Kira Slevin
Using everything at her disposal as a Georgia State student, from her political science coursework to her participation in student groups like Mock Trial, Kira Slevin is equipping herself with the skills she’ll need to succeed in law school and beyond. As an attorney in the making, she hopes to work for positive change in the criminal justice system.
Interview by Zohra Basmadjian
Tell me a bit about yourself and why you chose Georgia State.
I am a first-generation American. I was born and raised in Atlanta, and I am a junior majoring in political science with a concentration in pre-law and a minor in sociology. I am also in the Honors College.
I chose GSU because of the internship opportunities, the scholarships it offered and the diversity — all of which are important to me when applying to schools.
How did you choose to major in political science?
I plan to go to law school, and I wanted to have a major that would prepare me with the skills I’ll need. I find our government interesting, specifically how our judicial system works and how we make laws.
What kind of law are you interested in practicing?
My dream is to go into public interest law and become an impact litigator, handling cases involving systemic issues that can affect many lives.
Currently, I’m working for Reclaiming Our Options Together (ROOT) Legal with impact litigators who are trying to bring forth test cases involving peaceful protests. Working for them kind of solidified what I wanted to do. I want to pursue a career where I can help people and create social change within our legal system.
How has GSU prepared you for success?
GSU helped me come out of my shell. In high school, I was quiet and reserved but when I came to GSU, I joined Mock Trial. Through the association, you do a lot of public speaking, thinking critically and on your feet, and that’s something that’s helped me. Now I am even the vice president for the association! Further down the line, when I apply to law school and start my career, I think those skills will help me succeed.
I was also on the founding executive board of the Filipino Student Association at Georgia State, which was a great experience that helped me understand how to form a club and be more culturally inclusive.
Who inspires you the most?
My family. I come from a family of immigrants, and growing up, they gave me the best childhood that I could have asked for. My parents are my No. 1 supporters. Anytime I get an internship opportunity or succeed in my academics, they’re always there to support me and push me to do my best.
What are some of your goals?
My short-term goals would be to finish up my undergraduate degree and work as a legal assistant after I graduate.
My long-term goals are to get into law school and get good work opportunities there. After that, I hope to become an impact litigator.
In what way do you hope to impact the world?
Bring about change within our legal system — especially the criminal justice system. I hope that one day I can bring forward cases where we can make our criminal justice system more fair, less biased and more equitable.
What advice do you have for Georgia State students?
Put yourself out there. When I came to Georgia State, I told myself I’m going to try the things that I want to do, even if it might seem impossible at first.
I had many new experiences and met many people because I forced myself to put myself out there. You never know what’s going to come your way.
