As a first-generation lawyer, Madison Barney, JD ’24, set out on her path to a law degree with one clear mission: to advocate for those who need it most. Motivated by her personal experiences and the legal system’s impact on those around her, Madison chose Baylor Law School to become the advocate she had always dreamed of being. “I wanted to dedicate my career to public interest,” she reflects, “but I was unsure of which sector I would end up in.”
Madison’s law school journey was challenging, with the demanding curriculum testing her at every turn. Still, the support she found within the Baylor Law School community was crucial to her success. She cites Professor Whitney Holmes as a significant influence, whose Poverty Law course reignited her passion for public interest work. “It was a breath of fresh air,” she recalls, emphasizing how the class discussions on access to justice shaped her understanding of the issues she would later address in her career.
Her professors’ mentorship and guidance were consistent themes during her time at Baylor Law School. “Professor Alpert’s Criminal Law Boot Camp helped me develop my skills and improve my confidence,” she shares. The encouragement from faculty like Professor Yanowitch and Professor Kincaid reminded her that her commitment to public interest truly mattered. “They were always there to support me when I faced difficulties,” she notes, highlighting the importance of a nurturing academic environment.
Madison’s dedication to public interest work brought her to Disability Rights Texas (DRTx) during the summer of her 1L year, where she started as a law clerk. Impressed by her dedication, the Housing & Transportation team asked her to stay on. She continued her work as a law clerk throughout her 2L and 3L years, gaining hands-on experience in disability rights and housing law. Her commitment to the public good motivated her to apply for and secure a highly selective Equal Justice Works Fellowship during her final year at Baylor Law School. After taking a short break to prepare for the bar exam, Madison rejoined DRTx as an Equal Justice Works Fellow, sponsored by an anonymous donor, focusing on housing and disability rights.
Madison’s passion for her work is palpable, particularly when she discusses how crucial fair housing laws are. She emphasizes the necessity for legal champions in this area by pointing out that 28% of Texans have some sort of impairment, according to the CDC. “With only one Texas legal aid attorney for every 7,000 Texans living below the poverty line, it’s no wonder there has been an increase in people needing help.” In addition to representing her clients, Madison aims to inform the next generation of lawyers about the critical intersection of disability rights and housing law through her work at DRTx.
To raise awareness about fair housing issues, Madison is establishing a Fair Housing Workshop program across Texas law schools, with the inaugural workshop set to take place in November at Baylor Law School. Additional sessions are scheduled at other Texas campuses, and Madison’s goal is to build an ongoing program that engages students statewide in this impactful work. “I’m excited to give students the opportunity to learn how doable this work is,” she says, underscoring her mission to inspire law students to address issues affecting people with disabilities. “Housing remains a persistently overlooked sector of disability rights law, yet stable housing gives individuals a foundation for autonomy and integration into their communities.”
Madison’s commitment extends beyond the workshop. To give law students practical, hands-on experience in housing and disability rights law, she is establishing a Fair Housing Clerkship Program at DRTx. “This program will allow students to work under the supervision of DRTx attorneys and engage with real cases,” she says. “It’s about creating a new pipeline of advocates for Texans with disabilities.”
Based on her own experiences, Madison also offers guidance to current Baylor Law School students. She stresses that every student’s journey is different and advises, “Run your own race. It’s okay to not focus on competing; instead, direct your energy towards what works for you. Take care of yourself.” She advocates for self-care, revealing that, despite the exacting requirements of law school, she made time for exercise and therapy. “The satisfaction of knowing I have truly helped someone makes all the challenges worthwhile,” she reflects.
Madison’s story demonstrates the life-changing potential of a Baylor Law School education and the difference one committed person can make. She finds renewed enthusiasm for her work in sharing her knowledge with current Baylor Law School students. She says, “My experience at Baylor Law School prepared me for this path,” crediting the training, skills, and mentorship she received for shaping her career. Her narrative serves as a motivational reminder of the qualities that characterize the Baylor Law School community: tenacity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to service.
Original source can be found here.