Jeff Jefferson: From Vietnam to Law School

“And believe it or not, literally six days before I was sitting in my first class, I was in Vietnam… I, all the military guys, we sat in the front row because we knew if you want to get something done, don't sit in the back. And we -- don't forget, most of the guys are getting there at age 22 and we're age 26, 27 when we get there because we've been in the Army four or five years. Okay. So we're older guys and we don't have time to be playing around in the back of the class. We all sat in the front row.” -- Jeff Jefferson, Class of 1972, on transitioning from the military to law school Rochelle, Shernita. “Law School Ranks High with Military Alumni.” William & Mary Lawyer, 1996, p.15. Wolf Law Library Archives, LSA.1983.001 W.C. Jefferson completed his second tour in Vietnam in 1969, then started at William & Mary Law School a week later. He described his and his fellow veterans’ approach to law school as distinct from that of the other students due to their military experience – they did not take their legal education lightly. William & Mary Law School is no stranger to active and veteran members of the military. With a renowned Veterans Benefits Clinic and a local community filled with military families, the Law School is often pursuing partnerships such as the one described here. Listen to Jeff Jefferson's oral history online.