From 1L to 3L: Stories of the Law School Journey

David Seibel, ’28
Structure, Stamina, and the First Year of Law School

After graduating from Clemson in 2008 with a degree in parks, recreation, and tourism management, David Seibel — now a first-year student at Mercer University School of Law — moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, to pursue a career in sports marketing. He took an inside sales position with the city’s NBA team, then known as the Bobcats. But the onset of the mortgage crisis and ensuing recession, which hit Charlotte’s banking-centered economy especially hard, made ticket sales and entry-level opportunities increasingly difficult.

In early 2009, Seibel relocated to Baltimore. While still considering a career in marketing, he found himself drawn to the rising culinary culture and decided to commit fully to the kitchen, turning a skill he had first developed in high school and continued through college into a career.

From 2009 to 2016, he steadily worked his way through the ranks — line cook, sous chef — studying extensively and refining his craft. Seeking higher standards, he joined the culinary staff at the Four Seasons in Baltimore, a pivotal step that led to a position at Michelin-starred Aldea in New York City. The intensity and discipline of that environment accelerated his growth and opened the door to further opportunities, culminating in his first kitchen leadership role as chef de cuisine in 2016 and a transition into long-term culinary management, eventually landing in Atlanta.

After 17 years in the culinary world, however, Seibel was ready for a new challenge.

“My career as a chef was deeply fulfilling,” he said, “but after seventeen years, I found myself seeking a new challenge. I was looking to be in a position that was necessarily hard, where I was going to have to learn how to solve new problems. I was ready to pursue a more academic path.”

Law school had crossed his mind before. “At the time, I needed to get out of the classroom and live life a little,” he said. “Had I come from a family of lawyers, I probably would have pursued a legal education more quickly than I have.”

Not one to shy away from a bold decision, Seibel began preparing for the LSAT and a return to life as a student. Now halfway through his first year of law school, he says some expectations have been confirmed — and others pleasantly challenged.

“I expected law school to be really tough, and of course that expectation was confirmed,” he said. “I tried to come in with an open mind because I knew I had no context for the realities of law school.” His biggest concern was culture. “I’ve been in competitive, stressful environments before and knew that for me organizational culture is critical to my happiness. I chose Mercer because of the incredible culture on display every time I stepped on campus. Thankfully, my concerns were put to rest quickly. The culture here is special, and I am so happy I chose Mercer.”

Seibel describes the 1L experience in three words: “exciting, rewarding, and exhausting.” The biggest adjustment has been the time and focus required.

“I had no idea it could take so long to read 20 pages of material,” he said. “Beyond the reading, the real challenge has been juggling everything at once — reading and preparing for class, while outlining, preparing for exams, networking, preparing a writing sample, researching firms, and applying for work.”

Seibel says that academically, things began to click for him after midterms. “Sitting for the exams allowed me to put together all of the skills I was learning and to see the fruits of my labor.” By October, he had a clearer sense of how preparation translated into performance. One unexpected area of growth has been writing. Despite having “absolutely zero experience with legal writing,” he was surprised by how quickly his skills improved through exams and drafting a writing sample, and he looks forward to continuing that progress.

Seibel manages the workload with structure and discipline, approaching law school like a full-time job — arriving each morning, working through the day, outlining every Friday, protecting Saturdays as a break, and planning the week on Sundays.

Outside the classroom, involvement in several student organizations has helped him build community. Simply sharing the experience with classmates, he says, has made law school feel more connected and manageable.

Looking ahead, Seibel hopes to serve as a group mentor. “I certainly could not have navigated my 1L year without help, and I want to pay it forward to those coming up behind me.”

His goal for the summer is a position with an Atlanta firm in either transactional practice or commercial litigation, an experience he hopes will provide clarity and ground legal theory in real-world practice. Outside school, biking, cooking, local cultural events, neighborhood involvement, and spending time with his wife Hillary help him maintain balance and perspective.

“Hillary has been the secret to my success. She has been so supportive, and I know how lucky I am to have her in my corner. Hillary has taken on a lot of extra responsibility which has allowed me to focus on schoolwork. Had I been alone, there are plenty of days where I would not have had a lunch, I would have been up late doing laundry, or I would have lost track of time and missed someone’s birthday.  She has kept the home fires burning while managing the demands of her own career.”

Shaun Neville, ’27
Purpose, Growth, and the Second Year of Law School

Shaun Neville says that he has been preparing for law school since he was fifteen — long before he ever stepped into a classroom at Mercer Law. Now a second-year student, the Macon native carries himself with the steadiness of someone who has learned not just how to survive challenges, but how to grow through them.

A soon-to-be “Double Bear,” Shaun graduated from Mercer University in 2022 with majors in criminal justice and sociology and a minor in statistics. Staying in Macon for law school felt natural, but the path itself carries deeper meaning. “I am a future first-generation lawyer,” he says. “Being the first in my family to pursue a legal career has shaped my academic path by constantly reminding me that I am opening doors not just for myself, but for those who come after me.” That responsibility is not abstract. “In today’s political climate, it feels especially important that people of color fully understand their rights and why those rights exist,” he explains, “and that purpose has motivated my commitment to legal education and advocacy.”

His inspiration to become a lawyer, however, started somewhere unexpected — on a television screen. “I first became interested in practicing law when I was 15 years old after watching How to Get Away With Murder, starring Viola Davis,” Shaun says with a grin. But it wasn’t just entertainment. “Her portrayal of a powerful, strategic attorney who used society’s own biases against systems that harm marginalized communities was deeply inspiring. The idea of challenging harmful laws and entrenched systems that existed long before I was born felt both exciting and meaningful.”
That early spark has carried him into the heart of his second year of law school — a year he sums up with a guiding belief: challenges exist to be met head-on, and steady effort never goes to waste.

Going into 2L year, Shaun expected relief. “I expected things to be easier overall because I had a stronger understanding of how law school works,” he says. In some ways, he was right. “Briefing cases definitely improved.” But the trade-off surprised him. “The reality was that balancing work, coursework, and extracurricular commitments became more demanding. The challenge shifted from learning how to do things to learning how to manage everything at once.”
One of the biggest tests of that balancing act came through competition. “The most challenging part of my 2L year has been competing in the ABA Mediation Competition,” he says. The experience demanded intense preparation and seamless teamwork. “It required adaptability,” he adds, “but it ultimately taught me a great deal about myself and what it takes to succeed in high-pressure legal environments.”

Despite the pressure, Neville feels different this year — stronger. “Unlike my 1L year, which was filled with nerves and imposter syndrome, my 2L year has been marked by determination and confidence,” he says. He credits mentorship for helping him find his footing. “During my 1L year, I benefited greatly from the guidance of 3L mentors Cameron Obioha and Tajah Haywood,” he says. Now, the roles are shifting. “I have the opportunity to pass that same kindness and wisdom forward by mentoring others.” The work is still hard, he admits, “but I am enjoying the journey much more.”
Law school has changed him in quieter ways, too. “Since starting law school, I feel more mature and intentional,” Neville reflects. “I am no longer focused solely on passing classes, but on building a sustainable career.” That means thinking beyond grades. “It includes actively seeking job opportunities and being mindful of the allies and community I build around me.”

The skill anchoring that growth is simple but powerful: discipline. “Staying consistent with my schedule has helped me remain organized, balanced, and prepared,” he says. He has also learned the value of stepping back. “I’ve learned the importance of taking breaks and asking for help.” Neville speaks candidly about using Mercer’s counseling and psychological services. “They helped me develop practical strategies for managing stress — especially during times of personal loss. Recognizing when to seek support has been essential to maintaining my well-being.”

Outside the classroom, Neville’s world is full. He serves on executive boards for the Black Law Students Association, OUTLaw, and the American Constitution Society. He also competes on the Negotiations Team within the Mercer Advocacy Council. “My involvement outside the classroom has allowed me to connect with a diverse range of people and perspectives,” he says. “It has made Mercer Law feel like a small reflection of the whole world.”
Last summer’s work deepened his perspective even further. Clerking with the Georgia Public Defender Council left a lasting impression. “I learned that the system needs a lot of improvement,” he says, particularly in how it treats “people who are homeless, poor, and struggling with mental health issues.” The experience was personal, too. “Even though I have severe anxiety, I have the capability and courage to stand in front of a judge and represent people who need my help.”

When he looks ahead to his 3L year, Neville sees both purpose and celebration. “I am most excited about graduation,” he says. “Being surrounded by friends and family who understand how much work it took to get there, and finally being able to say ‘I did it,’ will be an incredibly meaningful and nostalgic moment.” Before that day arrives, he hopes to pursue the Oxford Human Rights Program and participate in the Habeas Project. “Those opportunities would be invaluable,” he says.

This summer, though, he plans to breathe. He’ll prepare for the MPRE, travel, and spend time with loved ones. “I view this summer as the ‘calm before the storm,’ with the storm being the Bar exam next summer,” he says. “Rest is essential to avoiding burnout.”

Whether he ultimately lands in criminal defense, family law, or somewhere else, Shaun’s direction is clear: service, advocacy, and community. When he isn’t studying, he finds balance at the gym, on the field, watching movies, or learning French. “Life is about more than textbooks,” he says. “It’s about balance and connection.”

For Shaun Neville, the path to law has never been just about building a career. It’s about creating opportunity, standing steady under pressure, and proving — to himself and to others — that dedication and perseverance always yield their reward.

Addison Finger-Baxter, ’26
Confidence, Community, and the Third Year of Law School

For Addison Finger-Baxter, the third year of law school feels less like a sprint and more like a moment of reflection — a closing chapter she describes as “a procedural bookend.” It’s a phrase that captures both the technical focus of the year and the sense of coming full circle after a demanding, transformative legal education.

That perspective didn’t come overnight. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in North Mississippi before moving to Georgia as a teenager, Finger-Baxter learned early how to navigate unfamiliar school systems. Adjusting to new expectations and environments shaped the way she approaches academics even now.

“I am a first-generation college student and a future first-generation lawyer,” Finger-Baxter says. “When it is your first time doing something, you need all the help you can get.” In high school, she sought out AP classes, dual enrollment, and early college preparation without a roadmap to get there. She learned to build relationships with teachers, staff, and mentors — a skill that later translated seamlessly into law school. “This has taught me to get to know those who work in the academic environment,” she explains. “Whether that’s high school, college, or now law school.”

Her interest in law developed gradually. “I liked to write, research, and think of different sides to arguments,” she says of her early curiosity. “To be honest, I didn’t have a good idea of what being a lawyer looked like.” That curiosity eventually led her to major in political science with a business administration minor at Georgia College & State University — and, ultimately, to Mercer Law.

Now in the final semester of her final year, her days reflect both ambition and experience. During the fall, this Woodruff Scholar scheduled six classes in a single day while serving as chair of the Negotiations Team on the Mercer Advocacy Council and earning the Certificate in Advanced Legal Research, Writing, and Drafting. Spring semester is the first time in law school that she stepped back from part-time work and externships, hoping to reclaim small pockets of time beyond academics.

“I am trying to spend any extra time I have with my family after giving so much to school these past two and a half years,” she says.

Family life runs alongside everything she does at Mercer. She began law school with a two-year-old daughter, who will turn five this summer, and she credits that experience with shaping her resilience. “Navigating toddler years and law school simultaneously has expanded my patience, my perseverance, and my caffeine intake!” she says with a laugh. Her fiancé has been a steady source of support, encouraging her through the highs and lows of legal education. Even so, she is deliberate about setting boundaries. “I try really hard to pause schoolwork from the time I get home to the time my daughter goes to bed.”

That balance has grown easier as her academic confidence has increased. The student who once felt overwhelmed by case reading now works with efficiency and clarity. “With actual schoolwork, I feel like I have a better homework and study routine,” she says. “I have learned how to read for class, so it no longer takes me as long.” A color-coded case briefing system she developed during 1L year remains part of her process, but experience has sharpened her instincts. “I also have a better feel of what is expected from me, so I can prepare more efficiently. Plus, cold calls are not nearly as scary.”

Connection has been another defining part of her growth. After attending a first-generation panel during the spring of 1L year, she and several classmates recognized a need for community. “We decided that we needed to start a First-Generation Law Student Association so that other students who may be feeling isolated have a group of people that they know are going through the same things.” Serving on the executive board during her 2L year gave her a sense of belonging that continues today. In her final year, she’s found fulfillment in mentoring younger students. “I have really enjoyed getting to know the 2Ls and some of the 1Ls.”

Her involvement across campus extends well beyond that organization. She is active in Phi Delta Phi Honors Society, Bootle Inn Court of Macon, the Advanced Legal Writing Certificate Program, and completed a judicial externship with Judge Amanda S. Petty, ’05. Together, these experiences bridge classroom learning with professional practice. “My experience outside the classroom has grown my confidence in my ability to step into the legal field after graduation,” she says.

Even with that confidence, 3L year carries its own weight — especially with the bar exam ahead. “Definitely thinking about the bar” has been the toughest part, she admits. “For almost three years now, I have read, written, and studied to perform well in law school. However, that doesn’t mean anything if I don’t pass the bar.” Managing that pressure, she says, requires perspective and intentional self-care.

Perhaps her most meaningful growth has been internal. “I have learned that I am much more capable than I think and that comparison really is the thief of joy,” she says. Where she once measured herself against classmates, she now focuses on her own progress. “We all have different backgrounds, goals, and skills. These differences lead us to have different metrics in measuring our success.”

As graduation approaches, her excitement is simple and tangible. “Getting the diploma!” she says. “Finally having concrete evidence of this triumph that will hang on the wall forever.”

After the July bar exam, she will join Jones Cork, LLP in Macon. For now, though, 3L year remains both an ending and a culmination — a procedural bookend to a chapter defined by persistence, community, and the steady confidence of a student who has learned exactly where she belongs.