Student Spotlight: Bushra Haque, L’23

As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re sharing how some of our Class of 2023 Law Spiders are impacted and empowed by their identities. Students like Bushra Haque, L’23, who is starting her career with one of the biggest names in patent law.

Why did you decide to attend law school? Why Richmond Law, in particular?

I knew for a while that I wanted to come to law school to pursue patent law. I was a biology major in college and loved it, but did not want to pursue any of the traditional health related careers. I had always loved the idea of law, and once I found a way to incorporate my interests in biology and law into a career path, I knew that was the right choice. When I toured Richmond Law, I loved the close-knit feel and was in awe of how beautiful the campus was!

How has being a member of SALSA benefited your Richmond Law experience? 
SALSA has felt like a little slice of home at Richmond Law. It has been so great to meet others who share my culture and remind me of my roots.

What are your career plans? 
I will be moving back to Northern Virginia and starting my patent law career at Finnegan.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. What does being an Asian American lawyer mean to you? What impact do you hope to make on the legal system after you graduate?
Being an Asian American lawyer means a lot to me, because there really are not a lot of us. I feel really blessed to be in this field. After I graduate, I hope to help make the legal field look like a more inviting career path for other diverse individuals, including Asian Americans, and encouraging them to become a part of this community.

In one word, how would you describe your experience at Richmond Law?
Pivotal.

Transcript has been lightly edited for length and clarity.