Purpose, Impact, & The Stories That Define Us

Bryan Babcock

Alumnus

Class of 2008

Without Mercer’s caring professors, I wouldn’t have my career today. In my first year, my favorite class was property law. My professor was so detailed in her analysis of cases that it was both intimidating and aspirational. After the first semester, I asked my professor what my career path could be with only an interest in property law. She suggested estate planning, and I decided that was the path I would follow.

In my second year, I took a class in estate and gift tax. Tax law seemed beyond my ability, and I spent hours with the professor struggling to understand tax law. One day, deep into another long session in the professor’s office, she described a transaction in terms similar to my property law class. That conversation unlocked the door to taxation of wealth transfers for me, and everything made sense.

In my third year, I took a class in trusts and estates drafting. That was my chance to prove I knew my industry and was ready to do the work of an estate planner. Within the first few weeks, my professor alerted me that my grades on the drafting assignments put me at the top of the class. I decided then and there to focus on remaining the top student in that class. When I completed the course, achieving the top grade, I knew my time at Mercer was a success.

My professors took time to invest in my growth as a lawyer, and it paid off. I went on to get several advanced degrees in my field and a job doing exactly what I love. Thirteen years later, practicing in this field still brings me so much joy. I have my education at Mercer to thank for it.