1901 Fund Helps USD Law Student Julianne Severson Pursue Passion for Law
Severson has always had an interest in law and enjoyed listening to Supreme Court oral arguments in her free time. After moving to Vermillion, the location and convenience of the law school tempted Severson to truly consider a future in law.
“I noticed the law school because it's on a main street. I drove by it, and I just couldn’t shake the interest that started growing,” said Severson. “At first, I thought I’d just take the LSAT and see how I would do. Then I visited to see if I liked it. Every step just seemed like a confirmation that it was the right choice.”
This feeling as well as a scholarship she was granted through the 1901 Fund brought Severson to the USD law school.
“My scholarships have made a huge difference in my law school experience,” Severson said. “I chose to attend law school at USD, in major part, because of the scholarships provided to me in addition to the excellent academics and supportive community. My scholarships have substantially eased the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus my time and energy on memorizing the legal rules and diligently reading the many assigned cases. As I begin to consider where I may work after law school, having received scholarships at USD allows me to prioritize what type of work would be most fulfilling instead of prioritizing which position would cover student loan payments.”
As a second-year student at the Knudson School of Law, Severson is active in several student-led organizations. She serves as president of the Federalist Society – following a year as first-year representative – and vice president of the Christian Legal Society. She participates in Moot Court Board and works as a research assistant to Associate Dean Shirley Mays and Dean Neil Fulton.
Severson’s many achievements include presenting oral argument before the South Dakota Supreme Court as a first-year student in the Sam Masten Moot Court competition, in which she placed second. “Even though I didn’t win, it was an amazing experience,” Severson said.
“I tell people that a unique opportunity that our law school provides is the ability to interact with the Supreme Court,” Severson continued. “They actually come here and hear oral arguments, and then classes are canceled so that students can attend and gain those experiences. Getting the opportunity to talk with them and interact with them at the reception is so cool. Every year they take time to be accessible to students.”
Severson held an internship at the Clay County State’s Attorney’s Office following her first year of law school and is set to complete an upcoming summer internship at Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP in Sioux Falls. While primarily interested in litigation, Severson remains open to other areas of law and aspires to secure a judicial clerkship after graduation.
Severson has three children and is active in her church.
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