In this flagship series, we’re highlighting graduating University of Iowa students who have woven writing into their academic journeys across disciplines.
Today we are featuring Abby Crabtree, a law student graduating in 2026 with a JD from the College of Law.
Hi Abby! Tell us a little about yourself!
As a life-long Iowan, I grew up in Dubuque, Iowa, and moved to Iowa City to attend the University of Iowa, where I graduated with a BA in Ethics and Public Policy and a certificate in sustainability in 2021. During my time at Iowa Law, I've taken nearly every opportunity I could get my hands on. This year, I served as the President of Graduate and Professional Student Government, a Note and Comment Editor for the Journal of Corporation Law, and competed on Iowa's national environmental moot court team in New York.
In a few short sentences, tell us how writing impacted your time here at the University of Iowa?
Iowa's focus on writing has given me the foundation to build my career as a lawyer and an advocate. The legal profession depends on skilled communication; writing is a lawyer's bread and butter. Even though my interest is in environmental litigation, I have the skills that allow me to grow in any direction.
What was one of your favorite classes or activities related to writing?
The process of seeing my note through the publication process was an incredible learning experience. I was published in the Journal of Corporation Law in January of this year, but I began the writing process in August of 2024. Shaping my first draft from its early form into its final published version took patience. The editing team helped me adjust the scope, tone, organization, and citations. Without their help, this would have been an overwhelming task!
What advice would you give to incoming students about writing at Iowa?
Lean into the growing pains of improving your writing. These skills are the foundation of any career and any aspect of your life. Put the time and energy into your writing now, while you have so many tools at your disposal. Writing is a fundamental skill that you should never outsource.
What are your plans for post-graduation? Any projects, continued studies, or exciting work news we can share?
After graduation (and after the bar exam), I will be joining the team at Dickinson Bradshaw in Des Moines!
Find Abby Online!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abigail.constance/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/abby-crabtree