Paul Kellerman

Paul Kellerman

Class of 2025

What undergraduate and graduate degree do you have?

I have a bachelor's degree in political science from Saint Louis University.

What is your hometown?

I grew up in the small town of Pinckneyville in southern Illinois.

What do you love most about your family?

I love their unwavering support for me in anything I've done.

What made you want to serve your country?

I've always valued public service and had wanted to serve in the military as a way to fulfill that value.

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

Deploying overseas and the connections with people I've made.  

Why do you want to be a lawyer?

I want to be a leader and a professional within my community, someone others seek out for my expertise and knowledge gained from being an educated member of this profession.

What do you like most about Brandeis?

So far I've really come to value the collegiately and intimacy of the school and its people.  Professors, who I were sure didn't know me, have addressed me by name in the hallways and have welcomed me in to talk about questions, concerns, and issues well beyond the coursework. 

In five years, I want to be...

Working for the federal government again using my law degree.

How have you changed since you started law school?

I exited the military immediately prior to entering Brandeis, shifting from that culture has been a significant change.  Before, I was expected to perform for the better of my team.  Now, I'm expected to perform for myself.

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

As a new 1L mysef, I'm still figuring it out.  However, I would say that no matter what you might be experiencing, someone else likely is, or has, as well.  Reach out to those around you and ask for help, to both faculty and peers, when you feel stuck.

How do you cope when times are challenging?

I like to workout and run to relieve stress, get out and see the sunshine to recharge.  Then I can refocus and tackle the challege in front of me.

Your favorite quote?

"In three words, I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on." - Robert Frost