By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
A love of TV crime shows drew Lauren Bolt to pre-law undergrad studies at Michigan State University.
“I liked that the attorneys always knew what to say,” she says. “Now, I know an abundance of research comes before the trial.”
With a minor in Law, Justice and Public Policy, and Spanish, Bolt earned her undergraduate degree in psychology, believing the unique mix of humanity and problem solving would stand her in good stead in a future legal career.
“Understanding different perspectives allows you to be a more compassionate person—and a compassionate person is much easier to talk to,” she says. “Compassion will help forge a bond between me and my clients.
“I also believe psychology helps me to think outside of the box when problem solving. I can find more solutions that help reach the answer from multiple angles. I can get a clearer picture of the overall goal that way, and come up with a concise and complete solution.”
Bolt served as a research assistant to the MSU Political Science Department, researching psychological influences in U.S. Supreme Court cases.
“I love my research,” she says. “I’ve learned so much about legal writing, such as the proper language use and tone. I also believe my research has humanized the legal system for me. I realized it’s less of a process, and more of a communication between attorneys, the law, and the interpreters. My research is something I’m really proud of, and sincerely hope it helps humanize the court for others.”
Bolt is now a 1L at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, where she appreciates the sense of community.
“It’s a pride point for the school, for good reason,” she says. “The faculty, staff, and students all work together to make sure nobody is left behind. It’s been difficult being online for the year, but Detroit Mercy Law has done an amazing job connecting everyone through discussion groups, both in and out of classes.”
Bolt was drawn to legal studies by her passion for learning.
“I love that in law, there is always a problem to solve,” she says. “I can continue to learn more about the law as it evolves through interpretations as well as new law through legislature.”
Although she is keeping her career options open, she currently is interested in family law, and working with children.
“I don’t want to limit myself or my career opportunities,” she says. “I just look forward to making a positive difference for my community by providing support to my clients.
“My goal overall is to make the legal system easier to navigate. I want to be a safe place for those who are struggling, including my colleagues.”
Bolt, who is looking forward to gaining first-hand experience in clinics and internships, says being Dean’s Fellow is “a blessing.”
“I truly feel so lucky to be so supported in my academic and legal career,” she says. “The program has opened so many doors in the way of networking and introducing me to the 2-and-3Ls I would not have otherwise met.”
She also has enjoyed networking in the Women’s Law Caucus, and looks forward to connecting with job opportunities after graduation.
Studying in the middle of a pandemic has been both easier and more difficult than she could have imagined, she says.
“I find it hard sometimes to stay focused, but on the other hand, it’s much easier to complete more work with fewer distractions. Overall, I miss in-person learning, but I want to do my part as best as I can to protect my community and stop the spread of COVID-19.”
A native of Farmington Hills, Bolt now makes her home in Rochester Hills, and enjoys spending time in the Motor City.
“My favorite part of Detroit is the character the city holds—I’ve never seen a city so rich in history, and so rich in diverse stories,” she says. “I have fond memories of visiting the city with my parents and friends, spending time at sports games or just walking along the river. I’m looking forward to further exploration, when possible to do so safely.”
In her limited free time, Bolt likes to read, paint, run, travel, and spend time with family and friends.
“I’m very family-focused,” she says. “I’m lucky to have two incredible parents, and two supportive step-parents. I’d do just about anything for my siblings, as well.”
She also has happy memories of volunteering during her MSU undergrad years in the outreach program Science Theatre—an educational program focused on science for schools cross the state, including the Upper Peninsula.
“I was a very proud member for two years, and the assistant public relations director for one year,” she says. “It was an incredible opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone and present in front of hundreds of kids. I loved the opportunity to meet students from all parts of the state, to hear their stories, and show them science and education are a lot of fun.
“One story that always sticks with me is when a little girl came up to me and asked about being a girl in science. It’s under-represented in media, so I was—and will always be—proud to represent women in science.”
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