Meet the Class of 2027: Lizzie Harrop ’27

Lizzie Harrop ’27 says her family has been her inspiration. She’s lived in several countries with each bringing cultural challenges and her family has always handled change with “grace, humility, and a willingness to learn.” She moved to the U.S. and graduated from the University of North Carolina with a major in international studies and has worked as a district attorney’s assistant and as a budget analyst for the FBI. She was drawn to Minnesota Law by its “balance to a commitment to excellence with a collaborative, hands-on environment free of an overly competitive spirit.” She plans on taking advantage of its location as well, “I love being active — whether it’s a hike, run, working out, or just a walk around the neighborhood — I’m in.”

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

I grew up in the small town of Kandern, Germany, near the borders of France and Switzerland. I moved to the U.S. for college and graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2019. I majored in International Studies with a concentration in the Middle East, and minored in French and Psychology.

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

Directly after my college graduation in 2019, I spent a year and a half working as a legal assistant for the Brunswick County District Attorney’s Office in Bolivia, North Carolina. I spent the last three and a half years working as a budget analyst for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Huntsville, Alabama.

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

I was drawn in by the culture of the school, which balances a commitment to excellence with a collaborative, hands-on environment free of an overly competitive spirit. The experiential learning opportunities for 1L students highlight Minnesota Law’s desire to have everyone involved in the areas they are passionate about from day one.

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

I’m excited to make friends who share the same desire to learn about the law and grow from the challenges of law school. I’m also looking forward to lightbulb moments when a difficult topic finally clicks in my mind.

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?

One of the most important parts of creating an accepting culture is being open to ideas that are different from yours. When you hear an idea you initially disagree with or hadn’t considered, listening to that person’s perspective and asking follow-up questions to understand what they mean can help both to include that person’s values, but also to expand yours.

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

I want to work in criminal defense, with the eventual goal of fighting wrongful convictions and implementing policies that work against further unfair treatment. Advocating for someone is a high honor and the ability to help someone understand the law and navigate the complex legal system is much needed.

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

I love being active — whether it’s a hike, run, working out, or just a walk around the neighborhood, I’m in. I’ve started going on backpacking trips and am looking forward to taking breaks from school by exploring different areas to hike and camp.

Who inspires you and why?

My family. We’ve lived in several different countries, each bringing their own cultural challenges and nuances to learn. They have always handled each change with grace, humility, and a willingness to learn. Watching them take on those situations is a reminder I’m capable of doing the same with any difficulties I encounter.

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

Any true crime podcast or book with a good plot twist is my favorite. My most recent read, however, was a reread of Pride and Prejudice — I think Jane Austen is under-appreciated for her humor.

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

A good lawyer is someone who can see beyond their own perspectives and experiences while holding true to their beliefs. It’s important to balance hard work and tenacity with empathy for those involved, who are dealing with sensitive and often life-changing events.