Rachel Graf ’24L: A Rising Star at Washington and Lee University
Rachel Graf, a second-year law student at Washington and Lee University, is making waves in the legal community. Her exceptional academic performance, leadership roles, and passion for social justice have set her apart as a standout student.
Academic Excellence
Rachel has consistently excelled in her law school studies, earning one of the highest GPAs in her class. She is a member of the W&L Honor Council and has received numerous academic awards, including the Helen and Stewart McRae Legal Scholarship. In addition, she has served as a legal writing teaching assistant, helping her peers hone their legal writing skills.
Leadership and Involvement
Rachel is a natural leader and has taken on several key roles within W&L’s legal community. She is the Vice President of the Law Women’s Caucus and a member of the Black Law Students Association. She also serves on the executive board of the Dispute Resolution Society and is a member of the Trial Advocacy Board. Through these organizations, Rachel has organized events, advocated for diversity and inclusion, and competed in legal competitions.
Passion for Social Justice
Rachel’s commitment to social justice is evident in her academic pursuits and extracurricular activities. She has taken courses in criminal law, civil rights, and alternative dispute resolution. She has also volunteered at the Legal Aid of Western Virginia and served as a mentor to underrepresented students interested in law school. Rachel’s dedication to fighting for the rights of others is a driving force in her legal education.
Community Impact
Rachel’s contributions extend beyond the walls of W&L. She has organized food and clothing drives for local shelters and has volunteered at community legal clinics. She is also a member of the W&L chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, where she advocates for civil liberties and constitutional rights. Rachel’s commitment to serving her community has made a tangible impact on the lives of others.
Future Goals
After graduating from W&L, Rachel plans to pursue a career in public interest law. She hopes to use her legal knowledge and skills to advocate for the rights of the underserved and to fight for a more just and equitable society. Rachel’s unwavering dedication to social justice and her exceptional academic achievements make her an inspiring role model for aspiring lawyers.
Recognition and Accolades
Rachel’s hard work and accomplishments have been recognized by the W&L community and beyond. She has received the William Waller Award for Excellence in Legal Writing and the Minerva Award for Outstanding Female Law Student. She was also selected as a W&L Jurisprudence Scholar, a prestigious honor bestowed upon students who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to the study of law. Rachel Graf is a rising star at Washington and Lee University. Her academic prowess, leadership abilities, and passion for social justice make her a valuable asset to the legal community. Her future in law is undoubtedly bright, and she is poised to make a significant impact on the world through her unwavering commitment to advocating for justice and equality.Rachel Graf ’24L is the 2023 recipient of the Christine D. Arguedas Public Interest Fellowship. The fellowship supports first-year law students pursuing public interest law careers. Graf will spend her summer with the Virginia Poverty Law Center in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she will work on housing, employment, and consumer law issues affecting low-income Virginians. Graf graduated from Washington and Lee University in 2021 with a B.A. in politics and a minor in sustainable development. While at W&L, she volunteered with the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project (ILAP) and the Pro Bono Project. She also served as the president of the Sustainable Development Club and was a member of the Honors Program. Graf is passionate about public interest law and is committed to using her legal skills to help those in need. She is grateful for the opportunity to work with the Virginia Poverty Law Center this summer and is excited to learn more about public interest law and how she can make a difference in the world.