My name is Forest Wallace, and I am a 2L at UCLA School of Law and a John H. and Patricia W. Mitchell Achievement Fellow. I grew up in South Bend, Indiana, before attending Indiana University Bloomington (home of the reigning College Football National Champions). I double majored in Nonprofit Management & Leadership and Law & Public Policy. During my undergraduate career, I served as a teaching assistant for an introductory public policy course, as well as a student ambassador and engagement coordinator. At the same time, I worked for the Indiana University Foundation, where I learned skills in fundraising and development. I also completed my senior thesis on the impact of public universities on homelessness in surrounding communities.

I chose UCLA Law because of its beautiful campus, field-leading faculty, and the kindness I experienced from everyone I met during my visit. Since arriving, I have found my initial impressions to be true. Moving across the country after spending my entire life in Indiana was a significant leap of faith, but I was immediately welcomed by a cohort of genuine, hardworking classmates. I have also had the privilege of learning from brilliant professors who make clear that student development is both their passion and their highest priority.

I found it very easy to get involved at UCLA Law. I serve on the Student Advisory Board for the Promise Institute for Human Rights, co-chair the Incarcerated Persons Correspondence Project, serve on the Moot Court Honors Board, and work as a Writing Advisor. I am also a member of the Critical Race Studies Specialization.

As a first-generation law student, I was incredibly overwhelmed by the legal career landscape during my first semester. The Office of Career Services connected me with a staff member who helped me navigate my options and advised me on the best path forward. This past summer, I completed a judicial externship with the Honorable Rebecca R. Pallmeyer in the Northern District of Illinois. This upcoming summer, I will return to Chicago to work at Latham & Watkins.

Contact Forest at studentambassador5@law.ucla.edu.

For questions related to the application or admissions, you can email admissions@law.ucla.edu.