Meet the Class of 2026: Sarah Chaoui
Incoming 1L Sarah Chaoui ’26 is from Charlotte, North Carolina. Her family is originally from Morocco. She received her undergraduate degree from Duke University where she majored in public policy and minored in visual media studies. Before law school, Sarah worked as a direct services professional, providing respite and community living support services for people with disabilities for two years.
Welcome to Minnesota Law! Can you tell us why you chose the University of Minnesota Law School?
I chose Minnesota Law because of its excellent academic reputation as well as its collaborative and inclusive environment. I continue to be impressed by the school's commitment to diversity and I am excited to be a part of the Minnesota Law community.
How will scholarship support help you achieve your educational goals?
As a low-income, first-generation law student, attending law school without a scholarship would have been nearly impossible. Receiving this scholarship helped me relieve the burden of financing my education and will allow me to pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer.
What are you looking forward to the most about starting law school?
I’m looking forward to being back in an educational environment and meeting my classmates and professors! I am also looking forward to exploring the Twin Cities.
Minnesota Law strives to embody a culture of equity, inclusiveness, and belonging in the classroom and in our community. What are some of the most important aspects of creating a culture where all students feel like they belong?
Understanding that disagreement and diversity of thought is natural and being able to respect beliefs and ideas that differ from your own are essential to creating a culture where every person feels like they belong.
Are you interested in practicing in a certain area of the law?
I am interested mainly in environmental law, especially in the areas that intersect with human rights. As the climate crisis progresses, this area is growing larger, with the most recent example being the wildfires in Hawai’i.
Do you have a hobby or special interests?
In my free time, I love to read Russian literature (specifically Dostoevsky) and watch classic/old movies. I also love hiking and am trying to learn how to swim and kayak.
What’s the most recent book or podcast you’ve read or listened to?
The most recent book I’ve read was “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley, which I read while recovering from my recent wisdom tooth surgery.
What or who makes a good lawyer?
I believe that a good lawyer is someone who is an empathetic listener, and someone who can come up with creative solutions to nuanced problems.
