By Law Communications
February 21, 2024
Joshua R. C. Justus ‘24L hails from Hurley, Virginia. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia, earning a B.A. in Biology and Philosophy. Following his college years, he dedicated two years to serving as a College Adviser with the Virginia College Advising Corps, an AmeriCorps initiative. Currently, at W&L Law, he holds the position of Lead Article Editor at the German Law Journal. Joshua finds solace in fishing in the nearby streams and indulges in golfing whenever the opportunity arises.
Elaborate on the procedure you followed to enroll at Trinity for the autumn semester of your 3L year.
In the early stages of my 2L year, I first became acquainted with the study abroad program. I proactively reached out to the academic dean and the law school’s study abroad coordinator to gather more insights. Subsequent discussions revealed that my meticulously planned 2L schedule aligned perfectly for potential participation in the upcoming autumn semester abroad. Furthermore, the deans facilitated a connection with a fellow law student who had recently returned from a stint at Trinity, allowing me to glean firsthand experiences from the program. Subsequently, I submitted my application upon its release, which necessitated the creation of a CV, a cover letter, and a letter of recommendation. The subsequent wait revolved around the selection process for the program.
Detail your academic journey and daily routine.
During my tenure at Trinity, I engaged in the Master of Laws (LL.M.) program, immersing myself in graduate-level courses led by professors of diverse backgrounds from across the globe. These educators brought a wealth of experience, ranging from service at the United Nations to extensive legal practice as a barrister in Ireland.
Typically, my day commenced with awakening in my shared lodging, followed by a brisk thirty-minute stroll to the heart of Dublin, where Trinity College is nestled. En route, I traversed St. Patrick’s Cathedral Park, a serene locale frequented by seagulls scavenging for tidbits, alongside Dublin residents relishing moments with their canine companions. Navigating through the bustling crowds of shoppers along the renowned Grafton Street, I eventually arrived at Trinity for my classes.
On days devoid of scheduled classes, I seized the opportunity to explore Dublin’s attractions, such as the expansive Phoenix Park, embark on journeys to various Irish locales via bus or train, or embark on prearranged escapades to neighboring countries. Noteworthy destinations on my itinerary included Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, and a myriad of other captivating locales. I even had the privilege of partaking in the festive ambiance of the Krakow Christmas market in Poland!
Highlight the skills honed during your sojourn.
It is imperative to acknowledge that this voyage marked my inaugural international travel experience. Consequently, inhabiting a foreign land where my acquaintances were limited to the connections forged at Trinity presented a uniquely enriching encounter.
This expedition fostered my adeptness at embracing discomfort, as nearly every facet of my overseas venture—from navigating a bustling metropolis on a daily basis to engaging with peers predominantly hailing from non-U.S. backgrounds—was uncharted territory. This necessitated a conscious effort to step beyond familiar confines to extract the utmost value from this sojourn.
Surprisingly, my proficiency in time management witnessed a notable enhancement. The academic framework at Trinity diverged from the conventions at W&L, demanding a heightened sense of self-motivation to meaningfully engage with the coursework. Embracing this paradigm shift, I adeptly paced myself throughout the semester, culminating in a well-prepared approach to the final examination phase.
Share your revelations from your Trinity experience.
My tenure at Trinity marked a significant milestone as my inaugural foray into international travel. The striking semblance between cities abroad and those within the U.S. left an indelible impression. While disparities in infrastructure and culture undoubtedly exist, the underlying essence of humanity prevailed. Engaging in a multilingual discourse on rugby regulations with a Parisian spectator during a riveting rugby world cup match underscored the unifying thread of human connection. Hailing from the rural enclaves of Appalachia, this realization of interconnectedness resonated deeply.
Reflect on the most cherished facets of your autumn adventure.
Two facets of my sojourn at Trinity resonate profoundly. Firstly, the camaraderie forged with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds broadened my worldview, enriching my overall experience. Secondly, the opportunity to traverse Europe stands out as a cherished memory. Exploring uncharted territories and immersing myself in novel experiences not only enriched my understanding of the world but also facilitated introspection and personal growth—an invaluable aspect of my journey.
Discuss the influence of this experience on your post-graduate aspirations.
While my post-graduate trajectory crystallized shortly after the culmination of my immersion in the fall of my 3L year, the sojourn abroad undeniably played a pivotal role in reaffirming my career aspirations. Residing in a bustling metropolis overseas solidified my inclination towards pursuing opportunities in a smaller Virginia city post-graduation.