Carlton Hemphill: Aerospace Engineer Turned 1L

Carlton Hemphill, 1L, was formerly an aerospace engineer in Florida and before that an intern at NASA. He has his B.S. in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Mathematics from Wichita State University.

Welcome to the Minnesota Law class of 2022! You a former aerospace engineer. Could you discuss that a bit, including your work connected with the Blue Angels? 

I worked as an Aerospace Engineer for the U.S Department of Defense, performing stress analysis on the airframe of the F/A-18 A-F Hornet and Super Hornet aircraft. The Blue Angels were particularly fun because of the types of damage seen (such as bird strikes), and the tight time schedule to return the aircraft for shows.

You were also an intern at NASA. Could you describe that experience and how it connects to your interest in studying law?

I worked on Microelectromechanical systems that were to be implemented on probes sent to comets and asteroids. It was a great life experience working with people passionate about the quest for knowledge. My interest in law was stimulated more with working Boeing’s F/A-18 because of the contracts needed to acquire their proprietary information.

Why did you select Minnesota Law?

Minnesota Law has a high national standing, and favorable post-graduation employment rate. Prior to applying, I read over the Business Law Concentration, and professors bios whose classes I was interested in taking. The courses offered and the diverse background of the professors convinced me that the quality of education I would receive here was what I was looking for.

Minnesota Law is a place known for putting an emphasis on leadership. What does leadership mean to you? 

I think a leader is someone who inspires others to try and be their best. They are essentially highly respected motivators. Leadership, to me, means mobilizing a group of people to accomplish a task or goal through intrinsic motivation.

What do you hope to do with your legal education?

Ideally, I would like to remain in the Aerospace industry, but switch from the engineering side to the legal side. I would like to work with the contracts between manufacturers and the part suppliers, or the manufacturers and the customers.

What three words describe you best?

Ambitious, pragmatic, easygoing

Any hobbies or interests that you would like to share?

Cooking, fishing, weightlifting, outdoor activities

What else would you like to share with the Minnesota Law community about yourself and/or your aspirations?

I am moving up from Jacksonville, Florida, so any suggestions of what to do or where to eat are greatly appreciated. Other than that, I’m excited that I have the opportunity to be here, and eager to learn a lot from my classmates.