Hollywood’s most famous lawyer inspires young law students today
“You must always have faith in people. And most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself.”
– Elle Woods, Legally Blonde
Having faith in yourself is one of the most important skills I have learned to cultivate during law school. Attending law school and becoming a lawyer has been my dream and goal since the first grade. I remember doing a biography report on a historical individual and researching Sandra Day O’Connor because she was the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court. That was the first time I felt seen and that I too could study and practice law, as a female with a physical disability. Elle’s wise words have continuously played through my head since beginning my legal education journey this past year.
Having faith in myself stems from knowing that my identity, while underrepresented in my prospective profession, is a unique asset for my endeavors in law school and my future career. Elle’s words greatly impacted me as I began to understand how minimal the representation of people with a disability or differing ability is within the legal profession. The National Association for Law Placement found that ~1.99% of lawyers had a disability or differing ability in 2023. While such findings reveal the severe underrepresentation of people with my identity and perspective, my identity as a female with Cerebral Palsy fosters the faith I have in myself to pursue any goal I set my mind to, whether that be earning a law degree or learning how to stand up on a surfboard.
While it may seem cliche, Elle’s advice, in my opinion, is some of the best advice prospective and current law students could receive. Ultimately, law school and life become more fulfilling and rewarding by having faith in yourself and knowing your unique perspective and identity. After all:
“It is with passion, courage of conviction and a strong sense of self that we take our next steps into the world, remembering that first impressions are not always correct. You must always have faith in people. And most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself.“
– Elle Woods
– Keegan Fredrick is a 1L KU Law Student Ambassador from Fredricksburg, Virginia