Diversity Scholar Spotlight - Q&A with Noor Hasan
A Berkeley Law student, Noor-ul-ain (Noor) Hasan is the Symposium Editor of the Asian American Law Journal, Academic Empowerment Chair for the Coalition for Diversity, and a Fall 2018 Academic Support Program Fellow for 1Ls enrolled in Civil Procedure.
Noor graduated from Northwestern University, where she received numerous honors, including “Top Ten Graduating Seniors to Watch.” She was also named as one of Chicago’s “35 under 35” for her work as a diversity and inclusion strategist at Allstate Insurance Company and her involvement with various Chicago nonprofits, including Urban Initiatives, Young Chicago Authors, Chicago Scholars, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Chicago. During her time in Allstate’s three-year Business Leadership Development Program, she was named Allstate’s 2016 Outstanding Skill-Based Volunteer of the Year.
Noor is very excited to work at Dentons US LLP as a 1L Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Scholar this summer. Along with a talent in writing, she has a flair and passion for baking. She advises incoming 1Ls to commit themselves to kindness, professionalism, and humility even in times of stress, anxiety, or doubt.
PracticePro
Tell us about any leadership positions, student journals/organizations, or projects you’re involved with in law school or in the community.
Noor
I am the Symposium Editor of the Asian American Law Journal, Academic Empowerment Chair for the Coalition for Diversity, and a Fall 2018 Academic Support Program Fellow for 1Ls enrolled in Civil Procedure. I am also supporting my Civil Procedure professor with research this summer.
PracticePro
Where are you working this summer (Summer 2018) and what are you hoping to accomplish during your internship?
Noor
I am working at Dentons US LLP as a 1L Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Scholar. I’m very excited about the diverse variety of practice groups at Dentons, especially Real Estate and the Firm’s exciting work in insurance litigation. Dentons has a uniquely tailored program that helps 1Ls hone in on areas of the law that we find interesting, so I am looking forward to doing substantive and meaningful work. I also hope to sit in on a deposition or trial this summer.
PracticePro
What do you do for fun? Tell us one fun or interesting non-law related thing about yourself.
Noor
I really enjoy baking. I find it therapeutic and I have a lot of fun feeding other people. I also have a big sweet tooth, so baking pastries, pies, cookies, and cakes is always fun. Before starting law school, my best friend from high school trusted me to make the desserts for her “black and white” themed wedding shower. From white chocolate-covered Oreo truffles and coconut almond bites to mini apple pies topped with vanilla ice cream, we managed to cover all kinds of unique sweets and stick to the theme. It was awesome to lend my skills for the celebration!
PracticePro
What is one thing you wish you had known before law school? Do you have any advice or book recommendations to incoming 1Ls to help them succeed or better handle the rigors of law school?
Noor
Kindness, professionalism, and humility go a long way in law school. As 1Ls, we enter this uniquely demanding academic environment in which everyone adjusts differently. As you navigate different milestones, whether it be your first cold call, first exam, or getting your first job offer, tread this terrain gently. It is critical to exercise kindness, professionalism, and humility to your peers, faculty, staff, and the practitioners you meet along the way. Not only does this create a positive environment for everyone around you, it is also immensely beneficial to you because it strengthens your character and behavioral adaptability in challenging circumstances. This profession is filled with brilliant and highly motivated people, each of whom is special in their own way. Commit yourself to seeing that light within people (and within yourself if you ever start to forget it!), even in times of stress, anxiety, or doubt.