Matt Lillard

Matt Lillard

Class of 2022

What undergraduate degree do you have?

I majored in Political Science and minored in Spanish at Georgetown College.

What is your hometown?

I grew up on a small farm in Dry Ridge, Kentucky. Halfway between Cincinnati, OH and Lexington Ky. It's near The Ark Encounter, the giant Noah's Ark replica. 

What do you love most about your family?

I love how passionate and hard working they are in whatever it is they do.

What made you want to serve your country?

I was inspired by the service of my older sister, who earned her commission through Air Force Officer Training School. She served as a Flight Nurse and did a tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2005.

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

I'm most proud of the time I spent in the 320th Missile Squadron as a Nuclear Missile Operations Officer, or "Missileer." Our mission was to provide nuclear deterrence to other nuclear powers and nuclear assurance to our allies. That translates into watching the "big red button" in a bunker below the Earth's surface for 24 hours at a time.

Why do you want to be a lawyer?

When I was a kid I saw a lot of people face unnecessary hardship that could have been avoided or alleviated by contacting a lawyer. I want to be somebody that people turn to for help, and communicate with them clearly.

What do you like most about Brandeis?

I like the family environment here. All my peers are impressive on their merit and willing to help people they barely know. 

In five years, I want to be...

a lawyer! Since coming to law school I've done a complete 180. I was dead set on being a prosecutor, but now I'm not sure what job I want. Brandeis has revealed all the possibilities that come with getting your JD, and I'm open to whatever opportunities I have when I graduate.

How have you changed since you started law school?

Prior to this the most challenging thing I had been through professionally was learning how to operate the Minuteman III missile. However, that pales in comparison to law school. Perhaps the most important thing I have learned is how to set boundaries with my personal and professional life.

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

Yeah, law school is tough, but you wouldn't have made it this far if you weren't tough too!  It will test you in ways you didn't know you could be tested, but you wouldn't be here if you, yes you, couldn't pass that test.

How do you cope when times are challenging:

There's a time to roll up your sleeves and get to work, but there's also a time to rest and take care of yourself. Since beginning law school I've taken up the practice of mindfulness, which can be compared to meditation. It helps me to identify areas of my life that need attention, whether that be emotional, financial, physical, spiritual, or professional. 

Your favorite quote: 

“Good leaders are life-long learners who continually study to perfect their craft.” Lt Gen Harold G. Moore (USA Retired), Hal Moore on Leadership: Winning when Outgunned and Outmanned (2017).