Spotlight on Daryl Hayott, 3L

Daryl Hayott, 3L

Q. Where are you from?
A. I'm from Queens, New York.

Q. How did you spend your summer?
A. I worked as an intern for the Chesapeake Public Defender in Chesapeake, Virginia. I also completed an externship as a research assistant for the non-profit organization SMAD (Students Making A Difference).

Q. What does becoming a lawyer mean to you?
A. Being a lawyer is important to me because it can show children who grew up in a similar situation that I did that if you believe in yourself you can achieve your dreams, even if people doubt you.

Q. What do you wish you knew before you started law school?
A. Bar preparation courses are expensive, but student representatives can take the courses for free. Had I known this, I would have applied for the position. Also, you can get a great looking suit at Joseph A. Bank for a pretty penny, but you can look just as professional by purchasing similar sports jackets and ties at local thrift stores.

Q. What surprised you most about Regent?
A. I was surprised to see so many happy students; God is definitely working here. I also never knew that flag football was so serious.

Q. How is law school different from your college experience?
A. I pay a lot more attention in class now and I also have less hair.

Q. What is your favorite class so far and why?
A. Criminal Law. Professor Velloney is a Giants fan which makes him automatically great. Civil Procedure too because Professor Madison gives the best devotions of all-time.

Q. What kind of law do you hope to practice after graduation?
A. Any law that pays. You can't be picky in a recession.

Q. How would you describe the group of your closest friends found here at Regent?
A. I actually have bonded with a lot of people from the divinity department. They are always very nice and supportive. I know I can relax around them without talking about law.

Q. How do you prefer to study?
A. As far away from my bed as possible and in a very well lit area. My best studying actually happens at my friend Mattia’s house because it’s quiet, away from home, and I can dress comfortably.

Q. What is your favorite book of all time and why?
A. Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse. It is my favorite  book because it is a story about a man searching for the meaning of life. I read it at a time when I was down and on a similar search. My search led me to Christ and to Regent.

Q. What is your favorite Bible verse?
A. Galatians 5:1 “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” This verse speaks to me because I have escaped the slavery of the devil and my people have escaped the slavery of oppressors--and we're never going back.

Q. If you could have lunch with any faculty member or administrator at Regent who would it be and why?
A. Professor Velloney. He is a fine Professor who seems to really care about his students and their careers. As a New York Giants fan, we can also talk about how the Giants made us sad this season.

Q. What kinds of extra-curricular activities are you involved with?
A. I am a member of the Black Law Student Association. I also tutor at the Norfolk Juvenile Detention Center. I serve as Graduate Assistant for Professor Alice Curtis.

Q. If you had an entire weekend available, what would you do in the Hampton Roads area? 
A. I would sleep a bit more because law school leaves me mentally and physically exhausted at times.

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