When 3L Samantha Bidlack began her undergraduate degree, her mother decided to go back to school as well.
“It was inspirational to see my mom take on the challenge, and it motivated me to keep pushing toward my own goals,” Bidlack says. “She juggled six kids while earning her bachelor’s in nursing, working night shifts at the hospital and then waking up before anyone else to study, and never complained. My mom taught me what perseverance really looks like.”
After earning her own bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Utah, Bidlack worked in the oil and gas industry and hoped to one day further her education.
“I always wanted to go to law school but was nervous to commit. After several years of professional experience, I felt ready for a new challenge and realized it was the right time to pursue the goal I had always envisioned for myself. Going to law school has truly been one of the best decisions I’ve made,” Bidlack says.
She began her journey at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law, hoping its hybrid format would be a good fit for her young family, before transferring to the S.J. Quinney College of Law in 2024.
“I realized that being away for about 10 days each semester was actually more difficult for my young children and for me. Transferring to S.J. Quinney has allowed me to be fully present both at home and in my studies, which has made my law school experience far more rewarding,” she says.
Since returning to the University of Utah, Bidlack has found the same sense of community and academic excellence she experienced as an undergraduate, thoroughly enjoying her classes and the experiential learning opportunities available.
“The counterterrorism course was unlike any other class I’ve taken. It was really engaging and thought-provoking, and it gave me a global perspective on how law operates in complex, real-world situations,” Bidlack says. “The patent prosecution and contract drafting classes were much more hands-on, and I loved how practical they were. I came away with concrete skills that I know will be valuable in practice after I graduate.”
Indeed, Bidlack is eager to combine her new legal skillset with her background in chemical engineering and the oil and gas industry. She plans to open her own law firm after graduating from law school to help small business owners protect their work and innovative ideas, in addition to offering business succession planning for long-term stability and growth.
“I’ve seen how much creativity and effort go into developing new ideas and technology. Those experiences got me interested in intellectual property and business law. I really enjoy the idea of helping people safeguard their work through patents, trademarks, and good planning. It lets me use my technical background while still focusing on problem-solving and strategy,” Bidlack says.
Most of all, Bidlack appreciates Utah Law for the support she received from professors and staff members after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer during her 2L year.
“Dean Burton, Natasha Carlton, and my professors were all incredibly supportive and understanding. That experience showed me how much the faculty and staff care about their students beyond academics, and it made me even more grateful to be part of such a close-knit, compassionate community,” Bidlack says.
She is proud of herself for being able to balance law school, care for her young children, and navigate a difficult health diagnosis all at the same time. With the College of Law community standing behind her, she feels empowered to keep pursuing her goals.
“There were moments when it felt overwhelming, but I stayed focused and kept moving forward. That experience showed me how resilient I am and reminded me of the importance of perseverance and community,” she says.