Amy Armstrong-Reyes

Amy Armstrong-Reyes

Class of 2025

What is your hometown?

Fredericton, New Brunswick

What undergraduate degree do you have?

BA with a major in Criminology from St. Thomas University in Fredericton, NB

What made you want to serve your country?

I am first generation military within my family, so I did not have anyone around me with experience I could draw on. I just knew that I had a strong desire to serve my country and to travel the world helping others. I also hoped that the military would instill in me strong leadership and beneficial life skills.

My husband comes from a family of US military service, so he was eager to serve from an early age. We both have found our experience to be profoundly impactful. We have deployed all over the world and had the opportunity to serve in both humanitarian and combat missions. I have visited areas of the world I would have never had the opportunity to otherwise, including the North Pole, Ukraine, Latvia, Uganda, Egypt, Romania, Poland and Jordan.

What are you most proud of as a member of the service?

Throughout my time in the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service as a criminal investigator, I am most proud of the help we were able to provide to victims of crime and their families. It was an honor to be able to serve in that capacity among a team of professionals.

Why do you want to be a lawyer?

I've always been interested in the law and in advocating for others. I am a sexual assault survivor and the mother of a child with disabilities. Both alone, and together as a family, we have overcome many legal obstacles and faced adverse and challenging times. Becoming a lawyer is important to me to have the opportunity to help others who may be underserved or underrepresented. 

What do you like most about Brandeis?

I love the small classes and how our professors and all staff members are open and dedicated to our success. The students are very collaborative and are always willing to help each other out.

In five years, I want to be...

the best version of myself continuing to grow and provide legal counsel on the most challenging cases.

How have you changed since you started law school?

I have discovered new areas of the law that I had no idea I was interested in.

What would you tell a 1L about law school and/or life?

I would tell a new student to first and foremost set your routine and stick to it as best you can. Finish schoolwork first and early so you can adjust to life’s challenges and surprises as they come- because they will come! Keep an open dialogue with your professors to make sure you are understanding material as the semester progresses so you are not left wondering about misunderstood topics at exam time. Lastly, take time for yourself and maintain relationships with your friends and family. You can still have fun while in law school, if you work hard you can play hard too! 

How do you cope when times are challenging?

It is ok to ask for help, no one was meant to go through this journey alone. Overall, stay focused on the end game and dig deep. Remember why you want to succeed and become a lawyer. Finally, never give up. If needed, I set smaller goals to keep moving forward because momentum is everything. 

What is your favorite quote?

"Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable." -John Wooden