Sky Ha Nul Park (J.D. '23) is used to being first. Born to immigrant parents from South Korea, a first-generation college graduate, and now the first in her family to earn a graduate degree, Park began her academic career studying political science at the University of Georgia. A law degree, however, wasn’t her first plan. Park’s interest in law was sparked by participating in the Georgia Legislative Internship program during her last semester at UGA, and the experience was pivotal.
Initially pursuing a career in public policy, Park became an intern in the Senate Appropriations Office where she interacted daily with the many skilled attorneys who work at the Georgia State Capitol. Impressed by their ability to analyze and interpret the law, her exposure ignited a passion for legal studies, leading her to a decision she hadn't initially considered—law school.
" Truthfully, I had no intention to go to law school. I always wanted to work in public policy,” she said.
Like many law students entering their first year, Park initially struggled with imposter syndrome, a nagging feeling of self-doubt that she wouldn’t be smart enough to measure up against her peers. Regardless Park rose to the challenge, putting herself in uncomfortable situations where she grew academically and gained confidence.
Park soon found a supportive community at Georgia State Law, her first and only choice to pursue a legal education. The unique flexibility for part-time students and its location in the heart of Atlanta drove her decision, and the program allowed her to balance her studies while working at the Capitol.
"Georgia State Law was a great place for me that provided me with a community of encouraging peers and supportive faculty and staff," Park said.
Along with the hallmarks of flexibility inherent in the program, Park praises the faculty’s attention to academic rigor for both full-time and part-time students.
"I appreciate that because we deserve the same amount of rigor as the full-time students. Part-time students have so much perspective from their experiences either in the workforce or otherwise," Park said, emphasizing the value of inclusivity in legal education.
Attending classes in the heart of Atlanta while immersed in the legislative process just down the street, Park experienced the real-world impact of the law on policy-making. Over time, her legal training became a valuable asset on the job. Working as a legislative assistant to Senator Brian Strickland and Senator Kay Kirkpatrick, she contributed her growing expertise and skill at legal writing to legislators from various professional backgrounds, helping them interpret and understand the bills they were signing into law.
Here, she also built a strong network of fellow alumni who share her same passions. "There are so many graduates of Georgia State Law that work under the Gold Dome: legislative staff, lobbyists, and even legislators. I was always connected to the extensive alumni network that lit the path for me to get to where I am today," she said.
Sky Ha Nul Park (J.D. '23) celebrates with her family and friends after the College of Law’s December Commencement and Hooding Ceremony.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Park was also involved in multiple student organizations at the College of Law. Combining her love of policy with her role as Vice President of the Student Bar Association (SBA), she organized annual opportunities for law students to introduce them to the world of state politics. “As the closest law school to the Capitol, I believe it is important that we have a presence there,” she explained.
SBA also taught Park the importance of advocacy as a representative for her fellow students. As a part-time student, she recognized the significance of ensuring that the unique needs of part-time programs were visible, shedding light on the differences in course offerings between full-time and part-time programs. “I was so happy to represent my classmates and have their trust to be an advocate for them,” she said proudly.
Not only did she earn the trust of her classmates, College of Law faculty also praised her involvement and dedication to service. “Sky has been such a valuable member of our community. She brought a unique perspective and background to her work in SBA from her professional experiences at the Capitol, and she used those skills to advocate for her fellow classmates. I have no doubt she will continue making a difference through valuable contributions to the community and Georgia State Law Alumni family,” said Tameka Lester, Associate Dean for Student Success Programs & Strategic Enrollment Management.
Park’s involvement also extended to the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA), where she found a platform to represent her community and foster diversity in the legal profession. Her commitment to encouraging minority students to pursue legal careers is evident in her role as a volunteer for the Gate City Bar Association’s Justice Robert Benham Law Camp. The camp is hosted by the College of Law each summer, and it is designed to expose high-school students of color in the Atlanta area to the practice of law.
"I was a Law Student Mentor for that program, and it was an incredible opportunity to encourage minority students to enter the legal profession," Sky shared, emphasizing the importance of early outreach and mentorship in diversifying the legal field.
Honing her leadership and advocacy skills through these organizations set the stage for the next chapter in her career. Newly hired as the director of legal affairs for the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Park is poised to make a significant impact in communities across the state of Georgia through a focus on public safety and the judiciary.
As Park continues to forge her path in policy and law, she remains dedicated to breaking down barriers, encouraging diversity, and serving as a beacon for future generations of legal professionals. “I hope to continue to open the door just a little bit wider for other Georgia State Law students who want to work in public policy,” she said.