Swimming Toward Success: Dayen Wilson

He began contending at age 8. His winning spirit in the pool carried him through school and eventually to the United States. He swam competitively and studied economics and political science at Denison University, a private liberal arts college in Ohio.

The discipline and focus that Dayen gained through swimming are reliable tools that help him as a second-year student at the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University. He says the school’s stellar bar exam prep, bar passage rates and national academic rankings drew his attention and appealed to his bigger goals.

“Duquesne has consistently had a strong bar passage rate, and it continues to climb the law school ranking charts,” Dayen, 26, explains. “The school is growing from strength to strength and is showing no signs of slowing down.”

After graduating and relocating to Pittsburgh to be with his girlfriend, Dayen was working at BNY (formerly BNY Mellon) in securities lending and then as a paralegal when he decided to pivot toward a career in transactional law. 

“Since studying at Duquesne, I’ve discovered there’s an endless possibility of specialties within the law,” he says. “The practice of law goes far beyond arguing in a court room. I’ve enjoyed learning about different areas of the law, and I’m inspired to continually learn about the career paths that a JD can provide. I’ve learned to read and understand the law but also the courage to think critically and push back against certain rules.”

Dayen is quick to cite some favorite classes and faculty who supported him through his first year in law school. 

"Some classes were really challenging and hard, but still very interesting. Property class was fascinating—Professor (Maryann) Herman is very good,” Dayen says. “Legal Research and Writing was extremely difficult, but it taught me the most in terms of practical skills. Professor (Marissa) Meredith really guided me beyond just being a student, caring about me as a person."

When she learned of Dayen’s plans to apply for a graduate assistant position in the law school, Professor Meredith enthusiastically asked if she could help.

“She said ‘Do you mind if I write you a recommendation for that?’” Dayen remembers. “For most people, if you want a reference, you have to ask. She was proactive, came forward and said ‘I'm willing to help you.’ To go that extra mile is so above and beyond.”

Being a valued citizen of Pittsburgh is a traditional part of Duquesne’s academic mission and the University’s connections with local businesses offer students a more holistic understanding of their field. Dayen was back at BNY this summer, completing a legal internship through the law school that provides meaningful experience in areas like corporate trust, intellectual property and marketing. This is just one of the ways he is learning more about the responsibility that lawyers hold.

When asked to reflect on the law school’s promise statement, “Empowered to Lead. Prepared for What’s Next,” Dayen has already felt its impact. “We learn and develop unique skills to ensure that justice and equality prevail in society,” he says. “We’re empowered with skills to be leaders in society, and to help ourselves and our community prepare for the future. My Duquesne Kline Law education will help me be a leader in my community and advocate for those who need it.”