Following in the footsteps of your family members is no uncommon when it comes to a profession. In many instances, that’s how interest in a field begins.
“Growing up around the legal profession definitely increased my knowledge of the field and sparked my interest in a legal career,” said Mary Anna Brand, a 2023 graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law. “My dad’s work stories may have bored my mom and brothers, but I always loved talking to him about his day at the office when I was a kid.”
Brand, whose father Walter J. Brand graduated from UM Law in 1987, said she always thought the legal profession was fascinating, but didn’t decide on it firmly as a career choice until her freshman year of college.
“I really appreciated the fact that my Dad didn’t pressure me into the legal field and let me figure out my path on my own,” she said. “I started undergrad as a nursing major, even though I am terrible at math and science. When I told my parents that I changed my mind and wanted to go to law school, my dad let out a sigh of relief and said he was glad I finally realized it.”
Brand’s interest in law school began in high school, where her dad was the coach of her mock trial team.
“It was a really awesome experience, learning courtroom basics from him and getting a small glimpse into what his job was actually like,” she said. “I don’t think I realized it at the time, but it formed a really strong bond between us.
“We used to sit at our dining room table and review the rules of evidence for hours at a time preparing for competition, which is one of my favorite memories from high school. It was really special to me to share his passion for the profession at the time, and it just so happened that many of my strengths fit really well with the legal profession.”
Brand’s grandfather, Jack W. Brand, graduated from UM Law in 1960, so the passion for the legal profession ran through multiple generations of her family. But not only did Brand continue her family’s lawyering legacy. She is a third generation Editor-in-Chief of the Mississippi Law Journal. Brand served as the leader of the MLJ from 2022-23, while her father held the title in 1986-87, and her grandfather in 1969-60.
“I’ve always enjoyed writing, and I think it is one of my greatest strengths. To me, being a great writer also requires strong editing skills, so I wanted to join MLJ to continue improving the same, especially since the skills and habits I’ve formed will help me be a better attorney,” she said. “I also thought it was a great opportunity to contribute, however small, to our state’s legal landscape and the rich history of sound jurisprudence that the Mississippi Law Journal has developed for nearly a century.”
Brand led the publication of Volume 92 of the MLJ. But she said the law journal is much more than writing and editing articles.
“You are constantly improving transferable skills such as effective communication, efficiency, problem solving, and attention to detail,” she said. “In doing so, you are staying up to date on the law, constantly learning, and developing connections with your peers, law school faculty, and authors across the country.
And becoming Editor-in-Chief of a law journal isn’t easy. Typically, an EIC will have served on the journal in some capacity as staff in their second year of law school, and the EIC is elected by members of the journal. Additionally, journal editors devote a large time commitment to the journal, legal writing, and citations.
“I really enjoy leading, and I always have. As such, running for EIC was a no brainer for me, regardless of my family’s history,” she said. “It has been the most challenging and rewarding position I’ve held to date, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. But, sharing this with my dad and grandfather really means the world to me. It has been a special year for our family, and I am proud to carry on their legacies. It has been a privilege to lead in their honor, and I am so grateful for my classmates who have made it such a great experience.”
When Brand decided to pursue law school, her father discussed the importance of the MLJ with her.
“We felt it would provide a critical component of training in the development of every lawyer – the ability to accomplish difficult tasks well, on time, and under pressure,” said Walter Brand. “We are, of course, delighted that Mary Anna became a Journal member and that she worked to become a part of the editorial board. It means a great deal to our entire family. We are very proud of her.”
During Brand’s time in law school, she was also a member of Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Society and Phi Kappa Phi Multidisciplinary Honor Society. After graduation, Brand is moving to Mobile, Alabama to begin working for Maynard Nexsen in their Labor and Employment practice group, and she will sit for the Florida Bar Exam in July and the Alabama Bar Exam in February 2024.