Molly Braese

Attorney at U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division

2013 | Arlington, VA

University of Connecticut | Italian Literary Studies

“Participating in competitions is what makes law school fun and exciting. It gives you the opportunity to travel the country, meet other law students, and become a more well-rounded attorney.”

“MSU Law has an amazing advocacy program,” said Molly Braese. “I highly encourage students to try out for the Trial or Appellate Moot Court Board, the Arbitration Team, or any of the ADR or other moot court teams. Participating in competitions is what makes law school fun and exciting. It gives you the opportunity to travel the country, meet other law students, and become a more well-rounded attorney.”

Molly credits her extracurricular activities as one of the main reasons she was accepted into the Honors Program with the Drug Enforcement Administration. “MSU Law offers an incredible amount of clubs, teams, and organizations that touch on almost every aspect of the law. Being on a nationally-ranked Moot Court Board, winning national competitions, and becoming a better advocate helped me become a better candidate for employment,” she said.

She advises prospective law students to think carefully about their options. “Law school is expensive and six-figure jobs right out of law school are rare. If you are interested in public service, look for a school that can offer you a scholarship. Don't go to a school just because of name recognition—if you work hard, you can do just as well in a second-tier school as you could in a top 30 school,” she said. “Finally, make sure to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Go to football games, basketball games, movies, etc. Try not to spend too much time in the library.”

In addition, Molly advises current law students to take a chance. “I had the opportunity to move to California for a summer to work for a District Attorney's office, and my choice to move somewhere completely new was a great talking point in future interviews,” she said. “Employers are looking at more than just your GPA--they look at the classes you take, how you spend your summers, and how interesting you are in person.”