SCHOOL OF LAW
The Proof is in the People Sandy’s story shows what a St. Thomas education produces. He worked as a public defender, did civil rights litigation and now sits on the bench in Iowa. “When I was counseling defendants facing life imprisonment, they needed to know I knew the law,” he said. “But just as important was that I was there to hear what they had to say, even when it had nothing to do with their case and everything to do with how they were feeling. St. Thomas prepared me precisely for that daily work of what justice entails.”
“St. Thomas taught me more HOW to think than WHAT to think," she said. “It taught me to find information and perspective in dialogue, in community and in reflection.” That distinction shows up in how employers view St. Thomas graduates. Drewiske, who has hired lawyers from many schools, sees it clearly. “They bring experience and a 'can do' attitude,” she said. “They also bring an underlying foundation of values, which I find so important—especially in my profession." St. Thomas lawyers also support one another and invest in the alumni network. Sandy’s classmate Matt Wilcox ’10 J.D., ’17 LL.M. recently became a Hennepin County judge. Sandy drove up to swear him in. “There is this camaraderie, this common experience that unites us,” Sandy said. “It is grounded in stewardship, not just nostalgia.” It is not uncommon to hear about stories of alumni, across graduation years, who make special efforts to support a fellow alum’s job search or refer a client. Around half of the law school’s current mentors are graduates like Drewiske who stay engaged. “The Tommie Network is real," she said. “I’ve met some of the coolest, most influential people as a result of staying plugged in.” Looking Ahead The law school looks toward the 50th anniversary with a clear vision — a school that has not changed its mission of integrating faith and reason, pursuing justice and forming the whole person. But the impact expands, methods evolve and influence grows. Graduates continue to prove that excellence and mission go hand in hand. Added Sandy: “Real progress isn’t about changing your vision to fit the moment. It’s about changing the world to fit the vision. That’s at St. Thomas’ core, its ethos.” Chutich says the question is no longer “can a faith- based law school succeed?” “It is now ‘how will the St. Thomas model shape legal education?’” she said.
“ The Tommie Network is real. I've met some of the coolest, most influential people as a result of staying plugged in. ” Iowa Court of Appeals Judge John Sandy ’07, ’10 J.D., past president of St. Thomas Law’s alumni board
The breadth of careers proves the models’ flexibility. Jessica Drewiske ’15 J.D./MBA built a career in compliance at major tech companies and now works at Google. Her path is one she says she couldn’t have imagined as a 1L. She credits her St. Thomas education for getting her to where she is today.
Now comes the opportunity, innovation and responsibility of the next 25 years.
Page 16 St. Thomas Lawyer
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