CU Law Profiles
Alumnus Profile

Teresa Taylor Tate

Class of 2006

Age

32

Hometown

Born in West Warwick, Rhode Island; Hometown is San Antonio, Texas

Family Status

Married

Undergraduate Institutions and Degrees

B.A. Austin College 1995

Hobbies, Sports, or Extracurricular Passions

Singing, acting, dancing, reading, yoga

What were you doing before you came to the University of Colorado Law School?

I had the privilege of being a stay at home mom for three years before coming back to school. I also taught for Kaplan Test Prep and was a preschool teacher. Before that, I worked for the Educational Testing Service (of SAT/GRE/GMAT fame) helping to redesign how the tests were developed and administered.

What is one interesting, fun, or offbeat thing you have done in your lifetime?

Right out of undergrad, I worked in London doing theatre for a time- ah, that was the life!.

Where do you live now (e.g., Boulder, Denver, etc.)?

Boulder, about 3 blocks from school

Why did you choose to live there?

I wanted to move between school and home often and easily. I would rather spend time with my family or studying than commuting. Also, I really enjoy the unique flavor of Boulder. I'm close enough to walk to school and Chautauqua.

What piece of advice would you give a student about moving to Boulder?

With a family it is a little more complicated. We came out during the spring to find a house. We looked for an entire weekend in Boulder and the surrounding area. When we found a place that was clean, within our meager budget and close to school we took it immediately. Also, we choose to move out in June to give the family some time to adjust and get through the move before tackling the big change of law school.

What do you like most about where you live?

Boulder is such a unique place. I love how outdoorsy and healthy the people are. The area is stunningly beautiful. We enjoy the easy access to Denver, too. Sometimes I look around at the mountains and cannot believe I live in such a beautiful place.

What do you like least about where you live?

I live on the hill so it can be pretty rowdy. Also, parking is a real problem in our neighborhood. Finally, I have to take my son to a different neighborhood each year to trick or treat at Halloween- I'm afraid the college kids would hand out beer!

Favorite Place To Eat Out in Boulder

The Walnut Brewery on Walnut Street

What piece of advice would you give a student about surviving being a 1L?

Try to relax and keep it all in perspective. Try not to let the grade pressure get to you; you will have a law degree in the end. Make friends and spend time with them that doesn't involve law school. Find an activity outside of school that you are committed to and spend time doing it each week. Your time is tight, but you can do it. I volunteered two hours a week at my son's preschool. It helped to keep things in perspective.

What piece of advice would you give a student about getting the most out of law school?

Read! Some will tell you to take a short cut by not reading or reading commercial briefs and outlines. I really believe the best way to learn this stuff is to struggle through it. Once we are out, we will have to be able to read a case and know how to use it- we may as well start now.

Also, remember what a privilege it is to have this opportunity. After spending the summer working in a law firm I realized law school is to be enjoyed. We have so much freedom and flexibility. Enjoy it.

What piece of advice would you give a 1L or 2L as they choose their 2L and 3L courses?

We will not learn all the substance we need to know in law school. Knowing that choose classes you are interested in taking. Don't choose based on what others say you must take or what is on the bar. Take advantage of this time to study things that you want.

Why did you want to go to law school in general?

I wanted to support my family with a career that would really challenge me. I think law (and a law degree) is diverse and flexible enough to keep me interested for a good long while.

What made you decide to come to the University of Colorado School of Law specifically?

I just love the feel of it. I look exclusively at school with small professor/student ratios and small student bodies. I visited all over the place, too. When I came here, it just felt right. I so appreciate the collegial environment this school fosters. I knew I could get really carried away in an ultra competitive environment. I feared that would set the stage for a similar career. Instead, I choose a school where I could engage in healthy competition with myself and be supported by my classmates. Finally, I could imagine living here in the future and practicing law in this area.

What do you like most about attending the University of Colorado School of Law?

I think we have top notch faculty here. They are so accomplished and diverse. They are so willing to take individual time with students. I feel really supported and encouraged.

What area of law do you want to practice, and why?

I am still undecided, but suspect I will litigate for awhile. What else is a former actor to do? Seriously, I enjoy the research and writing that comes with litigation. With that said, there are so many areas of law that I just do not know anything about- I'm really open.

What piece of advice would you give a prospective student about choosing a law school?

Go with the place that feels right. I really struggled between going with the best ranked school or going with the school I liked best. Ultimately, I decided CU was the school for me regardless of its rank.

Did you receive any financial aid, private loans, scholarships, or fellowships, and could you describe them?

I have received all sorts of assistance: scholarships, federal aid, work study, and grants.

What advice would you give a prospective student about how to get financial aid or how to understand the system?

First, apply early! Get all of your paperwork in ASAP. Second, communicate! Be sure to ask lots of questions, highlight anything unique in your circumstances, and let people know what you need. They will work with you if they are able.

What first year courses did you have?

Torts- Eid
Con. Law- Weiser
Civ. Pro.- Mueller
Contracts- Peppet
Crim Law- Pizzi
Legal Writing/Appellate Ad.- Hieny
Prop.- Collins

What second year courses have you taken?

Crim Pro- Reitz
ADR- Clymer
Evidence- Mueller
Wills & Trusts- Phillips
Foundations of Nat. Resources- Wilkinson
Legislation- Campos
Family Law- Huntington
Ethics- Hart

Why did you take the courses that you chose during your 2L and 3L years?

I have chosen a variety of classes to see what will spark my interest. After suffering through a class I truly detested last semester, I have given myself permission to take classes that interest me and trust I will learn the skill I need.

What was your favorite Law School class? Why?

I think my favorite law school class has been torts with Allison Eid. What wonderful stories! I will never forget the image of cells being "revivified" or exploding parcels. As a first semester, first year class, Eid hit just the right note to usher me into legal reasoning.

What student organizations have you been involved with at the Law School?

Vice President of Class of 2006
Women's Law Caucus- committee chair for WILD 2004
LLSA
NALSA
Tuition and Fees Committee Fall '03 - Fall '04
Colorado Law Review
Rothgerber Moot Court Competition