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Drake Law 3L, Emily Zerkel, fulfilled one of her lifelong goals during this past summer by studying law at the University of Oxford.
The ABA-approved study abroad program provided law courses at St. Edmund’s College which dates back to the thirteenth century, earning it the distinction of being one of the oldest colleges in Oxford. The courses ranged from English legal history, law and the arts, and maritime law.
Zerkel explained that her study time was spent in the college’s library, a church from 900 A.D., complete with stained glass windows, a crypt, and even a gargoyle of her legal history professor.
Despite the demanding studies, Zerkel was able to explore Oxford, other parts of England, Wales, the Netherlands and Paris.
Zerkel said she “found the town of Oxford alive with history.”
“I visited pubs frequented by Shakespeare, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien; colleges and libraries where some of the world’s most brilliant academicians and legal minds, including Blackstone, walked the halls, studied, and lectured; and of course, Harry Potter filming spots, including the Hogwarts dining hall at Christ Church.”
In addition, Zerkel, her classmates, and her professors toured the London court district including the Inns of Court, the Royal Courts (appellate courts), the Old Bailey (criminal courts), and Ede and Ravenscroft, the official wig and rove makers for British barristers and solicitors.
Zerkel is grateful for the assistance that she received from Dean Andrea Charlow as well as Drake’s Office of Student Financial Planning for helping make her dream a reality.
“Their efforts demonstrate Drake’s commitment to helping students accomplish their personal and professional goals, interest in providing avenues for students to pursue educational opportunities on an international level, and confidence that Drake students can succeed at the most prestigious academic institutions in the world.”