With a bachelor’s degree in communications and a double minor in music and business, 3L Kyle Andrews got a taste for the law while helping to secure the music licensing and intellectual property rights for the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. He worked for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in project management for several years and, keen to pursue a graduate degree, decided to apply to law school.
“I’ve always had a strong interest in research and writing, which naturally drew me toward the law. The analytical nature of legal studies combined with the opportunity to advocate clearly and effectively aligns well with my strengths and interests,” Andrews says. “I view a legal career as a meaningful way to combine thoughtful communication with service and problem-solving.”
It was tough to decide which law school to attend, though, as Andrews applied to a wide range of schools. The S.J. Quinney College of Law appealed in many ways, and ultimately, he chose it for its location, tuition value, national ranking, and overall environment.
Since he enrolled in 2023, Andrews has discovered more to appreciate about Utah Law.
“The smaller class size was another major draw for me. I really value a more personal, tight-knit learning environment where it’s easier to connect with faculty and classmates,” Andrews says. “And the professors at S.J. Quinney are incredible! They are accessible, highly respected, and clearly invested in their students’ success. All of these factors together make S.J. Quinney the right fit for me.”
He admits, as a Utah native, never actually setting foot on the University of Utah’s campus until law school and describes the College of Law’s building as a “beautiful and inspiring place to learn.”
Yet it’s the people Andrews most appreciates, and he draws on his musical knowledge to illustrate the close-knit community he’s found here at Utah Law.
“One of the biggest perks of being at a smaller law school is that your professors know you by name and take the time to say hello in the hallways. The staff is equally supportive and approachable, always willing to help,” Andrews says. “What really stands out is the student body. Everyone is friendly, collaborative, and committed to making the most of this experience. ‘We’re all in this together’ (yes, that was a shameless ‘High School Musical’ reference), and that shared mindset creates a really positive and encouraging environment here at Utah Law.”
Andrews is passionate about helping people and learning their stories. He is thrilled to be part of a profession that can support individuals through difficult times.
“The legal system can be overwhelming and intimidating for the average person, whether they’re facing a lawsuit, a criminal charge, or any kind of court proceeding. As future attorneys, we’re uniquely positioned to help ease that burden, guide them through the process, and work toward the best possible outcome,” he says.
In fact, Andrews is an active member of both the J. Reuben Clark Legal Society and the Utah Law Review. He also previously served in the Student Bar Association (SBA) for two years as a 1L representative and as vice president. Whether it’s planning an event or working behind the scenes, he enjoys contributing to the supportive and inclusive environment at the College of Law.
“I really enjoy being engaged in the law school community and finding ways to contribute meaningfully. Through SBA, I’ve had the chance to help organize events like the Quinney Open and the 1L Memo Drop, as well as supporting initiatives like maintaining Quimbee subscriptions for students,” Andrews says.
During spring 2025, he did a judicial externship with Chief Magistrate Judge Dustin Pead.
“It gave me a behind-the-scenes look at the judicial process and completely shifted my perspective on the legal field. I gained a deeper understanding of legal writing, courtroom dynamics, and the importance of precision and professionalism in practice,” Andrews says. “Even for students who don’t plan to pursue a clerkship long-term, I highly recommend the experience. It’s incredibly valuable and eye-opening.”
It’s hard to pinpoint a single accomplishment he’s proud of since he began law school. Rather, Andrews says the combination of experiences that shaped him along the way stand out. For instance, he took a big leap outside his comfort zone to run for positions on the SBA, and he also achieved his goal to write on the Utah Law Review. Both experiences have been very meaningful to him.
“I’m so glad I did it! It has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me to serve in SBA for the past two years. Working with students, faculty, and staff to help strengthen our community and improve the law school experience has meant the world to me. And to get that acceptance letter for the Utah Law Review was both exhilarating and surreal,” Andrews says. “More than anything, I’m just proud to be part of this community and to learn alongside so many talented and inspiring legal minds here at S.J. Quinney.”
As Andrews begins his final year, he is considering his options for after graduation. He’d love to do a clerkship and go deeper into the judicial process, but he’s also thought about pursuing an LLM in taxation. And of course, there’s always the dream job to aim for.
“Ultimately, my goal is to work as in-house counsel for a company, ideally within Utah’s growing tech industry. I’m drawn to the dynamic, problem-solving nature of in-house work and the opportunity to be part of a company’s long-term vision. And, if the stars align in the future, working for Disney in some capacity would be a dream come true!” he says.