Bobby White

Why did you decide to get a J.D. degree and do it through an online program?
I had a full-time job and a home here in Huntington, West Virginia. Most of my friends and family are in this area, and the closest law school to me was at least a couple hours away. Being able to stay employed full-time so I could take care of my financial responsibilities, as well as maintaining close relationships with my friends and family were major pros to my decision to get my J.D. through an online program. The key for me choosing the University of Dayton was the unique hybrid experience itself. I have taken many online classes where you never even have synchronous class time with your professors and classmates. I liked the flexibility you get with online classes, but I've always felt that no real-time interactions with professors and classmates is a detriment to what you learn from the class. Having class time -- although virtual -- was very compelling for me. 

What was your experience like in the University of Dayton School of Law's Online J.D. Program?
My experience with the Hybrid J.D. program was very good. I think all our professors were very knowledgeable, able to help us understand complicated legal concepts, and invested in making sure we learned what we needed to pass the bar exam and start our legal careers. Even though I was not on campus, I found that most of our professors were very responsive to any questions or concerns that I had (via email or by setting up a virtual office hour meeting with them). I was also very excited that I was able to participate in the University's Moot Court team even though I was a hybrid student. Moot Court was a great experience that improved my research, writing and speaking skills. I would also be remiss not to mention how my cohort supported each other. Even though we only met in person every so often through the "Get Real" on campus sessions, we all got along and had great friendship dynamics. Overall, I am grateful that I had the opportunity to pursue my J.D. while being able to maintain my life as it was before I started law school.

How has your J.D. helped you in your career -- and what are you doing now?
After passing the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE), I have been working as an associate attorney at a firm here in Huntington, West Virginia. As of right now, my practice areas have been predominantly in medical malpractice, products liability, employment, and administrative agency law. I am also doing a little appellate work as well. I feel the quality of legal education I received from Dayton not only prepared me for the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) but readied me to start my career.