"Got a Minute?" with Kate Lowry, 3L

Welcome to the second season of UW 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 Kate Lowry, a third-year J.D. student.

UW Law: Are you from Seattle, and if not, where?

Kate Lowry (KL): Nope, I've been here for a long time, but I actually grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

UW Law: What’s one interesting fact about where you're from?

KL: It's called the Land of Enchantment for good reason, and green chili really is life.

UW Law: Where did you earn your undergraduate degree?

KL: Washington State University.

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

KL: Yes, about 10 years. I worked a lot of service industry jobs, and then I ended up in the legal field for about eight years before I decided to actually do the full law school thing.

UW Law: Why did you decide to go to law school?

KL: Because I wanted to do more.

UW Law: What's one thing every law student should do while in law school?

KL: Read things for fun that aren't textbooks.

UW Law: What's one interesting thing you've learned recently in a class?

KL: Very specific, but the Canadians view their trust responsibility to their Tribes very differently than how it works in the U.S.

UW Law: If you could come up with a new class at UW Law, what would it be?

KL: Understanding how better to communicate with clients.

UW Law: How many justices made up the first Supreme Court?

KL: I should know this because it's John Marshall. I want to say five.

UW Law: Close — six. What was the name of UW Law's first dean? I'll give you a hint: his name is somewhere on the main floor.

KL: Condon. I was literally reading something about this the other day.

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

KL: I'm focusing mostly on environmental, natural resources and Native American and Tribal law. So, ideally something there with the ability to, sort of, dabble in the rest.

UW Law: In 30 seconds, list as many UW Law professors as you can.

KL: Professor Mills, Professor Porter, Professor Manheim, Professor Feldman, Professor Eberhard, Professor Price — or Dean Price, depending on which hat he's wearing — Professor Ziff, Professor Calo, Professor Calandrillo. I'm going to get in trouble for forgetting someone. Professor Halasz.

UW Law: 10! Nicely done. Do you have any fun plans for spring break?

KL: Unfortunately, it might be studying for the bar.

UW Law: What's the address of William H. Gates Hall?

KL: You know what? I have no idea. I don't need to know the address to get here.

UW Law: It’s 4293 Memorial Way NE, Seattle, WA 98195. What's one myth about law school that you've discovered to be untrue?

KL: I think you do need to do your own outlines.

UW Law: Which law school is the oldest in the United States? I’ll give a hint: it’s not an Ivy League school.

KL: Is it somewhere in Florida?

UW Law: No, William and Mary. What's been your favorite class so far, and why?

KL: I would say the clear winner is Indian law. Mills is a fantastic professor — very engaging — and it opened my eyes to a lot of things I had no idea about, and it significantly changed some elements of my plans to practice.

UW Law: If you weren't pursuing a law degree, what would you be doing instead?

KL: Maintaining my own little sustainable hobby farm.

UW Law: Is there anyone you would like to give a shoutout to?

KL: All the professors who have taught me everything.

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

KL: I'm the youngest child and have two older brothers.