Texas Law welcomes the Class of 2024 as its newest cohort of future leaders in law, business, and public service! This group of resilient students, bringing together a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and interests, is ready to make their mark on the world. For the first time in Texas Law history, there are more women than men in the 1L class. The 419 new students come from near and far, drawn from 35 states and five foreign countries, with backgrounds that vary from political science to psychology, mechanical engineering, gender studies, and more. This admissions cycle was the law school’s most competitive yet and presented the largest applicant pool in Texas Law history.
Meet six of the remarkable Class of 2024 Lawhorns here.
Name: Dylan Berger
Hometown: Roslyn, New York
Education: University of Michigan: B.A., Political Science, Communications
What was the most impactful lesson you learned during your time at The White House?
I learned as an intern at the White House that government can be a force for good when used properly. Our office worked on supporting American small businesses and bringing manufacturing back home from abroad. I got to speak with many entrepreneurs and was amazed by their work ethic, ingenuity, and love for country. I hope to continue meeting people from all walks of life and listening to their experiences.
Why Texas Law?
I chose Texas Law because I believe Austin is the best place in the world to be a law student. Nowhere else could match Texas Law’s elite stature along with its surroundings in a place I love to be. I am drawn to Austin’s vibrancy and look forward to growing along with the city during my three years of law school. Austin is a city on the move, and I can’t wait to experience all it has to offer.
Who is your main inspiration?
My main inspirations are active duty servicemen and women and the veterans who served before them. I am inspired by their bravery and commitment to the ideals of this country. I will work as a lawyer to maintain our system of laws and freedom that so many soldiers have paid the ultimate sacrifice defending.
Name: Bella Parlette
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Education: Ohio State University: B.A., Political Science, Spanish
As someone with a great deal of experience in service of immigrant populations, what is one thing you think needs to be tackled to make Austin more inclusive and equal for immigrants?
I recently moved to Austin, so I am not sure if this is in place, but in general, I think having programs and assistance that are catered towards immigrants will help to make Austin more inclusive and equal for immigrants. It is no doubt that Austin is a thriving city, but like any major city, its success would not exist without the work of immigrants. Immigration brings entrepreneurialism to cities which leads to job growth and eventually boosts the economy. Since this city owes much of its success to immigrants, it is only fitting that Austin provides assistance to help immigrants with the transition to life in the city. Most importantly, I think having access to ESL classes and providing alternative language options in stores, restaurants, and transit systems would provide more access to immigrants and would alert others that Austin is an immigrant-friendly city that acknowledges the aid immigrants have brought to its city.
What motivates you?
As cliche as it sounds, knowing that I am making a difference is what motivates me. Whether that is focused on making a difference within my own life or for the lives of others, I want to promote overall change in this world. I am a naturally driven person who is constantly striving for ways of improvement, so a career in law where my core job is to help others in one way or another is something I am looking forward to.
What were the key steps in your journey to law school?
The key steps in my journey to law school were doing my own research on the logistics of law school but knowing my limits, and reaching out for assistance when I needed it. I was fortunate to be connected with a few mentors who recently went through the law school process and were able to offer a helping hand to me. I am a first-generation law student, so beginning this process was a challenge, but I was fortunate to have resources that provided assistance when I needed it.
Name: Karolyne Carloss
Hometown: Sugarland, Texas
Education: Loyola University Chicago: B.A., International Studies and Women & Gender Studies; Arabic, Islamic Studies, Political Science | Quantic School of Business and Technology: MBA
Why Texas Law?
I’m the proud daughter of two Longhorns. My dad attended the University of Texas on the GI bill following three tours in Vietnam and my mom earned her BFA while working full time. This university creates affordable access to a world-class education, and I’m excited to be a Longhorn. I’m also passionate about issues in the state of Texas. I knew Texas Law would challenge me to dive deeper into state law and policy and put theory into practice. Experiential learning is at the heart of Texas Law, and I knew that approach would prepare me to become an effective lawyer.
When you reflect on your work as City Council Representative, what are you most proud of?
Symbolically, I’m proud that I was the only woman under 30 elected to City Council in a 10 county area in far West Texas. It was important for me to set an example to help normalize young women in positions of power because we’re here to stay. Practically, I’m proud of building a community pool in the desert, bringing in over $1M in outside funding to the city and local organizations, and helping to build an early college high school where students can graduate with an associate degree and industry certification in the same 4 years they earn their high school diploma – free of charge. Keep an eye out for Van Horn students. They’re on their way to big things!
What motivates you?
The wonderful people and communities in far West Texas motivated me to go to law school. Though remote, West Texas is in the middle of national conversations around immigration, education, infrastructure, space flight, and climate change. I’m excited to learn from the many experts at Texas Law so I can grow into a better advocate for the people of this region. If you’re reading this and haven’t yet visited far West Texas, it’s time to jump in the car and buckle up! It’s a majestic place and well worth the drive.
Name: Emani Brown
Hometown: El Paso, Texas
Education: Rice University: B.A., Psychology, Study of Women, Gender, and Sexuality
Do you think your background in women, gender, and sexuality studies will play a part in how you spend your time at Texas Law?
Absolutely! My studies in women, gender, and sexuality have enabled me to draw deeper connections between power and social status. I am invested in both the legal advancement and representation of gender and sexual minorities. My educational background has molded my personal and professional values, and I look forward to seeing the ways in which it informs how I engage with my legal studies.
What motivates you?
I am highly motivated by my desire to connect with and help others. I love listening to people’s stories, thinking through problems, and feeling that warmness when I know I have done good in this world. Both my empathy and curiosity continually motivate me to learn more, help more, and lead more.
If you could change or update one law, what would it be and why?
Although there are many laws that need revision, if I could only choose one to change, it would have to be the Child Support Recovery Act (1992). This law often fails to completely address the needs of children in a situation of divorce. Due to the wording of the law, parties are often able to find loopholes in accurately financially providing for their child, leaving both the primary caretaker and child at a financial disadvantage.
Name: Julian Humphrey-Davis
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Education: The University of the South: B.A., English, Spanish, Psychology | Vanderbilt University: M.Ed., Community Development and Action
How do you think your leadership experiences and efforts have prepared you for law school?
I am more calm and confident in the face of adversity. Leading through the chaos of a pandemic gave me a new perspective on what is possible, not possible, and how to prioritize tasks to ensure success.
What were the key steps in your journey to law school?
Taking time to work in Student Affairs before starting law school was an essential step for me as it helped me to hone my understanding of why I want to be a lawyer. After I had my “why” it was all about studying for the LSAT, speaking with current and former UT Law students, and being patient in the process.
What’s your motto?
Love well, work hard, be impactful.
Name: Erin Knight, Ph.D.
Hometown: Pontiac, Michigan
Education: University of Michigan: B.S.E., Mechanical Engineering; M.S.E., Biomedical Engineering | The University of Texas at Austin: Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering
What made you decide to go to law school?
I decided to go to law school in order to expand my career in intellectual property law, which I have enjoyed over the past ten years.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by my interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), how STEM fits within legal frameworks and diversity at the intersection of law and STEM.
If you could change or update one law, what would it be and why?
I would update Executive Order No. GA-38, which was issued by the Governor of the State of Texas, and which has the force and effect of law. Specifically, I would remove at least the clause that prohibits governmental entities—including schools and universities—from mandating the wearing of face coverings. I would remove this clause because the wearing of face masks has been shown to significantly reduce the transmission of SARS‑CoV‑2, the virus that causes COVID-19.