Campbell Law Spotlight: Brian Horvick ’27
When Brian Horvick ‘27 moved from a small farming community outside Casselton, North Dakota, to Holly Springs, North Carolina, in third grade, the transition was more than a change in scenery, it was a lesson in adaptation. Years later, that willingness to embrace change would lead him from the classroom to the courtroom. The decision wasn’t immediate. After serving in the military and a few years in the classroom, Horvick knew he wanted a career where he could make a more direct impact on people’s lives. He wanted to find a career that bridged the gap between his heart for service and drive for a challenge. Encouragement came in the form of his first date with his now-fiancée (and fellow Campbell Law student), who at the time worked as a paralegal and was studying for the LSAT.
Q: What led you to pursue law school?
A: “Before law school, I spent several years teaching civics. While introducing students to the foundations of our government and judicial system, I discovered that the curriculum was really just a (very) watered-down version of a few law school subjects. The more I taught, the more I realized I wanted to be an active part of the legal system, instead of only teaching about it. My fiancée encouraged me to study and pursue law school. Looking back, that was the beginning of this journey, and it all went up from there.”
Q: Why Campbell Law?
A: For Horvick, becoming an attorney has always been about service. “Lawyers do tangible things for their communities. Helping people through some of the hardest moments in their lives is meaningful. It’s a way to dedicate your life to serving others.” When choosing a law school, Campbell Law stood out because of its reputation across North Carolina. “Campbell carries a heavy name in eastern North Carolina. The alumni network is incredible. You can go almost anywhere in the state and find Campbell attorneys who are making a difference.” That reputation has already opened doors. This summer, Horvick is working for the North Carolina 2nd District Public Defender’s Office through the Dean’s Rural Fellowship, working across Beaufort, Martin, Hyde, Washington and Tyrrell counties – communities that face significant attorney shortages.
Q: What do you think people should know about your internship?
A: “Some communities simply don’t have enough legal resources. For many clients, you may be their only realistic option for representation.” Horvick’s experience has provided a firsthand look at the realities of rural public defense. Attorneys often manage hundreds of cases while traveling across multiple counties in a single day, all while ensuring clients receive quality representation. For Horvick, the work has reinforced his passion for public service. “There’s a real opportunity to serve people who otherwise wouldn’t have access to legal representation, and that’s incredibly rewarding.”
Q: Any advice for future law students?
A: Horvick’s advice to potential and fellow law students is simple: embrace experiential learning. “If you want to be a litigator, small firms and public defender offices give you opportunities you simply can’t replicate elsewhere.” Additionally, Horvick recommends working in one of the law school’s seven pro bono clinics. Horvick chose the Veteran’s Law Clinic because he was able to work directly with fellow veterans. “The clinic really became my advocacy training ground. It allowed me to work with real clients and develop practical skills in a supportive environment.”
Overall, Horvick says he is grateful for Campbell’s commitment to supporting student opportunities in rural North Carolina. When changes to state funding created uncertainty for summer placements, the law school stepped in to help ensure students could continue serving their communities. “Without that support, there would have been a lot of financial stress. Campbell made sure students pursuing public service in rural North Carolina had the opportunity to continue doing this important work.”
As Horvick continues building his legal career, one lesson has remained constant: “meaningful advocacy begins by showing up where people need you most.”