Anna Pope (OSU)
In her law and legal research analysis class, Rep. Kylie Hager (OSU) listened to Rep. Payton Dougherty (OSU) talk about Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature (O.I.L.) and she decided she wanted to join Moot Court.
This is Hager’s first semester in O.I.L. and said the experience she gained just this semester, has been crucial in feeding her ambition to become an attorney. Last year, Hager said she made the decision to carve out the goal to go to law school but is conflicted on what law she wants to practice. Even though Hager works in an emergency room and thought she wanted to practice medical malpractice law, she started to lean toward criminal justice law and is currently interested in family law.
Although she has not dedicated that much time to being in the House of Representatives in comparison to Moot Court, Hager said having the opportunity to be a part of both facets in O.I.L. is beneficial. She said being in the Moot Court competition while a member of the house taught her to think outside the box and is eager for next semester’s competition.
“I really am excited to try it again, especially now that I will know what to do next time,” Hager said. “I’m excited to see what new arguments that I can come up with.”
Hager did not make it to the next round of court but is not upset because she loved the experience, even though she is exhausted. Hager said considering this is her first time in O.I.L. and preparing for the competition was tedious because competitors must completely switch arguments between petitioner and respondent.
“It was a little intimidating for being the first time (in the competition),” Hager said.
In addition to feeling somewhat intimidated, Hager said she was prepared but also not prepared for the competition. However, she said that was part of the learning process and working with her fellow delegates from Oklahoma State University’s delegation, established some confidence in her by showing that she was not as behind as she thought.
While this year has presented its own unique set of virtual challenges and Hager is looking forward to attending in-person O.I.L. next semester, she also said it was nice to do some things virtually.
“I’m glad I got to experience the questioning and how intense it is through a computer first and getting to transition into the in-person conference,” Hager said. “Even though it was through a computer it still had lessons in it.”