Joshua Maddox wants to bring positive changes to his community, and this desire led him to study law. He believes the UConn Law School was a great fit partly due to the student-to-professor ratio, but also because it was close enough to easily visit home. Throughout his time at UConn Law, Joshua says he worked with incredible teachers and mentors to refine his advocacy skills, which he plans to put to good use both inside and outside of court.
Why did you choose UConn?
I chose UConn because the law school has an amazing student-to-professor ratio. I also believed the small class and campus size would allow me to develop close relationships with many of my peers, which it did. Additionally, being from New York, UConn allowed me to stay close enough to my family to be able to travel home occasionally.
What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it?
I am a student at the law school in Hartford. I was drawn to the law because I want to have the ability to effect positive change for my community.
Did you have a favorite professor or class?
I have had many favorite professors during my time in law school. Professor Nadiyah J. Humber taught me property and Race and the American Legal System. She did an amazing job teaching both classes, which in my eyes are foundational legal topics. Additionally, my clinic professors, Jennifer Bourn and Erica Barber, have been incredible teachers and mentors.
What activities were you involved in as a student?
I was involved in the Northeast Black Law Students Association, the UConn Black Law Students Association, the Student Bar Association, the UConn Law Basketball Club, the Moot Court Society, the Mock Trial Society, the Negotiation and Dispute Resolution Society, the Connecticut International Law Journal, and the International Refugee Assistance Program.
What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
Again, the size of the campus and the beauty of the campus really surprised me. I was not expecting to be able to know by name so many of my peers.
What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?
After graduation I will be clerking for the Connecticut Appellate Court for the honorable Judge Dawne G. Westbrook.
How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?
UConn has set me up with a job for after graduation and lifetime of connections. Additionally, through my participation on the competition teams, the school has allowed me to develop my oral advocacy skills, which I plan to use heavily in the future.
Any advice for incoming students?
Don’t be afraid to say yes or no. School is the time to put yourself in uncomfortable situations so that you can grow as a scholar and a person. At the same time, be cognizant of how much you can effectively handle. Also, stay humble and be comfortable with the fact that you may never know as much as you think you do. Take that as an opportunity to learn from the wisdom that others have to offer.
What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?
Everyone should go to a basketball game. This is something I regret not doing, especially with our back-to-back wins.
What will always make you think of UConn?
Anytime I advocate in court or outside of it, I will always think of the skills that I gained and the friends I’ve made while competing at the school and on behalf of the school.
