For this edition of Texas Law’s Student Spotlight series, meet 2L Joe Holden!
Hometown: Middletown, Delaware
Degrees: B.A. in Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Rice University
Tell us about your experience in the Navy.
After earning my commission through the Rice ROTC program, I served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the Navy for five years. During this time, I was assigned to two ships: first, a Guided-missile Destroyer, and later, a Littoral Combat Ship. As a junior officer on a ship, I had to balance multiple responsibilities, including studying for qualifications, standing watches, and supervising sailors. When and how I completed these tasks often depended on unexpected changes in the ship’s schedule. This required me to be adaptable and ready for sudden shifts in plans.
How did your military experience lay the groundwork for your law school journey?
My time in the Navy taught me the importance of periodically reassessing my priorities, as they could always shift. In law school, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by assignments and other commitments, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. Taking time at the beginning of each week to reexamine my schedule helps me set realistic expectations. This way, I don’t feel like I’m falling behind, and I stay on top of everything that needs to get done.
Can you describe your favorite Texas Law moment?
Orientation Week. I was nervous about starting at Texas Law after taking a long break from school, but the activities during Orientation Week helped reassure me that there were many resources available to make my transition from work to school a pretty smooth one.
Who inspires you?
My mother. She taught me not to count yourself out before someone else does.
What is your favorite Texas Law tradition?
Hex Parte—the Halloween Party. It’s fun seeing everyone in costume and I love that the law school encourages us to have fun before the stress of finals kicks in.
What’s your best advice for incoming 1Ls?
The summer before law school starts, establish habits that support your well-being, whether it’s working out, making weekly calls to family, or another activity that matters to you. This will help you maintain balance once school begins, preventing law school from consuming all your time. School is important, but it’s not the only thing that’s important.
Do you have plans to perhaps specialize in an area of the law where that background studying Biochemistry and Cell Biology will be helpful?
I plan on practicing patent law and hope to work with biotech.