🤘Student Spotlight: Lily Li ’26

For this edition of Texas Law’s 2025-26 Student Spotlight series, meet 3L Lily Li! 

Hometown: Plano, Texas
Degrees: Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Accounting, Southern Methodist University

How has your experience as a CPA working in Big 4 accounting influenced the way you have navigated law school and think about the law?

My experience in accounting showed me that structured rules still require thoughtful interpretation and application—something I’ve found to be just as true in law school. Working for five years at PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), including time as a manager, taught me how to coordinate overlapping deadlines and large writing assignments, a skill that was especially helpful during my 1L year. I’ve valued returning to an academic environment and being challenged to slow down and ask why a rule exists, not just how to apply it. While working, it was sometimes difficult to slow down when balancing competing deadlines, so I’ve appreciated this opportunity to learn in a collaborative environment and to ask questions as I work through unfamiliar concepts.

What prompted your decision to shift your career path and attend law school?

While working at PwC, I often saw the intersection of law and business while collaborating with an incredibly talented team. In fact, many of those relationships remain important to me today. I also observed lawyers in my practice group solve complex issues, which made me intensely curious about the legal profession and ultimately led me to law school. My background in accounting taught me to think carefully about how small changes can have broader impacts, while law school has pushed me to focus more on the “why” behind rules and decisions.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned from serving as the administrative editor of Texas Law Review?

Serving as administrative editor on Texas Law Review has been an incredibly meaningful experience. I have overseen finances, fundraising, outreach, operations, and major events for a journal with over 100 years of history. While some skills—like budgeting and fundraising—carried over from my prior experience, coordinating a symposium with over 20 professors from across the country, along with a large-scale banquet, challenged me to grow as a leader. The biggest thing I’ve learned is the importance of open communication with my team and to anticipate upcoming events and deadlines months in advance. As a leader for a large team, it is crucial to have a clear vision of future plans and the steps needed to execute them properly and thoughtfully. I often bounce ideas off my team, getting feedback and adjusting as needed. I’m especially grateful for the uniquely collaborative community at Texas Law and the support of the Texas Law Review team, alumni, and my friends and family.

What do you enjoy most about being part of the Texas Law community?

What I’ve enjoyed most about Texas Law is the people. I’ve been lucky to build close friendships starting as a 1L, and we’ve really grown together while supporting each other through classes, law review, and everything in between. Watching my friends overcome challenges inspires me to do the same. I’ve found that both classmates and professors genuinely want you to succeed, which makes the environment feel collaborative and supportive.

What advice would you give incoming student to law school?

My advice would be to create a schedule and stick to it! From talking with my friends and classmates, it seems that the students who thrive academically and personally are the ones who are disciplined about their time but also set aside space for guilt-free time with friends and family. Without clear boundaries, even downtime didn’t feel restful, so I think building that structure early makes a big difference. I’d also encourage incoming students to trust themselves. Law school is an opportunity to grow into a stronger version of who you already are—there’s no need to feel pressure to completely change.

How do you envision your life after Texas Law?

I see the end of law school as a new beginning, especially in a world that’s changing faster than ever. I’m deeply interested in and passionate about the intersection of business and law, and Dallas is the perfect city to start my legal career. I’m excited to begin working at Sidley’s Global Finance team, apply what I’ve learned at Texas Law, continue learning, and be a thoughtful advisor and engaged member of my community. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, cooking, and working out. I’ve really enjoyed hosting small dinner gatherings and hope to do more of that in the future!