Nick Standiford feels that the wide array of student organizations at MSU College of Law strengthens students’ academic experience and prepares them for their careers as practicing attorneys. “The organizations allow students to pursue diverse fields of law and experience different legal settings,” he said. “I had the chance to participate on a journal, Moot Court team, and arbitration team. Each of these experiences helped make me a more attractive candidate in a competitive job market.”

As an associate, he performs all aspects of commercial litigation, including witness preparation, legal research, and writing a variety of memoranda of law, motions, and briefs on appeal. "A broad legal education creates a practice-ready attorney," he said.

As a student, Standiford interacted daily with his journal’s faculty advisor, Bruce Bean. “Professor Bean gave me input on how to develop a broader readership of our journal, and how to strengthen connections among faculty and the student body within the school. He has also been an invaluable resource to me personally, writing me recommendation letters and forging other connections on my behalf,” he said.

Through his diverse experiences, he broadened his view of how law can be practiced. “I now know that there are many career paths in the law," he explained. "I have been asked about these student groups in every one of my job interviews. Each prospective employer has remarked on how important it is to have a well-rounded legal education. Prospective employers were impressed that I was able to do so many different things while in law school.”