by Ifunanyaife Richardson (’24)
Mackenzie Freeman graduated with an international studies degree from Baylor in 2018. While at Baylor Mackenzie was in the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core (BIC) program. In these classes, she was able to greatly improve her writing and reading skills. Mackenzie was also involved with Baylor Ambassadors and the Baylor in Washington program while in undergrad. In Washington D.C., Mackenzie was able to intern with a think tank where her love for law and policy grew. In her senior year of college, Mackenzie applied to law school and got into Duke Law.
In law school, Mackenzie faced a new set of challenges and was able to adapt to how law school operated. Mackenzie explains that in her first year of law school she was taught to “write like a lawyer”. This was a new way of writing she wasn’t used to. Mackenzie also learned that getting supplemental books and videos for classes was a necessity for success. As a first-generation law student, Mackenzie had to master law school by quickly adapting. She learned how to navigate the infamous cold call in classes as well as how to effectively take notes. She was also able to find a mentor while at law school, something she recommends all law students do. Through internships she had in law school Mackenzie was able to narrow down the field she wanted to work in: corporate.
Today, Mackenzie works as a Private Equity associate at McGuireWoods in Dallas, TX. Mackenzie’s primary role is aiding her clients in the buying and selling of their businesses. Some of her daily tasks consist of completing due diligence for her clients’ companies, drafting escrow agreements, and coordinating people. Mackenzie expressed how happy she is in her day-to-day life. She feels fulfillment from her job. In the next five to ten years, Mackenzie wants to either be on the partner track in her current firm or in-house counsel for one of the companies she’s worked with. Mackenzie ended the interview expressing her content with her job and where she is now.
