Bryce Boggs was sure she would become a doctor. A native of Winterville, Georgia, studied psychology and anthropology at the University of Georgia, but those early chemistry classes made her reconsider that decision. Giving up the declaration prior to medical treatment led her to a briefing before the law where she was reminded of her favorite movie growing up, “Legally Blonde”. She admired the tenacity and intelligence of the protagonist Elle Woods – even if people underestimated her.
That same persistent spirit led Boggs to Georgia State College of Law, where she developed an affinity for criminal law. She is doing an internship with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and is Georgia State co-president of the If / When / How Reproductive Rights Organization. Here, Boggs talks about how the College of Law gave her a glimpse into her future career.
What has been your favorite course so far?
I really enjoyed international criminal law with Professor Nirej Sekhon. Sekhon is probably my favorite professor. I love his style of teaching because it was discussion-led and related to topical issues. Last semester, I took his vice course in criminal law. We started with prohibition and then got into drug law. We discussed prostitution, and the final topic on this course was gambling. I was an external associate with the US Attorney’s Department of Narcotics, and we discussed the minimum requirements in that course that influenced my work during my internship.
Tell me more about your internship with the US Attorney General.
I put everything I learned into practice. I did a lot of legal research and wrote a memo on standards for the withdrawal of a guilty plea, petitions for release out of compassion, and worked on some recommendations for sentencing. Much of it was out of the way due to COVID-19, but I still got the chance to attend Zoom court appearances and it was interesting to see everyone adjust to the new normal. I watched a child abuse conviction hearing that lasted three hours.
You are also co-president of If / When / How. What topics are you all focusing on in this organization?
It is a national organization for reproductive justice. When I started there were only two members. Last year we got 25 or 30 new members. Currently, one of the priorities of the national organization is to reform the TANF rules to regulate the upper limit on the number of children, which is six in most states. We want people to make independent reproductive decisions, be it not for parents or numerous children, without interference.
The separation of families at the border is not only morally reprehensible, but also an issue of reproductive justice. Part of reproductive justice is empowering people to have families or not on their own terms. Separation from families violates this right.
I have an interest in access to reproductive rights for minors. In Georgia, a minor can bypass parental notification requirements for reproductive health services by obtaining an exemption from the courts, but he does not know if he has that option or how to file this request with the courts.
What advice would you give to students currently considering law school?
Georgia State gives you incredible options at an affordable price. Our advocacy program is beneficial. The alumni are also incredibly helpful. I want to study public service law and an alumna sent my résumé to several of her contacts. I was blown away by how helpful and eager HSU Law alumni are.
The advocacy program is also outstanding. It has helped me feel more confident as a trial attorney and I really appreciate that it is a compulsory part of the curriculum.
Interview by Kelundra Smith
