Royl Roberts (JD 11)

Tell me something special or interesting about your background before you went to law school.

I was the first person in my family to graduate college. I got my first job when I was 15, and I have worked ever since. I was interested in law school, but the university in my home town of San Antonio, Texas, did not offer a part-time law degree, so I decided on a part-time MBA. Upon graduation, I worked for seven years in the financial services industry. A promotion gave me the opportunity to transfer to San Francisco.

Why did you decide to go to law school?

I kept my interest in law after moving to San Francisco. I attended a moot court session at Golden Gate with local attorneys, and thought "wow!" I liked how GGU gave students access to observing and working with practicing attorneys. When I learned about the part-time evening program, I decided to go through with it.

Tell me something interesting about your law school experience?

I really enjoy the cultural diversity in San Francisco and at GGU. Law school opened my eyes in so many ways I didn't think possible. I find the legal field rewarding in that it allows you to disagree with someone, voice your opinion and have debates. As a TA, I enjoyed interacting with students and how they challenged me and I them.

I am the Vice-President of the Black Law Student Association, and a Peer Mentor for first-year evening students. As a Peer Mentor, I can share information beyond what is written in the Student Handbook, things I learned the "hard way." I had a mentor my first year, and although I didn't ask as many questions as I should have, it was nice. I have also been a Student Ambassador for the Law Admissions Office. In this role, I got to speak with prospective law students. It was very much like being a Peer Mentor, only this time they weren't yet admitted. Some of these jobs were paid, others weren't, but they were all rewarding beyond the financial benefit.

How do you find the time and energy to do all these things on top of your full-time day job and full course schedule in the evening?

My professors highlighted the role of attorneys in giving back to community, and how we are entering a service profession. I am grateful for what my family, friends, professors, academic advisors and academic development team have done for me. If it weren't for the help and encouragement of these people, I wouldn't be where I am today. What is your greatest source of motivation/support as you work toward your JD? My family. It's hard to pick one family member, as they are all important and support me in different ways. If I had to highlight someone, it would have to be my brother, who is blind. Despite his disability he has strived to be an entrepreneur and now owns his own marketing company. Considering his starting point and how hard he has to work, I know I am fortunate.

What job would you like after law school?

I would like to combine my backgrounds in business and law by helping underrepresented, small businesses operated by minorities or people with disabilities. Recently, I worked in my brother's company and observed how he, as a business owner with disabilities, faces unique challenges and lacks the resources available in larger companies.

What is your favorite thing to do when you are not at law school?

Ski and surf. I first tried skiing in high school during a trip to New Mexico. Since then, I have had the opportunity to ski in Aspen, Colorado and at Heavenly in Tahoe. I also enjoy surfing, which I first tried on a trip to Costa Rica before law school. I like traveling (I visited Sweden and the Netherlands last year) although I haven't traveled as much as I would like. Finally, I love listening to live music.

What message or advice do you have for your fellow law students?

"Hang in there!" On a more serious note, always be respectful and open to learning new things. I think this was easy for me when I first started at GGU, because I was older and had worked for a few years. As a TA and Peer Mentor, I've noticed that new students sometimes are sort of set in their ways. It is important to open your mind and allow yourself to analyze the situation, not just believe something you heard or read, but to question things and make up your own mind. In my first semester, the Dean gave a speech on the importance of being respectful and nice to our peers, as they represent our future colleagues and support network. I live by those words; be respectful, nice and open-minded. Ultimately, these qualities will help get you where you want to be professionally and in life.

Ingrid Stefano is the Program Coordinator for Law Student Services and a part-time MBA student. She enjoyed meeting Royl Roberts because he is an incredibly driven and accomplished individual, with great life experiences and perspectives to share with the GGU Law community. Additionally, he is a terrific person who also happens to share her interests in ski, surf and music.