STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Hannah Skopicki
Feb. 7, 2020
Connecting with an audience is the mark of a skilled actor, but for 2L Hannah Skopicki it is also the mark of an effective litigator. Her work in the creative arts has included performing in front of nearly a hundred people.
“To stand up and speak in front of a judge or jury is now far less intimidating,” said Skopicki.
Skopicki credits the development of her public speaking skills to Law Revue, where she serves as public relations chair and stage manager. AUWCL’s Law Revue is a student organization dedicated to theatre art. While the organization films musical parodies for songs like “Hire Me Maybe” and hosts a school-wide talent show, Law Revue’s work culminates with an original musical in every spring semester.
We spoke to Skopicki about how her involvement in theatre during law school has impacted her professional skillset.
Why did you get involved in Law Revue, and how do you serve the group in your roles as PR chair and stage manager?
I auditioned for Law Revue in the fall of my 1L year. Music and the arts have always been a huge part of my life and I wanted to maintain a creative outlet in law school. I was lucky to star in the musical my 1L spring and have since expanded my involvement on the production side of Law Revue. As PR chair, I run social media for the organization and help with recruitment efforts. As stage manager, I help ensure the production goes off without a hitch.
What brought you to law school?
As a child I was always invested in the concept of fairness. As I got older, my fascination with fairness naturally developed into an interest in discourse, debate, and law. I combined that with my passion for the arts, performing, and storytelling, and decided I wanted to be a trial attorney. Visiting WCL, it was the people that set it apart. Not only does WCL have incredible professors at the tops of their fields, but it also has engaged, determined, and collaborative peers.
How has Law Revue impacted you?
Law Revue has helped me shape and develop several key skills for my legal career—wherever it takes me. Chief among these skills is the ability to craft a narrative. So much of trial law and litigation is being able to relate to a jury or judge. Whether I am writing a motion or brief or performing an opening statement for a jury, I know I will use the creativity, storytelling ability, and comfort in public speaking.
I will never forget the night of my first performance with Law Revue. My whole 1L section came out to watch me. It demonstrated how crucial it is to maintain creative outlets in law school and how important it is to have colleagues and peers that will support those interests.
What do you want to do with your law degree?
I eventually want to be a trial attorney. This was confirmed after I interned at the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland last summer and took Civil Trial Advocacy last fall. I had great mentors through both experiences, and I learned that part of what I find so enticing about being an attorney is the ability to be in court every day advocating for a client.