Brian C. Pike

I am a second year student at Michigan State University College of Law. I am focusing on a career at the intersection of the law, technology, design, and interest-based communications. I developed these interests during my participation in Michigan State University College of Law's 21st Century Law Practice Summer Program in London, England. While in London, I learned how to integrate myself into the future practice of law. The program covered an overview of the UK's guided deregulation of its legal services, as well as design thinking for lawyers and big data applications in litigation and firm management. I have used the knowledge I gained in London as a jumping-off point into this area of study. For example, I balanced my 2nd year curriculum with fundamental legal classes as well as classes in the utilization of the statistical program "R" in a legal context. However, my technical and legal skills are better served with a design thinking approach. Design thinking is an important skill to have in the legal services industry because it allows one to craft meaningful and insightful solutions based on the customer's true needs. In addition, I have had the opportunity to receive over 200 hours of interest-based communications training at Michigan State University College of Law. This training culminated in my certification as a trained domestic and civil mediator. These communication skills will compliment my design thinking by allowing me to better communicate with those I am creating solutions for. My plan is to incorporate all relevant aspects of technology, design, and interest based communication into the delivery of legal services into my future career.