Law Student Representative: Rachel Claffee
As a first-generation law student, Rachel Claffee is looking forward to serving as a 2025-26 NCBA law student representative and acting as a first-line connection for students seeking networking, involvement and professional growth opportunities. She recognizes that networking can be challenging for many and aims to help make the process easier for her peers at Elon Law.
Prior to law school, Rachel earned both her Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees from Surry Community College in Dobson, N.C. She then transferred to Western Carolina University, where she discovered her love for business law through courses that emphasized critical thinking in the context of real-life issues. Rachel graduated summa cum laude with her bachelor’s degree in business administration and law in May 2024 before beginning her legal education at Elon Law that August.
Elon Law appealed to me because there is such a strong emphasis on building hands-on skills and pairing classroom learning with real legal experience. Jumping in and getting involved is how I learn best, and I love being at an institution that prioritizes real-life experience as much as I do.
This past summer, Rachel interned at the Children’s Law Center, which provides court-appointed guardians ad litem in high-conflict custody cases. Even in a small way, she was able to help ensure that children had a voice in those difficult situations. The experience became her first taste of real legal advocacy, and she is immensely proud to have been part of it.
With interests in criminal law, juvenile advocacy, appellate advocacy and human rights law, Rachel plans to become a prosecutor after graduation. She is especially passionate about addressing modern-day human trafficking and hopes to one day prosecute those cases and help shape legislation to combat the crisis internationally.
In addition to serving as an NCBA law student representative, Rachel is a staff editor for Elon Law Review, an Elon Law student mentor and secretary for both the Fellowship of Christian Lawyers and the Education Law Society. These opportunities have strengthened her connections within the law school and given her valuable time management and leadership skills.
I’ve learned that the best experiences come from stepping outside my comfort zone. Growth, rewards and connections require going to a new meeting, sending an email, talking to a new person or trying something unfamiliar. Now, when I feel intimidated or nervous, I know I’m growing and becoming a more well-rounded, adaptable person — traits I want to carry with me as an attorney. My advice is to put yourself out there and don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable.
When she isn’t studying law, Rachel enjoys reading thrillers, mysteries and classic literature, going on long-distance runs and drinking iced coffee.
Are you interested in helping Rachel represent the NCBA at accredited law schools across the state? Learn about the NCBA Law Student Division.