“Got a Minute?” with Libbie Smith, 1L
Welcome to Ƶ’s “Got a Minute?” series. These are fun, short-answer interviews with 20 rapid-fire questions. We’ll find students throughout William H. Gates Hall as they study, wait for class or hangout with their classmates.
This week’s “Got a Minute?” interview is with Libbie Smith, 1L.
Ƶ: Are you originally from Seattle, and if not, where?
Libbie Smith (LS): No, I'm originally from Des Moines, Iowa.
Ƶ: What's one interesting fact about where you're from?
LS: Part of the movie “Twister” was filmed in Iowa.
Ƶ: Where did you earn your undergraduate degree?
LS: At the University of Iowa.
Ƶ: Did you take time off between undergrad and law school?
LS: Yes, I took two years off. The first year I was in grad school, and I dropped out because I wanted to go to law school instead. And then the second year, I was just working in an internship, and as a server.
Ƶ: Who would play you in a movie about your law school journey?
LS: I’d pick Daisy Edgar Jones.
Ƶ: What's the funniest or most unexpected thing a professor has said or done in class?
LS: The silliest thing Professor Calandrillo showed us was a contract that his daughter made with his son when she was 11, and he was five. They had the right to resort to battles to decide who got the best seat on the couch. So, he would constantly reference it.
Ƶ: Which fictional lawyer do you think would make the best law professor?
LS: Oh my gosh, definitely Elle Woods.
Ƶ: Where's your favorite spot on the UW campus, excluding William H. Gates Hall?
LS: I recently went to Suzzallo Library, so I have to say that one because it's so gorgeous in there.
Ƶ: Which historical legal case would you time travel to witness in person?
LS: I would want to see Hawkins v. McGee, the hairy hand case. I think it'd be really interesting because I think almost every law student at this point has had to read that case or talk about it in class.
Ƶ: If you could give out one superlative to any professor, what would it be and who would win it?
LS: I would name Professor Knudsen the Funniest Law Professor. I probably laughed in almost every class I had for Civ Pro. I'm from the Midwest and she has a very Midwestern humor. So, I really appreciated that in my section.
Ƶ: What is the name of Atticus Finch’s small town where “To Kill a Mockingbird” takes place?
LS: I haven't read that recently, so I don't know. I have no clue.
Ƶ: Maycomb, Alabama. Which Professor do you think would come up with the best legal joke?
LS: I feel like Professor Boxx would. She'll say something about a case she's had in real life and the delivery is perfect.
Ƶ: Which legal term would make the best name for a band?
LS: Bona Fide.
Ƶ: Where's your favorite spot to get a bite of food nearby?
LS: I'm going to say Ugly Mug. They have good bagels there.
Ƶ: If you could have any superpower related to law, what would it be?
LS: The ability to read the jury's minds.
Ƶ: If you could ask any professor for a book recommendation on something not law-related, who would it be and what would the subject be?
LS: I would want to know what books Professor Butler has been reading. I know she watches reality TV, so I would want to know if she's reading any gossipy books, like biographies or anything.
Ƶ: If you had to argue in favor of wearing socks with sandals as a fashion trend in court, what would your opening statement be?
LS: We need to protect people from seeing ugly toes.
Ƶ: What was the name of Elle Woods's dog in “Legally Blonde”?
LS: Oh, my God, this is so bad. I should know this. Wait, it starts with a “B.” I don't know why I'm thinking Bushwick, but that's not it. Wait, Bruno? No, I'm so close. I'm running through the scenes in my head. Brutus? I'm going to say Brutus.
Ƶ: So close. It’s Bruiser. What area of law would you like to pursue after you receive your J.D.?
LS: I'm leaning towards environmental law.
Ƶ: Which fictional TV show produced the most episodes: Allie McBeal, Perry Mason or Matlock?
LS: I don't think it was Ally McBeal. I'm going to guess Perry Mason.
Ƶ: Correct! Which three lawyers – either real or fictional — would make up your legal dream team?
LS: I would choose Elle Woods, Olivia Pope, and then Atticus Finch for the third.
Ƶ: If you weren't pursuing a law degree, what would you be doing instead?
LS: I would probably still be doing urban planning. That's what I was doing in grad school before. I still have a lot of interest and respect for it, but law is for me.
Ƶ: What’s your favorite memory so far from law school?
LS: When the Ninth Circuit came to the law school on my birthday. That was a great birthday gift because we got to go watch the oral arguments. And our entire day was kind of different, so it felt like a fun little treat.
Ƶ: What advice would you give to your younger self before starting law school?
LS: Try to lead as much of a balanced life as you can. I don't think there's much you can do to prepare for law school because you just learn as you go. So, try to find the things that you can do so you're not focused solely on school. It has to be about your well-being. Also, keep in touch with family and friends.
Ƶ: What's one interesting thing about you that people may not know?
LS: I have been to almost half the national parks. So, 30 out of 63. It’s a life goal to get to all of them.