Courtney Hyman ’20 recently graduated from Western New England Law School and now serves as a staff attorney with Community Legal Aid’s Family Law Unit in Northampton, Massachusetts. There she provides legal assistance to domestic violence victims and other vulnerable clients in cases involving restraining orders, divorce, paternity, custody and visitation, child support, health insurance, and name change petitions.
At UHart, Hyman earned a double major in criminal justice and politics and government and participated in the pre-law advising program, which was invaluable in preparing for the LSAT, selecting a law school, and completing applications “The Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice allowed me to take courses that sharpened my reading, writing, and research skills that I used throughout law school.”
Hyman says courses like Drugs and Society, Women and Crime, Race, Ethnicity, and Crime, Street Gangs, and Prisons explored racial and social inequalities that have made her a more dedicated and passionate lawyer. And courses such as Criminology, Methods of Social Research, and the capstone class provide her with research and critical thinking skills required in law school.
While at UHart, Hyman says she knew she wanted to be a lawyer after completing an internship with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office in Newburgh, New York. There she worked with Assistant District Attorney’s, attended criminal trials, and developed legal research and writing skills.
She also served as a legislative intern with West Hartford State Representative Jillian Gilchrest, where she worked closely with constituents, attended governmental meetings, and assisted with various research projects. “This experience gave me a passion for working with underrepresented and marginalized people that helped me to pursue public interest law.” While in law school, she interned with Massachusetts Department of Children and Families and with the Committee for Public Counsel Services in the Children and Family Law Division.
She says UHart Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Kelly McGeever made a significant impact on her academic journey. “Dr. McGeever encouraged, challenged, and motivated me to become a more dedicated and improved student,” says Hyman. “Her courses are challenging, but she is so knowledgeable, dedicated, and caring that her students are able to learn so much while developing a passion for criminal justice.”
Hyman encourages students who are interested in attending law school to take challenging courses that will push them to become better students. “Take classes that focus on research and writing because that is the best way for you to prepare for law school,” she advises. “And complete internships in the legal field to make connections and to see if you enjoy the work.”
Courtney Hyman ’20, Attorney and UHart AlumnaThe Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice allowed me to take courses that sharpened my reading, writing, and research skills that I used throughout law school.