Stars aligned for lone star state teacher turned JD student

As the first-ever cohort for the online and part-time JD begins classes, students like Bruce Orr are pursuing their Juris Doctor after years of waiting for the right opportunity to come along. Orr, a former teacher from Powderly, Texas, has always thought about attending law school but struggled to make it work with his schedule and responsibilities — then came the part-time and online JD option at ASU Law. 

“[This] program seemed to come together at the exact right time in my life, both personally and professionally. I was lucky enough to be at a point where my relationships had been built strong enough to stand up to the demands of law school, and I was also fully prepared for change in my professional life. More simply put, the stars aligned at the right moment and I was ready to seize the opportunity,” he said.

Now a week into his classes, Orr is optimistic about where his law school journey will take him, particularly in conservation and environmental law. An avid outdoorsman, he is hoping to put “environmentalism and conservationism back into the spotlight as opposed to the consumerism and commercialism that dominate the current landscape.” 

Orr is also passionate about education and providing resources for underserved communities. As a resident of a smaller Texas county, Orr will do just that when he gets his JD.

“I definitely would not be attending law school this Spring without the program, and I may have never been able to make the commitment to a residential program at this point in my life. It would not come as a surprise if I am the only person in Lamar County, Texas, currently attending law school,” Orr said. “That speaks volumes for the reach and mission of the online and part-time JD program to deliver a means of justice to legal deserts across the country.”

Note: Answers may have been lightly edited for length and/or clarity.

Question: What communities or causes feel most central to your life right now?

Answer: Conservation, always conservation! As an avid outdoor enthusiast who has hiked thousands of miles and fished all across the U.S., I am a huge believer in environmentalism and conserving our natural resources far and beyond what is considered commercially valuable. After that comes education and underserved populations. Having taught at several different schools across my home county, I’ve found the way to change an area for the better is to inspire and uplift its youth. 

Q: Was there a moment or experience that pushed you to pursue a JD?

A: There wasn’t one particular moment; rather, it has been a culmination of the injustice I’ve seen throughout my life that’s largely been due to ignorance of the law. Unfortunately, we do not live in a world where every person is given the same access and ability, legally, to protect themselves and their interests. I know I cannot change the world single-handedly, but I’d like to do my part, and a JD is the next step in doing my part. That being said, the support of my wife, family and community is what finally pushed me over the edge. 

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years — and how does this program get you there?

A: There was a time when five years felt so far into the future, now it’s almost like it’s already on my calendar. There was also a time I would have said that I want to be the most esteemed civil litigator in my area with international commendations and a speaking tour. In truth, however, I want to be working under someone that I both respect and trust while honing my skills and building a network to eventually start my own practice.

Q: What does being part of the first-ever cohort mean to you?

A: It’s incredible. I’ve always been confident in my abilities, but it means the world to know that ASU saw something in me that said I should represent a new program with such a small group of peers. I’ve also got to add that we have such a vast wealth of different knowledge and experiences within the cohort that I am genuinely excited to get to know everyone, take part in this journey together and forever be a part of something so special.

Q: What are you most excited about in this program?

A: First off, I am absolutely ecstatic to be learning and growing with the cohort. After having taught for the past several years, albeit dealing with different subject matter and rigor, it is extremely exciting to be a student again and work through subject matter that is both challenging and rewarding. Secondly, I am eager to attend our synchronous sessions and see how all of our different backgrounds and schemas add to the conversation and synthesize into something special. 

Q: Why did you choose ASU Law over other online JD programs?

A: There is no other law school offering online JD programs that I trust with both my education and my future. To borrow a few words from Tina Turner, it’s simply the best.