Robert Leary wants to know how the world works. He’s interested in big questions: why do people do what they do? What motivates them? What empowers and disadvantages them? 

His goal is to become a lawyer. Thanks to his time studying economics at West Virginia University, he’s already on his way there. 

“Economics really is in everything,” Leary said. “My interest in history is what led me to that, strangely enough. There’s more similarities than you think.” 

Coming from Pawling, New York, Leary was drawn to Morgantown for its mix of city amenities and rural scenery. He found Morgantown’s true value, however, in his classes at the John Chambers College of Business and Economics. 

“It was really nice, for my first year, taking Intro to Business,” Leary said. “I had Dr. Wang, and I went with her to Guatemala for a study abroad trip. She’s one of the people I asked to write a reference letter for law school.” 

As his education continued, Leary racked up personal and professional successes: an additional study abroad trip to Peru, a service project with the Monongalia County Health Department, and internships with two United States Congress members from West Virginia. In one of those internships, he helped manage a grant to expand the Clarksburg Airport. 

Every step he took, and every lesson he learned, revealed a new aspect of the world we live in. His interest in history and his study of economics began to lay the groundwork for his future in law. 

“I took a class on real estate law here, in the Chambers College, as well as antitrust law and government business,” Leary said. “And I think the mind you have to have for economics is related to law: you have to be logical. 

“Sometimes, you read a Supreme Court brief and both sides are arguing over what happened in the 1500s. I think that’s really cool! Everything connects back. Politics affects everyone, and economics affects everyone, and the law affects everyone. These three things set the playing field that every other discipline works in at a fundamental level. Law is a great place to make a big difference.” 

A law degree isn’t the limit, though. Leary doesn’t just want to study the big picture: one day, he wants to help paint it. 

“When I think of what I want to do after law school, I don't think I want to go to work for a big law firm,” Leary said. “I think I might like to work for a county prosecutor's office. A position like that is absurdly important. It's really cool to know that you're making a big difference in the world, you know?”

-WVU-

am/12/19/24 

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Andrew Marvin 
Senior Communications Specialist
John Chambers College of Business and Economics
andrew.marvin@mail.wvu.edu