From Practicing Law to Preparing the Next Generation of Lawyers

When David Wright transitioned from practicing law to a career in higher education student affairs, he knew he found his true calling. Now, as the new assistant dean of student services at UNC School of Law, Wright brings with him a passion for building meaningful relationships with students and helping them achieve their goals.

Wright grew up in Hope, Arkansas, before attending the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville for his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He practiced law briefly after earning his J.D. the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law. However, Wright soon realized that the traditional legal career path was not fulfilling his desire to make a profound difference in people’s lives. He reflected, “I would go home at night and just not feel like what I was doing that day was making a huge difference.”

A conversation with friends working in higher education opened Wright’s eyes to the opportunities available at universities. He learned about student affairs and was drawn to the rewarding experience of advising students through monumental life events. Wright shared, “You get to work with students in good and bad times. You get to activate that problem-solving side of your brain while making a difference for them.” 

Wright brought his legal training and problem-solving skills to higher education posts at the University of Arkansas, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. In addition to his professional roles, Wright is a candidate for a Ph.D. in Education Policy and Evaluation from the University of Kentucky, with expected graduation in May 2024. Most recently, he served as the Dean of Students at the University of Kentucky College of Law. Now, at Carolina Law, Wright relishes leading a team and taking a strategic approach to elevating the law student experience.

What is clear in the short time Wright’s been at Carolina Law is the culture of community and support that exists among students, faculty, and staff. Wright believes this institution already provides a strong foundation of support. Still, there are always opportunities to further enrich students’ growth and lives.

At his core, Wright authentically cares about each student he interacts with. When asked what he wants the Carolina Law community to know, Wright emphasized his deep care for students’ personal growth and professional development. He values personal connections over accolades. For example, Wright fondly tells the story of a student who nearly dropped out after traumatic events. Thanks to the support they received, this student persevered and, on the eve of their graduation, handed Wright a letter affirming the life-changing impact he had on them.

Wright truly understands firsthand the ups and downs of law school, having struggled at times and having to hunt for a job during the height of the recession. He leverages his personal experience and empathy to build rapport with students. His vision for supporting student well-being is for the Student Development Office to serve as “the hub for every student’s personal and professional development.”

With a full staff now assembled and ready to thrive, Wright sees plentiful opportunities to creatively expand programming and outreach. He wants students to know exactly where to turn for help with organizations, stress management, professional growth, and any issue they encounter. By raising the visibility of his office, Wright aims to bring more humanity and personal connection to fulfilling Carolina Law’s mission to educate future members of the legal profession.

This article originally appeared in the February 2024 issue of Carolina Law magazine.