Cohere Elliston (2L) brings a unique perspective to law school, shaped by his experience as a Teach for America Corps Member, wrestling coach, and summer judicial intern with The Honorable Michael A. Shipp. He also served as a research assistant, exploring employment law, and is committed to advocacy and community impact.
What inspired you to pursue a law degree, and how did your experiences as a teacher and wrestling coach influence that decision?
I was inspired by how few Black men go into the profession, the power of advocacy, and the ability to advocate for my community. When I started teaching, I already had an idea that I wanted to go into law, but the experience gave me a much clearer understanding of strong leadership and how systems affect the underserved.
Can you share a memorable moment or lesson learned from your judicial internship with Judge Shipp this summer?
All the sentencings I saw put into perspective how significant the law is, and how the work is very real and has serious consequences.
What was the most interesting part of your work as a Research Assistant, and how did it enhance your understanding of employment law?
I thought NIL deals were fascinating, along with the implications AI could potentially have in this field of law.
As someone who has worn many hats—educator, coach, researcher, and now law student—how do you approach balancing different roles?
I find that a lot of these skills overlap, so when I'm performing in a different role, it often feels like I'm doing the same things—giving instructions, listening, speaking, and writing. When it comes to balancing them, calendaring is key.
How has your time as a Legal Education Opportunity (LEO) Fellow shaped your law school experience so far?
It has helped so much to have a small community and to get an idea of what the school looks like before starting. I credit all my successes to Professor Perez and the LEO Program.
What is one challenge you’ve faced in law school, and how have you worked through it?
Law school itself is a huge challenge. More specifically, I had several personal issues that made success difficult, so I tried to communicate early so we could figure out solutions that worked.
What advice would you give to incoming law students who want to make the most of their first two years?
Please network as much as you can—within reason. If you don't know where to start, a simple “I don’t think we’ve met,” or “What’d you think of ___?” can go a long way.
Who has been a key mentor or influence in your legal journey, and what have they taught you?
Professor Perez has always been a source of advice for navigating law school and personal issues, and she’s one of the first professors I ever met!
When you do find time for yourself, what hobbies or activities help you recharge?
I make sure to schedule personal time, whether it’s the gym, watching soccer, or keeping up with a weekly TV show. Knowing I have designated time to unwind really helps.
Looking ahead, what are your career goals, and how do you hope to make an impact in the legal field?
I’m not sure what field I want to practice, but my ultimate goal is to be a very effective writer and speaker—key skills for litigation. I hope to make a significant impact on my community and inspire others to follow a similar path.
