Passion into purpose
As she graduates from Willamette University’s School of Law, Carly Dederick JD’25 is fueled by a renewed sense of purpose. Through hands-on advocacy, leadership experiences, and the support of the Willamette community, Carly is ready to turn the passion that initially drew her to law school into a fulfilling career in juvenile law.
“My time at Willamette Law has shaped me in ways I never could have imagined,” Carly says. “As a person, it has strengthened my resilience, deepened my sense of purpose, increased my confidence, and reinforced my values of community. I’ve built friendships that will last a lifetime and found mentors who pushed me to believe in myself when I needed it most.”
“As a professional, Willamette Law has given me the tools to think critically, advocate effectively, and approach the law with patience and compassion.”
Using hands-on experience to serve others
Willamette Law helped Carly master the tools of legal advocacy through a rich set of hands-on experiences. She gained research experience as a federal judicial extern and a passion for public service as a law clerk at the Oregon Department of Justice’s Child Advocacy and Protection Division.
Of particular note was the practical skills she learned through Willamette’s Clinical Law Program. In this experiential learning program, she worked directly with clients who might not otherwise have access to legal services under the supervision of Distinguished Professor from Practice Susan Cook JD'96.
“Professor Cook stands out as someone who had a profound and lasting impact on my time at Willamette,” Carly says. “She didn’t just deepen my legal knowledge — she helped me find my place in the legal profession. I truly wouldn’t have traded that experience for anything.”
Ultimately, Carly attributes her success in law school to the Willamette community, which supported her. Carly is now ready to use the tools she gained at Willamette to serve others. “I learned that being a great lawyer is not just about knowing the law — it’s about serving others with integrity and dedication,” Carly says.
After taking the bar exam, Carly can take her advocacy for children into the courtroom. She’ll serve as a law clerk for Judge Valeri Love MBA’92, JD’95, a fellow alum who presides over the juvenile court dockets in the Lane County Circuit Court.
“I am so excited to return to the area of law that initially brought me to law school,” Carly says. “It’s meaningful to continue this work alongside someone who shares my passion for both juvenile law and the Willamette community.”
What were some of the highlights of your time at Willamette?
- Co-founding the Family Law & Child Advocacy Association and serving as President of the Student Bar Association
- The Trust and Estates Clinic
- My internships at the DOJ and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and clerking for Judge Andrew Hallman
- Serving as an Academic Excellence Fellow
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