Growing up on his family’s farm in the Texas Panhandle, Wyatt Harlan developed a deep passion for the agricultural industry and the people who face the challenge of feeding and clothing a growing population. As his involvement in the farm grew, he realized the integral role law plays on the family farm. “From regulatory compliance to contract construction, a lawyer who understands the unique legal landscape of the agricultural industry and the emotions which are inevitably tied to land stewardship makes all the difference in the vitality of a farm,” said Wyatt. “I wanted to go to law school to be that difference, not only for my own family’s farm, but for the industry and my community alike.”
Wyatt was drawn to Drake Law because of the outstanding reputation of the Agricultural Law program and Drake’s practical, hands-on approach to legal training. However, knowing that he wanted to practice in Texas after graduation, he was hesitant to apply to a law school in the Midwest. That is until he realized that one of the top attorneys in his hometown is a Drake Law alumna and reached out to learn more about her experiences. “She graciously shared her own experience of how Drake Law’s extensive network and hands-on approach prepared her for a successful legal career in Texas,” said Wyatt. “That meeting helped ease my nerves. I knew that if Drake Law produces alumni who are willing to selflessly sit down and help a stranger looking for some guidance, it was certainly the school for me.”
This summer, Wyatt is back in Texas as a law clerk at Brady & Hamilton, LLP, an agriculture and energy law firm in Lubbock, conducting legal research, preparing court documents, drafting memos and client letters, and more. “The legal writing and legal research courses at Drake Law prepared me to research effectively in order to save time and communicate clearly and accurately, whether I am drafting a client letter, memo, or email,” said Wyatt. “Additionally, my Property course gave me a foundational and functional understanding of property law which has laid the groundwork for more advanced knowledge about mineral rights and interests, partition, eminent domain, and estates. I am grateful to have a strong foundation in these practice skill areas which help me every day.”
In addition to subject matter and practice skill development, Wyatt is learning important lessons in professionalism. “I am fortunate to be clerking at Brady & Hamilton this summer because I can learn from truly brilliant attorneys who are not only experts in their field but are genuinely passionate about representing their client’s interests. Although I am learning about agricultural and property law in Texas, I am also learning what it means to practice law with integrity, the importance of hard work and honesty, and that it is okay to not know all the answers right away.”
Wyatt will return as a 2L this fall with new skills and experiences that will enrich his overall Drake Law experience, and confident that he made the right decision to attend Drake Law School.