As the newest president of OUTLaw, Brooke Ledford, ’25, aims to pursue the group’s mission of creating a welcoming environment for LGBTQA+ law students while educating the Nebraska community on LGBTQA+ issues in the law.
One of Ledford's most impactful experiences early on in law school was building relationships with other OUTLaw members. This connection helped her find a sense of belonging and a source of support at the College.
“Everyone in OUTLaw showed compassion,” she said. “They were instrumental in helping me be comfortable with things and coming out.”
In looking for an opportunity to be more actively involved, Ledford sought a leadership role in the group. In this position, she hopes to continue to foster this community and broaden outreach and education efforts.
As well as her role in OUTLaw, Ledford is the current secretary of the American Constitution Society. Making these commitments, she said, has allowed her to have a balanced, fulfilling law school experience. Her best advice to others wanting to get more involved on campus is to take action.
“I was always on the outside looking in on a lot of these things,” she said. “You have to be willing to ask questions, attend events, make connections, and put yourself out there.”
Ledford wasn’t always set on going to law school. After completing her master’s in philosophy, she was looking for a career in which she could make an impact. Her experiences at Nebraska Law fostered a passion for public interest, which led her to the ACLU of Nebraska.
“I’m very invested in giving back to my community as much as I can, and I’m working on things that are near and dear to my heart,” she said.
Her work there as a law clerk has strengthened her desire to find a policy-oriented or impact litigation-focused position following graduation.
"I just want to try to improve the lives of as many people as I can," she said.
