“A lot of times, people need attorneys in some of the most difficult points of their lives. We’re given this level of influence, and I think it’s important to use that influence not only during work, but also outside of work. Because it is seen as a revered position, I think it is important to keep that sense of reverence by earning it and give back to the community.”
Andrew Rawl, a 2016 alumnus, came to South Carolina Law for more than just a degree—he’s here to connect with those around him and make a difference in the world.
“I like talking and getting out. Granted, a large portion of working involves sitting behind a desk, but anything that gets me involved and has me interacting with others, I enjoy doing. That’s one reason I wanted to become involved in law in the first place—because of the connections you get to form, working-wise and through involvement on various city and society boards,” Rawl said. “After graduation, I returned to the Upstate to work at Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd as a litigation associate. The people are great, so I’m excited to be working with a firm where I not only enjoy the work aspect, but the camaraderie as well.”
Though it did not start in his home, Rawl’s passion to pursue law and help others through it sparked early on.
“Law wasn’t really a family profession. I just knew since high school that law was what I wanted to do, so I went to college and majored in political science with the thought that I would go to law school.”
Rawl knew what he wanted when pursuing law, made a plan, and set in motion. He began to see his many opportunities once he visited the University of South Carolina School of Law.
“What really stuck out to me the most when touring this school, as opposed to other law schools I toured, was that everyone here just seemed very engaging. The professors seemed like they were interested not only in you as a law student, but you as a person, and that was key to me.”
As Editor-in-Chief of the South Carolina Law Review and a Student Ambassador, Rawl was very involved at school. He sums up his time here through hard work and dedication, and he advises future and current students to take advantage of the resources around them in order to truly blossom in this environment.
“I would say that if the legal profession is what you want to get involved in, this school has everything you need to set you on your way. It has all the tools, everything you could possibly want, to help you continue to move forward toward your goal,” Rawl said. “ Also, the professors here are very special. They do have an open-door policy--they want to help you. If you have questions, even if it’s outside the scope of the class that they teach, they want to help you if they can.”