May 15, 2025
Rylee Dolven, a 2017 graduate of the University of Montana Western with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, returned to campus to speak with students about her journey after graduation. Rylee earned her law degree from the University of Idaho College of Law in 2021 and now works for a civil litigation firm in Boise, Idaho.
Prior to her current role, she served as a law clerk for the first female federal district judge in Idaho. This opportunity gave her firsthand insight into the legal profession at the federal level. As a young alumna, Rylee offered a relatable and inspiring perspective to students considering law school or exploring alternative paths after earning a humanities degree. While her undergraduate major was in psychology, she chose not to pursue the more traditional counseling route. Instead, she used the critical thinking, writing, and research skills she developed at Montana Western to succeed in law school.
Rylee credits the academic rigor at Montana Western, particularly the guidance of professors like Dr. Heather Haas, for preparing her for the demands of legal education. She explained how the university’s unique block schedule helped her develop discipline, focus, and effective outlining skills. These tools became essential throughout her legal studies. The immersive nature of the block system, she said, reflected the fast-paced and intensive environment of law school.
Originally from a small town in Idaho, Rylee said that Dillon offered a perfect transition. She appreciated that Montana Western provided a small-campus, private-college atmosphere while remaining a public institution. That sense of community and the structure of the block schedule helped her stay engaged and committed to her goals.
To students considering law school, Rylee offered the following advice:
“Network on campus. Find a mentor who has experience helping students get into law school and who can guide you while also serving as a sounding board. Take hard classes, even if the only reason is that they are hard. Push yourself. Learn that you can be challenged and still succeed. Law school will expect that of you every day, so it is important to start building those habits now.”
Rylee added that she wishes she had better understood the time commitment law school requires before attending. However, she noted that “law school is only as much of a time commitment as you make it,” emphasizing the importance of self-discipline and time management.
To learn more about the University of Montana Western, please visit www.umwestern.edu or contact Admissions at 877-683-7331.
