Student Profile: Gary Stapleton, J.D. '12
"UB Law is more than a number, rank or statistic – it is full of men and women of all ages laboring together to develop an expertise in the law."
PROFILE
Graduation year: 2012
Undergraduate school: St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Undergraduate major: Political science
Gary Stapleton holds an undergraduate degree in political science from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. A spring 2012 graduate of the School of Law, he’ll begin his career in his hometown after securing a position as an associate with the Baltimore office of the international law firm Hogan Lovells.
Why did you choose the University of Baltimore School of Law?
I choose UB Law because of its regional reputation and alumni network. I was fortunate to have a choice between Maryland’s two law schools. Now I know I chose wisely. The School of Law is highly regarded in the Baltimore/D.C. metropolitan area for producing quality lawyers -- but not the kind of lawyers with a sense of privilege. University of Baltimore-trained attorneys work harder and smarter and stand out in the crowd for their efforts.
Did you participate in any extracurricular activities while you were in law school?
Yes. I served as staff editor (2010-2011) and editor in chief (2011-2012) of Law Forum. I received a University of Baltimore Students for Public Interest Law grant in 2010, which allowed me to spend the summer working for Baltimore City’s Office of the Public Defender in its juvenile division. I also elected to join the School of Law’s chapter of Phi Delta Phi, the legal honors fraternity.
Tell us about your internship experiences while in law school.
I served as an intern for the Hon. Lynne Battaglia on Maryland’s Court of Appeals and in the Office of the General Counsel for Maryland’s Public Service Commission.
While I was working for Judge Battaglia, I developed weekly bench memos for her on upcoming cases. I would then meet with the judge to discuss the upcoming cases and the legal arguments on both sides.
At the Public Service Commission, I assisted the general counsel in legal research and writing. I provided papers and research reports that were utilized by the commissioners on the Public Service Commission to help inform their deliberations on controversial matters.
Do you have a favorite Baltimore experience to share?
There is a tremendous amount of rich history, culture and opportunity in Baltimore. From the best team in the NFL -- my Baltimore Ravens -- to Fort McHenry, Baltimore is a national city with a hometown feel.
What would you say to a prospective student to encourage him or her to attend the University of Baltimore School of Law?
The legal field faces an uncertain future and there are no guarantees. UB Law has a tremendous and loyal network of prominent lawyers and judges in Maryland. If you want to be a part of that network, UB Law is the place for you.