Zachary Jordan, ’27, from Santa Barbara, California, has a unique portfolio of professional experiences since graduating from Brown University with a business and biology degree, including working as an EMT, an engineer, and as the founder of a start-up. He is excited to merge his business background with an interdisciplinary legal education to empower his pursuits in the business world.
Please describe your professional background and path.
My interests have always been varied, and my professional path has been commensurately non-linear. Throughout my undergraduate education and in the years preceding law school, I worked as an EMT, a startup founder and employee, a “namer,” and most recently, an engineer. At my last company, I served as a staff engineer and director of Business Operations, chiefly negotiating and executing contracts to build and repair walls, roads, and other infrastructure in the San Francisco Bay Area.
What key experiences have shaped you?
My first true career was as an engineer, but before that, I worked as a “namer” in linguistic branding. Companies, products, taglines, babies—we named them all. The two experiences provided valuable—but very different—perspectives on the value of a formal legal education. While in different fields of practice, I was struck by the clarity that our lawyers brought to situations otherwise fraught with indecision and uncertainty.
What motivated your decision to go to law school?
It has become abundantly apparent to me through my work that the law is both the backdrop for the resolution of nearly all intellectual and business disputes and a powerful mechanism with which to foresee and prevent potentially critical issues. Achieving fluency with the legal lexicon will empower me to make a real difference in people’s lives as they navigate a complex and sometimes counterintuitive legal system with far-reaching consequences.
Why did you select the University of Chicago Law School?
One of the offerings that drew me so strongly to the University of Chicago Law School was the Doctoroff Business Leadership Program. I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to learn not only from some of the world’s most preeminent legal scholars but also from the renowned professors at Booth School of Business. Given my business background and career goals, I strongly believe interdisciplinary study will provide the ideal opportunity to learn how to best put my prior experiences to good use as an attorney.
What do you plan to do with your legal education?
I know from personal experience (and mistakes) how integral a proper understanding of the law can be in making responsible and informed business decisions. Given my background in engineering, entrepreneurship, and linguistic branding, I am drawn to intellectual property law and business law, particularly as they pertain to the formation, growth, and transformation of companies.
What is the thing you are most looking forward to about being a law student?
The talent that the University of Chicago attracts is incredibly unique and diverse. I look forward to learning from my future colleagues, who undoubtedly have incredible experiences and perspectives to share. Especially given the University of Chicago’s commitment to diversity of thought and free expression, I fully expect to find my ideas and views challenged. It is this rigorous process of discussion and revision that I believe will help me grow as a person and as a professional throughout law school.
A sailboat in front of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I’ve been racing sailboats for almost twenty years, and the water has been a fundamental part of my life for as long as I can remember. During the summers, you’ll find me out on Lake Michigan! When it’s too cold to sail, I get my fill of outdoor adventure by skiing with my fiancée.
What is a “fun fact” about you?
As an avid epic fantasy reader, my signed Brandon Sanderson book is one of my most prized possessions.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I am honored to be attending the University of Chicago and I can’t wait to meet everyone in the fall!
Original source can be found here.