Michael Ballard

Sarah Stricklin

Class of 2025

What is your hometown?

I am from Russellville, Kentucky.

What undergraduate degree do you have?

I have a B.A. in Professional Legal Studies with a minor in Criminology at Western Kentucky University.

What made you want to serve your country?

I, like almost everyone else, was duped by the narrative at the time. I believed there was an enemy force stockpiling WMD’s and training “terrorist” en masse to overthrow our country. I joined to protect our rights, citizens, and interests.

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

I am most proud of the individual who I became as a result of my training and dedication to the Air Force and its Corps Values. The Air Force Corps Values are, “Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.”

Why do you want to be a lawyer?

I want to become an attorney in order to exponentialize my potential to bring benevolence to our community and assist others. I also have the goal of unionizing MMA fighters on a large scale.

What do you like most about Brandeis?

I have fallen in love with Brandeis. The Deans are the most amicable people I have met and they make every day brighter with their energy. The professors have remarkable knowledge and credentials and are always available. Even the student body emits a family atmosphere rather than a hyper-competitive and cutthroat environment which some of my friends at other law schools have to endure.

In five years, I want to be...

In five years, I want to be preparing to run for Judge in my hometown or organizing the MMA community for unionization.

How have you changed since you started law school?

I have dedicated myself to improving everyday and have developed a ton of knowledge by throwing myself into Brandeis and “trusting the process.” Furthermore, I have developed a better understanding of the world around me and incorporated better strategies in helping others.

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

Trust the process. If you dedicate yourself and “buy in” to everything you are taught and hear, you will be successful. The admissions office here is very astute and you wouldn’t be here if there weren’t capable. Imposter syndrome is real, but the process will prepare you for success.

How do you cope when times are challenging?

I hate to sound haughty, but I have always enjoyed challenges. I don’t feel the need to cope, but see challenges as a puzzle that must be completed. Life would be boring if there were no challenges.

What is your favorite quote?

 “In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins, not through strength but by perseverance.” ― H. Jackson Brown