For Logan Chollett, class of 2021, the too-big-dream was always in the background: study law at Wake Forest. He just didn't want to let himself get too carried away. But he built toward it anyway: an interest in business sparked at LuHi's Business Academy, a degree in accounting from Clemson, and finally, on a Tuesday evening in November, the long-hoped-for call telling him he'd gotten into Wake Forest School of Law. He's now just a few short years away from finishing there.
After graduating from LuHi, Logan shares that he felt the Lord leading him toward Clemson. "I wanted the chance to grow as a leader, a student, and a servant of the Lord, and Clemson gave me every opportunity to do so." He studied accounting, building on an interest that started back in LuHi's Business Academy, and found a university culture that matched his personality. "Clemson students will talk your ear off about how much they love their university. For fun, I once ran a poll during my junior year of college asking, 'If you could restart college and go anywhere, would you?' Not a single person said yes."
When he was accepted into Wake Forest School of Law, it was an easy decision. He says, "I enrolled almost immediately."
Getting there wasn't simple. Between a summer spent studying five to seven days a week for the LSAT and years of building a record of grades, leadership, and service, Logan describes the process as "long and grueling." But he's kept his eyes on two things that make it worth it: an admiration for the Founding Fathers, lawyers themselves before they helped build a nation, and a conviction that a good lawyer reflects Christ in how he treats people. "A lawyer who can truly put themselves in someone's shoes will be more effective, and more inclined to treat that person the way Jesus would, with humility and respect," he says.
He hopes to eventually practice complex corporate litigation while pursuing a role as an Assistant United States Attorney.
That goal came into sharper focus during a recent case that left a mark on him: a wire fraud and money laundering case involving more than $25 million funneled out of the country through a chain of bank accounts. Logan spent hours compiling evidence, five to six per binder, into the case files used at trial. "Working behind the scenes on a case of this scale gave me a new appreciation for just how skilled our federal prosecutors and judges really are," he says. The trial ended in convictions on nearly every count.
To any LuHi student weighing a similar path, Logan encourages students to lean into the grind. "Law school is one of the most difficult things I've ever taken on, but I'm thankful for the struggle," he says, pointing to Luke 12:48 as a verse he returns to often: "Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required." His advice is simple: "Search your heart. If it feels like the Lord has placed this path on your heart, put your head down, work hard, trust His plan for your life, and don't look back."
Looking back at his own time at LuHi, two teachers stand out. "Mr. Doebele: I still remember APUSH like it was yesterday. If I could take any class again, it would be his." And Mr. Dwinell, who Logan calls "one of the funniest people I know, but also one of the greatest role models for living a divinely inspired life. He's tough, but wise."
Thanks for taking the time to share your story, Logan. We're proud to call you a LuHi grad!
If you are a LuHi student, Logan has offered a standing invitation to give help and advice to those interested in exploring Clemson, Wake Forest, or a career in law. If that's you, take him up on it!