Meet the Class of 2027: Nora Prener ’27

Nora Prener ’27 grew up in Rochester, New York, where she developed a love for performance music. Graduate school took her to Texas and she was able to fulfill her dream to play in professional orchestras. While a musician for the Pittsburgh Symphony, she volunteered for City of Asylum, a nonprofit that provides sanctuary for exiled artists and writers. She says, “Their weekly programs opened my eyes to various communities and points of view, inspiring me even further to go to law school.” Through friends she had heard “glowing things” about the Twin Cities which convinced her to apply to Minnesota Law. “I was excited by the experiential opportunities and the combination of academic rigor and collegiality. Not knowing what to expect is a little scary, but it’s also genuinely exciting.”

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

I grew up in Rochester, New York. I hold a bachelor of music degree in oboe performance from the Eastman School of Music and two graduate degrees from Southern Methodist University. It had always been my dream to play in a professional orchestra, and I was lucky enough to be a musician with the Fort Worth and Pittsburgh Symphonies.     
    

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

I had some wonderful and unique experiences in Fort Worth and Pittsburgh as an orchestral musician. Some career highlights include playing for the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, touring twice to Europe, and performing at Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center. One of my all-time favorite memories was playing under the baton of John Williams when he guest-conducted the Pittsburgh Symphony. It was one of the most surreal experiences playing my favorite childhood movie themes with the brilliant composer who dreamed them up. I also volunteered at an organization in Pittsburgh called City of Asylum. It is a non-profit organization that provides sanctuary for exiled artists and writers. Their weekly programs opened my eyes to various communities and points of view, inspiring me even further to go to law school.

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

When I moved back to the East Coast after living in Texas, I thought I would stay put. However, I knew a few people who convinced me to apply to Minnesota Law because they had glowing things to say about the Twin Cities and the school. When I started doing my research, I was excited by the experiential opportunities and the combination of academic rigor and collegiality. Coming to the admitted student day and speaking with current students made me realize that I had found the right fit.

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

As a first-generation law student, I am most looking forward to discovering a completely new environment. Not knowing what to expect is a little scary, but it’s also genuinely exciting. Most of all, I look forward to being immersed in the law and discussing it with someone other than my parents and husband!

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?

Creating a culture where all students feel like they belong should mean making space for honest and open dialogue where students feel heard. Truthfulness and empathy lead to real growth, progress, and a greater sense of community.  

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

I am open to many different areas of law. However, I am most inspired by employment and labor law and/or working with children. A month into my first year at the Fort Worth Symphony, I went on strike with the musicians. I learned a lot about the importance of protections in the workplace and the power of collective bargaining. I also worked with children as a private oboe instructor, witnessing their immense challenges and potential firsthand. I see the childhood experience as something to be fiercely protected, because what happens to us when we are young can profoundly shape the rest of our lives.

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

Two interests are theme/amusement parks and the outdoors. I grew up hiking in Adirondack State Park in New York, and I am really excited to explore all of the fantastic outdoor spaces that Minnesota has to offer. I have loved roller coasters ever since I was a kid, and I feel grateful that I can still enjoy them as an adult without feeling too nauseous. Going to Cedar Point is on my bucket list.

Who inspires you and why?

My parents inspire me every single day. They have a perfect blend of generosity, optimism, and pragmatism, and my wish to emulate them only strengthens as I get older. My father worked with veterans for 40 years as a nurse practitioner. When I was growing up, my mother headed a non-profit dedicated to helping survivors of domestic violence. They constantly strive to make their community a better place and to make life easier for the people they love.  
    

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

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
 

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

Good lawyers connect with their clients by really listening to them. People going through something stressful like a legal issue value those who take the time to understand their point of view and their needs. That is my number one goal as a future lawyer.