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Welcome to the second season of �鶹���� Law’s “Got a Minute?” series. Like last year, we’ll find students throughout William H. Gates Hall and ask them 20 questions about their law school experience, a bit about themselves and occasionally drop in a pop quiz or two.

This week, we’re featuring Jourdan Boutte, a first-year J.D. student.

�鶹���� Law: Are you originally from Seattle, and if not, where?

Jourdan Boutte (JB): No, I'm originally from Virginia — close to Quantico.

�鶹���� Law: Where did you earn your undergraduate degree?

JB: University of Virginia.

�鶹���� Law: Did you take time off between undergrad and law school?

JB: Yes, I graduated in 2019 and was a fourth-grade teacher for a year. Then I joined the military, and I'm currently in the army.

�鶹���� Law: Without looking, how many glass structures are in the courtyard?

JB: Isn't there, like, three?

�鶹���� Law: There's four. What has surprised you the most about law school?

JB: I thought it would be a lot more cutthroat, but it's been more collaborative than I thought, and that's nice.

�鶹���� Law: That's great to hear. What do you do when you need a break from studying?

JB: I like to read fiction. I'm reading The Master and Margarita right now; it’s a Russian novel. It’s about a devil coming to Moscow and causing havoc and encountering people who don't believe in God and so they don't believe in the devil.

�鶹���� Law: What's one thing that every visitor to Seattle should go see or do?

JB: I've only been here for five months, but the first place I went to was Pike Place Market. That was really cool. I rode the Ferris wheel as well, but I haven't gotten out to any of the islands yet, but I'm really looking forward to that. But Pike Place Market was the first place I went.

�鶹���� Law: If you could come up with any new class at �鶹���� Law, what would it be?

JB: I don't know if this already exists, but I think it would be interesting if there was a class where it's more about your approach to people and you learn how to switch your strategies depending on who you're in front of and what you're doing. Because as much as we'd like to say that the law is fair, whenever people are involved, there's going to be biases. I’d call it “The Art of Argument.”

�鶹���� Law: What year was the Supreme Court established?

JB: 1789?

�鶹���� Law: Correct! How did your first cold call go?

JB: It was torts, and I think it went well — I knew the answer. It definitely wasn't a “How to Get Away with Murder” kind of cold call. I didn't have to stand up, and it didn't feel like she wanted me to fail; it was the opposite. It just kind of felt like being called on in class.

�鶹���� Law: Do you have any secret talents?

JB: Well, I think I'm a pretty good cook. But it's a secret because the presentation is really bad, but it tastes good.

�鶹���� Law: What area of law would you like to pursue after you receive your J.D.?

JB: When I first wanted to become a lawyer, I was watching “Suits” and was like, okay, corporate law would be cool. But then after being in the military, I think my focus has shifted to helping my fellow soldiers — but then I also really like contracts. I'm trying to keep an open mind, but I know I want to help people.

�鶹���� Law: What score did Elle Woods get on the LSAT in the movie “Legally Blonde”?

JB: 178?

�鶹���� Law: Close — 179. What's the address of William H. Gates Hall?

JB: Something Memorial Way?

�鶹���� Law: You’re on the right track — 4293 Memorial Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98195. What's one myth about law school that you've discovered to be untrue while being a law student?

JB: Before I came here, a lot of people were saying that it's like high school in terms of drama. I guess because it's small, or something. I haven't encountered that.

�鶹���� Law: What’s the biggest difference between law school and undergrad?

JB: As an undergrad, it felt like the best of both worlds where I had the freedom of being an adult, without the pressures of being an adult because my parents were taking care of me. And so, it felt more like if I skip this class or if I do this, it doesn't really matter. Whereas here, this is what I want. This is what I'm paying for. This is my job and I’m more focused.

�鶹���� Law: Which professors are listed first and last alphabetically in the �鶹���� Law online directory?

JB: Boxx and Ziff?

�鶹���� Law: Ziff is correct, but Ambrose is the first. What's your favorite memory from law school so far?

JB: I really like when discussions are laser-focused on a specific point, and then people start bringing up different things. For example, the other day in civ pro we were talking about standing in a certain case and we were using all these hypotheticals. I was just sitting back and was like, oh, I didn't think about that.

�鶹���� Law: Name one lawyer who inspires you and why.

JB: I'd have to say Thurgood Marshall — very inspiring. And someone who I met in the army, my mentor Colonel Timothy Hayes. He was very helpful in getting me through this process and encouraging me. I read a couple of his articles and opinions after I was introduced to him and he’s a great legal mind, but he's still very approachable and he stays humble. I think that's important to remember.

�鶹���� Law: What's one interesting thing about you that people may not know?

JB: In middle school, I was a calligrapher. I learned a specific alphabet and entered a contest. I won the state level for it and my parents still have it framed in their house.