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Law & Justice senior to study Indigenous Peoples law at Oklahoma

Shows such as "Suits" and games like "Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney" tend to present an exciting portrayal of the legal profession, yet often overshadow the diverse array of specialties within the field. J.W. Norris, a senior majoring in law and justice, is set to graduate and pursue a career in Indigenous Peoples law, a field that, while less commonly highlighted, holds significant importance.

Norris will attend the University of Oklahoma to pursue his certification in American Indian Law, a profession commonly focusing on natural resources, criminal jurisdiction, gaming law and the Indian Child Welfare Act.

"It's definitely not something you hear about all the time since it isn't super common. I think my family thinks I'm a little crazy because that's what I talk about," said Norris. "I want to end up way out west in Dallas, Texas, and hopefully land a job in some type of litigation after."

Norris' journey to Auburn was anything but conventional. Initially set on a path to play collegiate golf, he had his sights on smaller schools scattered across Mississippi. However, after immersing himself in the campus and culture, Norris decided to follow his great-grandfather's legacy and attend Auburn. 

While still aiming to attend law school, Norris originally studied history. After completing more law-based coursework, Norris discovered his passion for Auburn's law and justice path. 

"I really like history, but only specific periods. When I got here, I took a couple of the law and justice classes like evidence and legal reasoning," said Norris. "I realized that was more of the path I wanted to take, more of the way of thinking I wanted to study. I wanted to be a part of that community."

In complement to his studies, Norris undertook multiple internships within district attorneys' offices and with Make-A-Wish Alabama. Leveraging connections with faculty members and resources from Career Services, he garnered valuable experience inside and outside the courtroom spanning corporate and nonprofit law.

"My first internship was with the District Attorney's Office in Mobile. If you're interested in going to law school, it's like what you think being an attorney will be. It was six weeks of sitting in jury trials. I also did stuff like type witness lists, listen to jail calls and make reports on them," said Norris. "I never planned on it, but I also got an internship with Make-A-Wish Alabama where ​​I got to work very closely with doctor's offices and families. Nonprofit is an area I'm interested in doing after law school."

Norris is also an executive board member of Pi Lambda Sigma, a student recruiter in the College of Liberal Arts and executive editor of The Law Review at Auburn University. Through his curriculum and expansive involvement, Norris emphasizes the significance of Auburn's expansive faculty and alumni support network. 

"Dr. Armstrong-Wright is the pre-law advisor and she's looked over every application material I sent to law schools, which was so helpful. All my professors have been great. They're all just so passionate," said Norris. "I've also met so many alumni and guests that have actually reached out and helped me. You're surrounded by so many resources. If there's anything you want to do, you can accomplish it at Auburn."

Learn more about Law & Justice in the College of Liberal Arts. 

Tags: Students Political Science Pre-Law Scholars