Laura Kyte first became interested in law as an undergraduate history major. “My senior thesis was on slavery in the United States,” she says. “It became so apparent to me how important the law was in creating meaning and identity for people. I was inspired by attorneys who were willing to help fight against a system that was acceptable to most of the population. The very instrument that was being used to oppress was also being used to push against that oppression.” When one of Kyte’s professors suggested that she consider law school, Kyte says it felt right: “I decided a career in the law would allow me to use my skill set to make a difference in things I care deeply about.”
At BYU Law, Kyte served as president of the Government and Politics Legal Society, which helps students gain knowledge about externships, service, and careers in government. She has been actively involved in planning and organizing the society’s annual State and Local Government Conference, an event that invites students, academics, and practitioners to collectively examine pressing issues spanning the areas of civil, criminal, and political law. “We put together an excellent day of learning with engaging panels and speakers,” she says. “It’s a great opportunity for students to build connections and to see the inner workings of legal practice.”
Another highlight for Kyte was interning with Justice John A. Pearce of the Utah Supreme Court. “Justice Pearce gives a lot of his time to interns and includes them in much of the work done in chambers,” Kyte says. “It was eye-opening to see what a judge does and to see what they consider to be good advocacy.”
After graduation, Kyte will complete a fellowship in the civil litigation department of the Utah Attorney General’s Office, followed by a clerkship for Judge Diana Hagen of the Utah Court of Appeals. “I came to law school because I would love to practice civil rights litigation,” she says. “I crave opportunities to get involved with anything that helps provide legal access to those who have not traditionally had it. That resonates with me.”
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