STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Holly Weaver
Nov. 1, 2019
4L Holly Weaver is more than just a law student. She balances two jobs: Chief of the Court Human Resources Division of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts—which provides administrative support to all federal courts—and being a mom to her 11-year-old daughter Natalie and 9-year-old son John. At night, she attends classes in AUWCL’s nationally ranked part-time evening program.
We talked to Weaver about her journey into the legal profession and how she juggles work, motherhood, and pursuing her JD degree.
What enticed you to enter the legal field?
My interest in the legal field began many years ago when I served as an attorney for my high school’s mock trial team (winning a state championship in the Florida Supreme Court) and president of the law club. My “break year” after undergrad at Florida State University turned into more than a “break decade,” but my interest in being a lawyer never faded. I realized in 2015 when my son turned 5, and my kids were no longer so little, that it was time to register for the LSAT, and so I did. The rest is history.
Why did you choose AUWCL?
I chose AUWCL based on location and the part-time program’s prestige. I am thankful for that decision, as I very much value my time at AUWCL. The professors are truly outstanding!
Tell us about your role as the Chief of the Court Human Resources Division of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
I currently manage a staff of approximately 50 employees across three branches within the Court Human Resources Division, providing human capital management guidance, staffing support, and payroll administration to all federal courts (bankruptcy, district, and appellate) nationwide. In the past year, I have had the unique opportunity to present various human capital policy proposals to the Judicial Resources Committee of the Judicial Conference of the United States, the federal judiciary’s policy-making body.
What is it like balancing being a mom, working, and going to law school? What advice do you have for others in the same situation?
Do not guilt-trip yourself into thinking of law school as a force that takes you away from and will negatively impact your family. Include your family in your studies. Bring your kids to the law library. I remember talking to my kids about the banana peel torts cases my 1L year and they loved it! Also, do not multitask to the extent you can avoid it. When you are in class, make that your focus and try not to check personal or work emails. It’s hard, but focus is key in my opinion.
What has been your favorite course, or experience, at AUWCL?
My co-workers often ask me this and the answer changes with each passing year. My current favorites are Civil Trial Advocacy with Professor Elizabeth Boals and Evidentiary Foundations and Objections with Professors Liz Lippy and Matthew Reeder. I took those experiential courses over the summer and they taught me the practical skills of being a lawyer in addition to a more in-depth study of the rules of evidence. These courses should be required for any student who plans to enter a courtroom. I also very much valued my time with the Administrative Law Review (ALR), and would like to recognize and thank Professor Andrew Popper for his mentorship and support for the students on ALR.
What are your professional plans following graduation?
I will begin a clerkship with the Honorable K. Michael Moore, Chief U.S. District Judge in the Southern District of Florida, in September 2020. Following the clerkship, I would like to practice general civil litigation, with a special interest in employment law.