Wallace Chen

Wallace Chen, a J.D. candidate, has a strong interest in how legal principles intersect with public policy and everyday life. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas, where he majored in Government and minored in Sociology, graduating with highest honors. Wallace's academic excellence is recognized through awards such as the Chancellor's Law Scholarship and the Dean's Leadership Award, highlighting his scholarly and leadership contributions in law school.

Wallace's early professional journey includes serving as the Director of Debate at SpiderSmart, where he significantly expanded the program's scope from a local initiative to a nationally recognized competitive team. His teams achieved major successes, including winning the 2019 National Debate Championship and the 2022 Texas and Connecticut Debate Championships, demonstrating his effective leadership and innovative coaching techniques.

In his current law school endeavors, Wallace is pivotal in aiding his classmates, especially through his role as the primary note-taker for his section, which supports students with language barriers or who cannot attend lectures. His commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident as he serves as a 1L Representative for the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association and the First Generation Lawyers Club.

During his internship at DLA Piper law firm, Wallace focused on projects related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. His work involved advising Fortune 500 companies on strategies for corporate social responsibility, improving the firm's capabilities in risk management and advisory services. He is keen on furthering his expertise in corporate litigation as he progresses in his legal career.

Beyond his professional and academic pursuits, Wallace is deeply committed to community service. With Taiwanese parents, he has been a leader in initiatives that enhance Asian American representation and address significant social issues. He has led as President of the Rotary Interact Club and his high school's Mandarin Club.

In his personal life, Wallace is an enthusiastic participant in the Pokémon trading card community and an avid gamer, enjoying a variety of games, including Dislyte and Halo Infinite. His engagement with sports like soccer, volleyball, and basketball at his local gym reflects his dedication to maintaining a balanced lifestyle that prioritizes both mental and physical wellness.