Rachel Graf ’24L: A Rising Star in the Legal Profession
Washington and Lee University
is proud to introduce Rachel Graf ’24L, an exceptional law student who is making waves in the legal community.
Academic Achievements
Graf graduated magna cum laude from the University of Virginia in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political and Social Thought. During her undergraduate studies, she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the Raven Society, prestigious honor societies that recognize academic excellence. At Washington and Lee Law School, Graf has continued to excel academically. She is a recipient of the Dean’s List Scholarship and the William and Mary Woods Scholarship. In her first year, she served as an editor on the Washington and Lee Law Review.
Legal Experience
Graf has gained valuable legal experience through internships and clerkships. She spent the summer after her 1L year clerking for the Honorable William G. Young of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. She also worked as a legal intern for the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Leadership and Involvement
Beyond her academic and legal achievements, Graf is an active member of the Washington and Lee Law School community. She is president of the Federalist Society, a conservative legal organization, and a member of the Women’s Law Association. Graf is also involved in pro bono work. She serves as a volunteer attorney for the Legal Aid Society of Roanoke Valley and mentors at-risk youth through the Legal Aid Justice Center’s Youth Law Program.
Career Goals
Graf aspires to become a trial lawyer and work in the field of criminal defense. She is particularly interested in representing indigent clients and fighting for the rights of the underprivileged.
Recognition and Awards
Graf’s achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including: * American Bar Foundation Certificate of Merit (2022) * Washington and Lee Law School Dean’s List Scholar (2022-2023) * William and Mary Woods Scholar (2021-2022) * Raven Society (2020) * Phi Beta Kappa (2020)
A Role Model for Aspiring Lawyers
Rachel Graf ’24L is an inspiration to aspiring lawyers. Her academic excellence, legal experience, leadership skills, and commitment to pro bono work demonstrate her unwavering dedication to the legal profession. Washington and Lee University is confident that she will continue to make a positive impact on the field of law.
Washington and Lee University student Rachel Graf ’24L receives prestigious Truman Scholarship
Rachel Graf ’24L of Washington and Lee University has been awarded a prestigious Truman Scholarship. The Truman Scholarship is a highly competitive national award given to students who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential and a commitment to public service. Graf is a double major in politics and history with a minor in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies. She is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society and has served as president of the Student Government Association. She is also a member of the Truman Scholars Association and the Public Service Scholars Program. Graf’s commitment to public service is evident in her work with the Lexington City Council, where she serves as a student representative. She is also a volunteer with the Rockbridge Area Community Services Board and the YWCA of Central Virginia. In addition to her academic and extracurricular activities, Graf is also a talented musician. She is a member of the Washington and Lee University Concert Choir and has performed with the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. The Truman Scholarship will provide Graf with $30,000 for her graduate education. She plans to attend law school and pursue a career in public service. Graf is one of two Washington and Lee University students to receive a Truman Scholarship this year. The other recipient is Justin Kim ’24L.