Second Year Law Student Focuses on Political and Governmental Fields
November 2006
Despite spending a tremendous amount of time contemplating which type of law he would like to practice, Vance Aloupis is still unsure. One variable however has remained constant over the years; his love for politics. “As I have been focusing more and more on future jobs, I have come to realize that I would most enjoy a career working either for the government or as a political/government consultant. I would most like to be a public servant.”
Before starting law school, Vance had the opportunity to intern under Senator Olympia J. Snowe at the United States Senate in Washington, D.C. Some of his duties were: responding to constituent inquiries, corresponding with various federal agencies to resolve constituent complaints and conducting interviews on behalf of the Senator’s staff.
To gain more experience in the public service field, Vance interned last summer at Legal Services of Greater Miami. Vance served as an intern for the Homeless Project under several attorneys including a few UM Alumni. His responsibilities included performing intake at the downtown offices, preparing OTR (On the Record) memos for disability clients, meeting with clients at local area shelters and performing research for the LSGMI attorneys. “The best part of my internship was spending afternoons performing intake at the Community Partnership for the Homeless. I had the opportunity to work at both the Miami CPH and the Homestead CPH, alternating every other week. Being able to help individuals without asking for anything in return was the best part of my internship.” Many of Vance clients had issues with drugs and alcohol; some had very little education and had only recently received citizenship. “Understanding how to work and relate to each one of my clients was something that I had to learn as I went along.”
In 2005 Vance graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in Political Science. As an undergrad, Vance was very involved with many aspects of student life. “I began my involvement through my fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha, but quickly found the enjoyment of the many UM philanthropies. I was selected to be the director and UM founder of Up ‘til Dawn, a letter writing charity that raises money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.” Vance was also involved with Student Government and served as the Student Body President for the 2004-05 academic year and had the opportunity to serve as the Student Trustee on the UM Board of Trustees.
Vance chose UM School of Law because of the wonderful experience that he had as an undergrad. “I have always enjoyed South Florida and I knew that the University of Miami was the best place to be. Our campus offers so much more than simply academics and I have always been a huge believer in learning “outside” the classroom. The diversity and experience that the University of Miami offers is second to none.”
Some of Vance’s most enjoyable classes thus far include: Constitutional Law, Professional Responsibility, and Criminal Procedure. “What I have found so interesting about law school is that you can enjoy a class for two reasons: the subject matter or the professor. If you’re lucky, you’ll enjoy both. I have had several wonderful professors who have made their classes a true pleasure.”
One of Vance’s most memorable moments as a student at UM Law occurred in the first week of his 1L year. “It was my first time being a victim of the Socratic method and it was something that I had been fearing since I signed my acceptance to law school. Although a little nervous and a little confused, I was able to spit something out that seemed reasonable.”
Vance is currently involved with the UM Center for Ethics and Public Service – Street Law (Intern), is the project leader for Books and Buddies and is a UM Law Ambassador. When not busy with school Vance is planning his wedding, (his fiancée is a UM Hurricane) which will take place this summer.
