Spotlight on Leslie Pendrey VanOrden, 1L

Leslie Pendrey VanOrden, 1L

Q. Where are you from? 

A. I am from the very small town of Edgefield, South Carolina, right on border of South Carolina and Georgia.

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you?

A. Being a lawyer means being in a position to help those that cannot help themselves. It means being an advocate for those who are powerless or have no voice to help themselves.

Q. What do you wish you knew before you started law school?

A. I really wish I had known how trying it can be at times and the impact it can have on not just me, but everyone around me.  

Q. What surprised you most about Regent?

A. It really was surprising how eager everyone, both students and faculty, is to offer assistance and support to others. Regent is like a family and everyone is there for everyone when needed. Regent is a beautiful place filled with beautiful people.

Q. How is law school different from your college experience?

A. I have to study and try a lot harder than I did in undergrad. Law school definitely involves more stamina and focus.

Q. What is your favorite class so far and why?

A. I like my Civil Procedure class. Professor Madison is great and very entertaining. I go in there knowing I will laugh at least once, while also learning valuable information.

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation?

A. I’m really not one hundred percent sure yet, but I believe I may be leaning towards animal advocacy by trying to prevent and remedy abuse and neglect of animals.

Q. How would you describe the group of your closest friends found here at Regent?

A. My friends are wonderful individuals. They are fun, warm, intelligent, and I am so lucky God brought them into my life. Having a great circle of friends in law school is extremely important. They really know what you’re going through, while people not in law school may not. It helps to have understanding people to lean on in times of need.

Q. How do you prefer to study?

A. My study schedule varies, depending on when I have time. I usually do most of my studying at night, when I get off work, or on the weekends, but I also study during my breaks between classes at school. However, I prefer to study at home in my office or living room, with my Rat Terrier, Crash, laying on the couch watching me and waiting for me to finish. I study for as long as time will allow or until I get tired and realize I must get some rest before the next day.

Q. What is your favorite book of all time and why?

A. I have always loved The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. It’s my all-time favorite. I don’t know what it is about that book, but I just love the characters and the plot of the story is amazing.  

Q. What is your favorite bible verse?

A. Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” I think this is a great verse to remind us to lean on the Lord and rely on Him to guide us through our tough times. It is important to understand we will never have all the correct answers, but if we rely on Him, he will show us the way. We cannot trust just ourselves. Everything we do, we must do through and for Him. This verse definitely comes in handy around exam times!

Q. If you could meet with anyone alive or dead, who would it be and why?

A. My maternal grandmother, “Nannie,” (DOD 4/23/10). I miss her so much and think about her every day. I would give anything to be able to see, touch, and talk to her again. She was the wisest person I ever knew and I have lots of things I’d like to tell her.

Q. If you could have lunch with any faculty member or administrator at Regent who would it be and why?

A. I would enjoy a lunch with Professor Madison and Mrs. Carol. They are a hoot together and I think it would be a very entertaining time! They both are wonderful people with a great sense of humor.  

Q. If you had an entire weekend available, what would you do in the Hampton Roads area?

A. I would want to go to the beach on a hot, sunny day and swim, relax, and read a book for fun!!!

Q. Is there anything else you would like your peers or future law students to learn about you?

A. I love animals and have four dogs and one cat. I am a member of the ASPCA, Humane Society, North Shore Animal League, and Animal Legal Defense Fund. My favorite past times are swimming and Zumba.

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