John Weber
University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law
Candidate
Law Student Division Member on the ABA Board of Governors
I have had the privilege of serving the American Bar Association (ABA) through
several positions during my time in law school, including Law Student Division (LSD)
Delegate and Sixth Circuit Governor. Now, it is my honor to seek the position of the Law
Student Member on the Board of Governors. I am excited to use my experience both inside
and outside of the ABA to serve as the Law Student Member of the Board of Governors. This
position combines my interests of policy and advocacy, and allows me to use my strengths
and experience to best advocate for law students all across the country. I have had the
privilege of learning about various ABA policies, priorities and ideas throughout the year. I
humbly ask for the Nominating Committee to consider my candidacy, and give me the
opportunity to continue serving the ABA.
I have been involved in the Student Bar Association (SBA) at the University of
Louisville’s Brandeis School of Law throughout the year. In fact, I started serving in the
organization the first chance that I had. As my section representative I worked with our
American Bar Association (ABA) representative and SBA President to get our school more
fully integrated in the ABA. At Annual Meeting our work was rewarded with two awards.
When the leaders at my school approached me to discuss running for office within the ABA I
was happy to consider it, but only if I felt that I could meaningfully contribute. My first
experience in the ABA came after I was elected to serve the Sixth District as Circuit
Governor. It has been a position that fits my strengths and experience. In college I served as
the Kentucky College Democrats President, and later as the Southern Regional Director for
the College Democrats of America. Through those positions I gained valuable experience
with several of the Circuit Governor’s job responsibilities. I have enjoyed regional oversight of
campus chapters, managing an executive board, and encouraging participation of members. I
have planned outreach, and various initiatives and programs on a regional level and did so
effectively again through the ABA.
The Board of Governors is an entity with impressive members. I do not take the
opportunity to work with them lightly. Through thorough research about the position, by
talking to current members, both law students and professionals, I have come to believe this
is the best way for me to work in the ABA this year. The job responsibilities include serving in
the House of Delegates and on the LSD Board. I have experience with both entities, and will
be a consistent presence to help each entity move forward. The current board members with
experience are tremendously valuable, as the rest of the LSD naturally has a high turnover
rate. I believe that as an experienced member - as a 3L - I will help the division maintain its
momentum by quickly educating new members, offering an explanation of previous policies,
and navigating the ABA channels necessary for the division to continue our progress. I am
excited by the opportunity to serve the ABA at its highest level and gain experience that I will
be able to use for the rest of my life. I also appreciate working outside of the LSD, with people
from different generations, sharing my perspective and understanding theirs. My experience
on the Louisville Bar Association Board of Directors, various church committees and
community groups has taught me to soak up as much wisdom as possible while not being
afraid to voice my opinions. This is an important skill for work on the Board of Governors.
Allow me to introduce myself to you in more detail. I have long known that my postgraduate future would involve studying law. While a student in high school I developed an
interest in the social sciences; government, politics, psychology and history concepts united
to form the basis of my career goals. As a McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville, I
was introduced to high level political thought through small group discussions with leading
statesmen such as Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Mitch McConnell, John McCain,
John Roberts, Leon Panetta, John Boehner and others. Instead of immediately enrolling in
law school upon completing undergraduate studies, however, I was given an opportunity to
learn about governmental policy and the importance of advocacy at the most fundamental
level.
My acceptance to Teach For America delayed my law school application, but proved
to be a worthwhile adventure. I learned and grew along with my students. I was able to have
the sort of “micro” impact on individual students that I had hoped for when applying to the
Teach For America program. I taught students that worked to complete Advanced Placement
coursework, and some earned college credit in my Government class. Others went on to
become the first in their families to attend college with the goal of becoming the first to
graduate, as well! I am proud that I can continue to influence my students by assisting them
as they navigate the college process. My experience in the classroom, both as a graduate
student and a teacher will be especially helpful for my work in the ABA. I developed skills of
time-management, public speaking, long-term planning, problem solving, and leadership. But,
more importantly, I know how to play a role in a national organization while still making a
difference to individuals. My experience as a Division Delegate has only enhanced my ability
to balance listening to the needs of constituents and relating that to the national organization.
While the nature of my position will have its differences, if I am fortunate enough to be
elected as a Division Delegate, I am confident that I will be qualified and capable to perform
the job.
Teach For America convinced me that I could have a positive impact on changing life
trajectories for my students and their families. Of course, the success stories were not
universal. This reality helped me learn the lesson that no matter how intense my efforts, I
may not always succeed. At the same time, I have developed both the courage to continue in
the face of adversity, and a willingness to learn new skills to address inequity in this country.
Now, my ambition is to pursue the study of law so that I can represent the underrepresented
in our communities. I would appreciate the opportunity to give back to my school, the division
and the ABA. I look forward to working alongside and learning from other law students and
professionals if given the opportunity to serve on the ABA Board of Governors. I believe that
my combination of local and national bar association leadership, my past experience with
direct responsibilities of this position and my skills make me a strong candidate for this
position. would consider it a privilege to receive the support of the Nominating Committee,
and will use my position to invest in my leadership skills and professional network so that I
can continue to give back to the organization throughout my career. Thank you for your
consideration.
John R. Weber
EDUCATION
University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law - Louisville KY
Anticipated May 2018
Juris Doctor Candidate, GPA 3.14, Dean’s List (Top 20%, Spring 2016)
• American Bar Association Law School Division Delegate; Law School Division 6th Circuit Governor
• Represent law students nationwide on policy initiatives in the ABA House of Delegates
• Appointed and led a team of twenty law students representing eighteen schools in KY, MI and OH
• Louisville Bar Association Board of Directors, law student member
• Student Bar Association 1L Representative; President Christian Law Society; Research Assistant
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Journal of Law and Education member
11th Grade Legal Writing Teacher, Central High School, Law Magnet Partnership
• Created and implemented lesson plans for high school students in the Law Magnet program
• Worked as a writing mentor for individual students as they drafted a persuasive essay and legal brief
Lipscomb University - Nashville, TN
Master of Education, GPA 3.71, Magna Cum Laude
August 2013
• Thesis: Extra-Curricular Activities: Effects of Extra-Curricular Activities on Academic Achievement
University of Louisville - Louisville, KY
May 2012
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, GPA 3.51, Cum Laude
• McConnell Scholarship Recipient, 1 of 10 students selected for a full four-year tuition and stipend.
Participated in a study abroad in China, small group meetings with national and international leaders, such as
John Roberts, John McCain, Joe Biden, and Hillary Clinton, seminars with leading scholars, and community
service. Elected to two terms as McConnell Scholars Chair.
• Harlan Scholarship Recipient, Guaranteed Entrance to Brandeis School of Law
• President of Kentucky College Democrats, 2010-2012; President of University of Louisville College
Democrats, 2010-2012; Southern Regional Director of College Democrats of America, 2010-2011
o Sponsored a public rally featuring former President Clinton attended by approximately 5,000 people
and covered by national media outlets. Planned with Secret Service and campaign advance teams.
• Elected as Vice President of Student Government Executive Team. Represented approximately 24,000
students on various boards, including the Athletic Board of Directors and committees for campus services
WORK EXPERIENCE
Hillary for America – Louisville, KY
August 2016 to November 2016
Senior Fellow
• Managed campaign fellows, volunteers, field operation and events
• Coordinated with the national campaign headquarters to implement campaign priorities in Kentucky and
Ohio
Travis & Herbert Attorneys - Louisville, KY
May 2016 to August 2016
Law Clerk
• Drafted legal motions, pleadings and memoranda of law
• Conducted legal research regarding insurance law, civil procedure, evidence, etc.
• Advised attorneys on legal strategy
• Counseled with clients regarding pertinent case details
Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty – Washington, DC
July 2016 to present
Fellow
• Serve as a liaison regarding religious liberty issues through litigation, legislation, and education
St. Matthews Baptist Church - Louisville, KY
August 2014 to August 2015
Interim Minister with Youth and College Students
• Managed budget of approximately $30,000, and all programming for approximately sixty middle and high
school youth and twenty college students
• Led game day operations, coached, and refereed for the UPWARD Basketball league consisting of 200
players from K-7thgrade from 2006-present. Received “Game Ball Award” for exemplary servant leadership.
Teach for America, Cane Ridge High School - Nashville, TN
June 2012 to June 2014
12th Grade Advanced Placement Government Teacher
• Selected from 35,000 applicants nationwide to teach for 2 years in under resourced schools
• Coached Boys and Girls Tennis and Bowling teams, which won two district championships