| Alexander Brenner '15, a Brandeis Legal Studies Program Alumnus, has recently made his mark as a graduate from the University of Texas at Austin Law School. Now, Alexander is a new associate specializing in environmental and land use law in Seattle, WA.
Reflecting on his career path, Alexander shares, "I took a break from school and spent a few years working post-Brandeis before eventually deciding to take the plunge and apply to law school in 2020." This decision was not made lightly; it was a culmination of experiences and a deep-seated interest in environmental issues. He expresses his enthusiasm for his current role, "I'm hoping to stay in this area of the law and try to find my niche within the environmental community here in Seattle."
Alexander credits the Brandeis Legal Studies program for steering him towards a legal career, a shift from his original plan of pursuing neuroscience and biology. He fondly recalls, "It wasn’t until I took Intro to Law with Professor Gaskins that I even seriously considered law as an option." This pivotal moment was further solidified by an internship, facilitated by Professor Kabrhel's course, which led directly to his first job post-graduation as a paralegal.
His time as a paralegal was a defining experience, as he explains, "Working as a paralegal, definitely. I don’t think there’s a better way to inform your decision to pursue a career in law." This practical exposure provided him with a real-world perspective, essential in shaping his understanding and approach to the legal profession.
Alexander's memories of Brandeis extend beyond academics. He reminisces, "Living in the Mods through the 2015 'snowpocalypse' would have to be somewhere near the top of my list of favorite memories." Additionally, his involvement with the quidditch team (now known as quadball) played a significant role in his university experience.
In his free time, Alexander and his wife, both serious runners, engage in training for and competing in races. He shares, "I actually just ran the Boston Marathon earlier this year, which was a cool sort of homecoming having now lived away from the Northeast for almost a decade."
Offering advice to current students, he says, "Don’t worry about what other people are doing, just focus on figuring out what you want your life to look like." He emphasizes the value of gaining real-world experience before law school and the importance of exploring different areas of law.
Alexander extends a special thanks to David Getz and Hannah Brooks, fellow Brandeisians who have remained close friends over the years. Their shared experiences, from marathons to life events, underscore the lasting bonds formed at Brandeis. |
