Campbell Law Spotlight: Zoey Howe ’24

Alumna Zoey Howe ’24 is currently serving as the Higher Education Law Fellow in the Office of University Counsel at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill. While at Campbell Law School she interned with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, where she had the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in immigration law and participate in the adjudication of immigrant applications. She was also a member of Women In Law,  the Campbell Law Innocence Pro Bono Project, the Campbell Law Sports and Entertainment Law Society and she served as an executive board member for the Campbell Law Democrats.

 Q: Can you tell us about your background and how it influenced your career path?

A: I grew up in Asheboro, a small rural community, and always knew I wanted to go to college, but I had no idea what I wanted to do. One day, I mentioned my uncertainty to my civics teacher, who encouraged me by saying I would make a great attorney. I truly don’t know if I would have discovered this dream without her support. I went on to attend UNC-Chapel Hill and graduated in 2021. 

Q: How would you describe your experience at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) during your 2L summer?

A: I was one of four interns from Campbell Law in the Raleigh office, working under the Associate Counsel for the Raleigh-Durham office. I learned a great deal from her, and our team frequently assisted other field offices. I wrote memos and had the exciting opportunity to attend Immigration Court in Charlotte. This experience gave me a deeper appreciation for how the various components of the system work together to support Homeland Security and the immigration process.

Q: What was your biggest takeaway from your time at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services?

A: I didn’t know what I wanted to do after law school, and I realized that immigration law wasn’t the right fit for me. However, I developed a strong relationship with my boss during that time, and she became a valuable mentor. Having that professional connection was incredibly helpful in my third year. I knew I could rely on her for support and references, and as a woman in law, having that guidance was especially beneficial.

Q: How did you get your post-graduate job at the UNC Office Of University Counsel?

A: During undergrad, I worked as an office assistant at the UNC Office of University Counsel. When I saw a job posting for a position I was interested in, I reached out to the Career Center, who connected me with a former UNC law student now working there. He had been in the same role I was applying for and encouraged me to apply. After the interview, I felt hopeful about my chances at getting the job, so I stopped applying elsewhere. However, on April Fools’ Day, I received an email saying I didn’t make it to the second round. Disappointed, I began applying to other positions, including one in Boston that I ultimately turned down because it didn’t feel right. Just two days later, I received a call from the UNC Office of University Counsel offering me the job after a previous hire had to back out. It was a valuable lesson in trusting my intuition.

Q: What specific skills or experiences do you think made you a strong candidate for that role?

A: My advanced legal research and writing skills have been incredibly helpful and applicable for the job I have now. Being flexible has also been essential, especially when I find myself juggling two or three different projects at once. I’ve had to switch my focus quickly to handle various issues, which has really sharpened my ability to think on my feet.

Q: How did the Career Center, if at all, help with your job search?

A: I truly believe the Career Center is an invaluable resource. The staff has so much experience and so many connections, which makes it easy to discuss different options. We often have big ideas, but hearing someone walk us through the logistics is incredibly beneficial. They can’t help you if you don’t engage with them, but it really pays off if you can make that engagement a priority from the beginning.

Q: What advice would you give to current law school students?

A: Just remember to prioritize being a person first. One day, the bar exam will be behind you, and school will be over. It’s important to work hard, but also to maintain your interests and relationships outside of law school. My time in law school was temporary, and while I didn’t love it at the time, I now truly appreciate my life and the journey I’ve taken. I’m really glad I didn’t let my friendships and passions fall by the wayside. When it comes to the job search, you have to put in the effort. You can’t just sit back and wait for opportunities to come to you. I learned that everything will work out if you stay proactive. I put in the work and let fate unfold, trusting that things would come together in the end.