able to give a different quality of service to those in agriculture because I'm from agriculture," he said.
When it's finally time to apply to law school, Brady said apply early and to apply to a variety of schools. "Give yourself a range of options," he said. "Think about what kind of city it's in, what kind of tuition they charge. You've got to look at the overall value, as well."
Ronald Phillips, who received a received a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics from Tech and now serves as the university's counsel, added that traits developed from growing up in an agricultural background are extremely favorable in the law field. "Typically what you see in students majoring in agriculture is a strong work ethic, just because of the environment they were raised," he said. "And that can carry you a long way, it really can."
Written by Jaryn Jones
CONTACT: Steve Fraze, chairman, Department of Agricultural Education and Communications, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2816 or steven.fraze@ttu.edu
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