Ryan O’Connor

oconnor

Education

  • J.D., Notre Dame Law School, ‘05
  • B.A., University of Portland, Political Science, ‘00

Work Experience prior to coming to NDLS

  • Law Clerk, Educational Assistant at Alternative High School

Work Experiences while at NDLS

  • Summer Law Clerk at Columbia Legal Services in Olympia, Washington during the Summer of 2003.
  • Summer Law Clerk, Federal Public Defender for the District of Oregon in Portland during the summer of 2004
  • Externship with the Saint Joseph County Public Defender, fall 2004

Extracurricular activities:

  • Jessup International Moot Court Team, 2003-04
  • London Law Program, 2003-04
  • American Constitutional Society
  • International Human Rights Society
  • Public Interest Law Forum

Working for Justice:

“I was apprehensive about attending law school because I had heard horror stories of greedy, overly ambitious classmates, arrogant professors, and a general cutthroat culture. I desired to study law in order to provide legal services, and access to the legal system for people who are disenfranchised in our world. But, I was not convinced I could find a law school that shared my commitment. I can now say I found such a place in Notre Dame. Doubtless there are other schools that encourage students to pursue careers in public interest law, however the atmosphere at Notre Dame is one where every member of the community recognizes the importance of service, and the value of every human being. This, in turn, humanizes the study and practice of law and inspires me to work for justice.”