Grace Speas

Why FSU?

I always knew that I wanted to return to Florida after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin. While I could not go visit FSU College of Law in person because I applied during the pandemic, FSU Law and its professionals seemed authentic to me as I spoke to them over the phone about my application. I also received a scholarship that solidified my decision.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I was motivated to pursue a law degree because I noticed the frequency in which people were asking me to help them write and edit their copy/material in undergrad. I thought that there had to be something special about my writing and editing that I could apply to law school. Fortunately, I turned out to be right.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

My work is important because it affects the people of the state of Florida. I currently work at the Florida House of Representatives conducting research and analysis on bills to advise attorneys and other staff in Health and Human Services. I will soon graduate and transition back into civil litigation, an area in which I interned before law school. The importance of doing good work in civil litigation is that, when you win, your client wins big and can sigh a big sigh of relief. That is always rewarding.

Career aspirations

I aspire to become an experienced civil litigator and develop a specialty that I'm known for in whichever area I live. Later on, I hope to become a mediator in that specialty and help parties solve their disputes through mediation, should they choose to do so or be ordered to do so.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

My advice for anyone considering graduate school is to ask someone who you trust to look over your application, once it is finished but before it is submitted. This advice is especially true for any essay that you write as part of your application. The graduate school admissions staff will be examining the application to see if you are a good and succinct writer and editor, and you want to show them that you are one.

Accomplishments during graduate career

I am fortunate enough to have been involved in many different internships in law school. I have worked at the Third District Court of Appeal, a private Tallahassee law firm, and the Florida House of Representatives as a Florida Legislative Fellow. I have learned and grown at every job. It has been rewarding to experience moments of both personal and team success in every internship. Moreover, I have received the Garnet Law Scholarship from FSU Law and the Cypress Lake United Methodist Student Scholarship