WVU College of Law Class of 2020
By Maggie Hatfield
Quentin Collie, a Parkersburg, WV, native, decided to venture out of state to pursue his undergraduate degree in English at the University of Notre Dame and master’s degree in education at Wake Forest University. After graduating in 2015, he worked as a middle school English teacher for a few years before deciding to pursue a career in law.
As a teacher thrown back into the role of student, Collie found himself with a renewed enthusiasm for learning. During his time at the West Virginia University (WVU) College of Law, Collie worked as a summer associate for Steptoe & Johnson PLLC, a graduate assistant for WVU Student Legal Services and copy editor for the Student Bar Association’s in-house newsletter.
“While the heavy workload was very challenging, it also resulted in some of the most meaningful learning experiences,” he says.
With his strong background in English, he was also selected to join the West Virginia Law Review and worked as an associate editor during his second year and later as the editor in chief of Volume 122.
“Ultimately, while both years were challenging, the opportunities to work with such talented peers and develop real-world skills were some of the most important lessons I learned,” he says.
With a full class load and a variety of extracurricular commitments, Collie graduated third in his class with Order of the Coif honors and received the Patrick Duffy Koontz Award for scholastic ability, character and leadership. He is currently working as an associate for Steptoe & Johnson.
He feels he owes his success to the people of the Mountain State and aims to show his appreciation tenfold.
“Since coming home, I have grown to appreciate the genuine sense of community West Virginians possess. I hope to give back to the people who have empowered me here,” he says.
