An Accelerated Path to Law School

Danielle Pon BA ’24, JD ’27 had to make some sacrifices to stay on track in the Accelerated BA/JD 3-3 Program—where students can earn both degrees in six years, instead of seven. One of those was foregoing overseas study as an undergraduate. Still, she’s glad she saw it through.

“I really like where I am right now,” says Pon, who was an English major and is now in her second year of law school. “I like what I’m doing and what I want to do in the future. I think it’s all turned out really well for me.”

Pon’s initial plan was to pursue environmental law. But after taking an environmental law class while still an undergraduate, she discovered the field was not for her. For a time, she struggled to identify a new path.

Then she met Aliza Kaplan, professor of law and director of the Criminal Justice Reform Clinic. Kaplan, who taught Pon in legal writing, impressed Pon with her passion for criminal justice reform. Through the clinic’s work, Pon saw how legal advocacy could transform people’s lives. Kaplan’s example, together with Pon’s own interest in education, led her toward the field of juvenile justice.

Moving directly from undergraduate study to graduate school comes with its challenges.

“Looking back at the first year at the law school, everyone was going through a hard transition,” says Pon. “But no one wanted to be the first to say, ‘I don’t know what’s going on!’”

Now in her second year, Pon has really hit her stride.

“There’s such an established and strong sense of community … of helping each other out,” says Pon, who will be working with Kaplan at the youth legal clinic this summer. Pon will be engaging with youth in correctional facilities, helping them pursue reduced sentences through the legal process.

Pon says she thinks that while the 3-3 law program is not for everyone, it’s still a great path to go down. “And, it’s really great that Lewis & Clark offers it.”

BA/JD Dual Degree (3-3)