Meet the Class of 2027: Incoming 1L CC Rowe ’27

CC Rowe ’27 describes herself as a “non-trad student through-and-through” having earned an associate’s degree at 29, a bachelor’s at 37, and now starting law school at 48. She’s coming to the Twin Cities from the city that has “held her soul” for decades: Austin, Texas. There, she was a triathlon and running coach for many years until a series of injuries and illnesses. But she’s now recovered to the point that she’s registered for the Twin Cities Marathon Ultra Loony Challenge where she’ll run a 5K, 10K, and marathon this October. Coming to the Law School, she looks forward to “stretching her brain” with her law-practice interest, likely focusing on disability rights and accessibility law as she’s an American Sign Language interpreter. “I have witnessed the struggles of those who require accommodations daily. I wish to help dismantle those systemic barriers that people with disabilities experience.”

We’d love to learn a little bit about you. Can you share a bit about yourself? 

I grew up in New Mexico, but spent the last 28 years in Austin, Texas. I never intended to stay in Texas, but the city held my soul for decades. I am a non-trad student through and through: received my associate’s degree from Austin Community College at 29, my bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin at 37, and will be starting law school at 48. I am trilingual, fluent in English and American Sign Language, and conversationally proficient in Spanish.

What did you do before you came to the University of Minnesota Law School?

I have been an American Sign Language interpreter for nearly 20 years and look forward to working with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities in a different capacity. On top of being an interpreter, I was a triathlon and running coach for many years as well as a competitive triathlete from 2014 to 2018. I retired from triathlon in 2019 and started ultramarathoning until a series of catastrophic injuries and illnesses led me down three years of recovery. I am finally able to run again and am training for the Twin Cities Marathon Ultra Loony challenge, which is a 5k, a 10k, and a marathon all in one weekend. I’ve had to reframe my physical abilities and my expectations over the last 3 years, but am thoroughly enjoying being physically active again! 

We’re so glad you’re here. Can you tell us why you chose Minnesota Law?

It was the #admittens, of course! But seriously — there were so many facets to the decision to attend this school! Minnesota Law’s reputation as a world-class institution, the caliber of education the school offers, and its dedication to experiential learning were the biggest ticks in the “pro-Minnesota Law” column. It also didn’t hurt that my husband and I were already in love with the Twin Cities!

What are you looking forward to the most about starting law school?

I am a giant nerd. I love learning! I am looking forward to the opportunity to stretch my brain and strive to see the world in a new and more nuanced manner. I thrive in an environment where I am challenged mentally, and I believe that law school will provide the perfect environment to grow and learn.

Minnesota Law strives to embody a culture of equity, inclusiveness, and belonging in the classroom and our community. In your opinion, what are some of the most important aspects of creating a culture where all students feel like they belong?

Fostering a community where students can authentically show up allows everyone to build connections with their peers and instructors. Students who feel such a connection are more likely to engage with the coursework, to share their opinions and perspectives in class, and to be more persistent in their learning. This creates a richer learning experience for everyone involved. I know that I will not learn much from my own experiences alone; but being exposed to others’ life knowledge always helps to broaden my understanding of the world.

Are you interested in practicing in a certain area of the law? Which one and why?

My instinct says I will likely go down a human rights path with a focus on disability rights and accessibility law. Another option I am contemplating is becoming a general practitioner in either civil or criminal law and working directly with people who use Sign Language as a primary mode of communication. Through my interpreting work, I have witnessed the struggles those who require accommodations encounter daily. I wish to help dismantle those systemic barriers that people with disabilities experience.

Do you have a hobby or special interests? And/or what do you like to do during your free time?

As I stated above, I am an avid — albeit slow — runner. Another passion of mine is cooking and hosting small dinner parties. I love spending time designing meals that have well-balanced flavors and sharing the dinner table with friends and family. I also love to play board games with my husband (as well as anyone else who wants to play) as long as I win.

Who inspires you and why?

People who strive to better the communities they are involved in inspire me. I firmly believe the adage “we all do better when we all do better,” and those who help others “do better” are the changemakers we need. Without changemakers, we’d still be in the Stone Age! It took a changemaker to craft the first metal tool which led to the Bronze Age.

What’s the most recent book or podcast you’ve read or listened to?

I just started listening to “Wiser Than Me” with Julia Louis Dreyfus and oh WOW what a phenomenal podcast! She interviews women who are over 70, and through beautifully crafted open-ended questions, draws out life advice and perspectives from them. I finished the first of two seasons and have loved having access to insight of women who are so much wiser than me!

Finally, what or who, in your opinion, makes a good lawyer?

I believe that it takes someone who is able to analyze the world from multiple perspectives to be a good lawyer. Many professions require attending to an issue from a narrow scope. The law, however, benefits from the ability to “zoom out” and consider many different approaches to an issue or problem. I also believe that a good lawyer demonstrates empathy and compassion, no matter the field of law one practices.