Meet the Class of 2027: Krista Colbert ’27

Krista Colbert ’27 credits her Cherokee Indian heritage as a factor in steering her towards Minnesota Law: “Encouraging dialogue among people with diverse backgrounds and experiences, while also ensuring that everyone feels heard and respected, is crucial in building a truly inclusive community.” This appreciation for an environment of awareness was nurtured while growing up in New Jersey and being homeschooled. It continued at Furman University where she balanced her academics with her love for ballet, acrobatics, and choreography. She was able to travel throughout Europe last year while studying in Scotland and working for a nonprofit. An interest in international work may affect her law specialization, “I’m inclined towards transactional law because it’s versatile and can be applied in different countries.”

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

I am from Sicklerville, New Jersey (South Jersey), and just graduated from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. Being homeschooled most of my life, I have always had a passion for learning, which led to working ahead and skipping a few grades. I come from a big family — I am the second oldest of six with one brother and four sisters, three of whom are adopted. I also have a 2-year-old niece and another on the way. My favorite city in the world is Edinburgh, Scotland. My hobbies consist of traveling, baking, drawing, and dancing (I was a competition dancer for most of my life and won a national title).

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

I am matriculating to law school directly from Furman University where I got my bachelor’s degree in English. During last fall, I studied abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland, and had a corporate governance role at a nonprofit agency. While in Scotland, I was able to travel through Europe and had my first skiing adventure in Austria. During my undergraduate studies in South Carolina, I worked as a dance instructor and choreographed group dances at a local studio. Following graduation from Furman University, I vacationed with my family in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, only to come home for reconstruction surgery as I tore my ACL during my ski excursion in Austria.

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

Two years ago, I accompanied my dad on a business trip to Minnesota and absolutely fell in love with the city. Wanting to return, I included University Minnesota Law School in my research and was impressed by the strong sense of community and support, which ultimately led me to apply as an early-decision applicant.

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

I’m most excited about the opportunity to live in a new city and find a new community as I begin my law school journey. I’m eager to meet new people, immerse myself in a diverse environment, and engage with the academic challenges that law school will bring. The chance to grow both personally and professionally in this new setting is something I’m really looking forward to.

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?

With Cherokee Indian heritage, I believe the most important aspects of creating a culture where all students feel like they belong, fostering an environment of awareness and an openness to getting to know people who are the same as and different from you. Encouraging dialogue about diverse backgrounds and experiences, while also ensuring that everyone feels heard and respected, is crucial in building a truly inclusive community.

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

I am open to exploring various areas of law before making a final decision. However, I am particularly inclined towards transactional law because it’s versatile and can be applied in different countries, which aligns with my aspiration to work internationally.

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

My passion my whole life has been ballet and acrobatics. I love teaching and choreographing, as well as dancing. During my free time I love going to the library and getting new books to read. I also enjoy drawing nature.

Who inspires you and why?

My parents inspire me because they taught me resilience. Growing up with three adopted siblings, I saw firsthand the challenges of meshing a family, but their love and determination kept us all together.

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

The most recent book I have read is Wieland by Charles Brockden Brown.

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

A good lawyer, in my opinion, combines a deep understanding of the law with high emotional intelligence and determination. They need to navigate complex legal issues while also empathizing with clients, understanding their needs, and fighting persistently for their interests.