Christian Kiely stepped out of law school and into a Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court clerkship in May, continuing a journey that began when he chose Suffolk University Law School based on its reputation and location.

“Looking back, attending Suffolk Law gave me more than I thought possible, exceeding my own expectations,” says Kiely, who graduated with the Class of 2012. “The Law School has great professors who are experts in their fields, and although it’s a very challenging environment, they make the information easy to understand.”

Kiely had seen firsthand the value of a Suffolk Law School education; his mother, trial lawyer Annette Gonthier Kiely, is an alumna.

Academic leader

Kiely set a high bar for himself as he began his study of law, and his determination quickly paid off. He received an Academic Leadership Scholarship after his first year and was ranked the top student in his class all three years.

As he launches his legal career, Kiely says: “I feel that I am well prepared to go out and practice law.”

Position awaits at law firm

He will serve as a law clerk for the Honorable Robert J. Cordy of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in Boston for a year, after which he will join the Boston law firm of WilmerHale as an associate.

Kiely’s advice to first-year law students: “Identify what’s important; study efficiently; and don’t sweat the small stuff. If you’re willing to put in the time and energy, then Suffolk Law will help get you where you want to go.”