Abbie Hawley

Associate Attorney at Winegarden Elder Law, PLLC

2017 | Petoskey, MI

University of Michigan | Organizational Studies

"I was impressed with the Admitted Candidate Visit Program overall. It was nice to meet some of the faculty and some of my potential future classmates during that visit.”

Abbie Hawley’s interest in environmental law grew out of love of her home in Northern Michigan. “I grew up in one of the most beautiful areas of the world,” she said. “I have always been driven to give back to my home. I want to help people by protecting the environment.”

Abbie decided to apply to law school during her senior year at University of Michigan. “Throughout undergrad I focused on problem solving strategies, looked at situations through different lenses, and developed my verbal and written communication skills. In doing so, I also unknowingly prepared myself for law school,” she said. Once she realized law school was in her future, Abbie took several law classes, including environmental law, business law, and a law-based class with a social justice aspect.

She prepped for the LSAT by taking a course through the Princeton Review. “I took their high intensity course,” she said. “I think the most important thing is to try and take as many practice tests as possible. Once you learn how to take each section of the test the real challenge becomes endurance. I think the hardest challenge for studying for the test is having the discipline to sit down and dedicate the time.”      

When she began the application process, Abbie looked for law schools that offered courses in water law. “That really narrowed down my options of schools in which to apply,” she said. After she applied to MSU College of Law, she attended an Admitted Candidate Visit Program. “I was impressed with the Admitted Candidate Visit Program overall. It was nice to meet some of the faculty and some of my potential future classmates during that visit.”          

Abbie also participated in an online orientation with MSU College of Law. “It was nice to get a sense of the law school before my first day. It made me feel more at ease,” she said.