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 Veronica (Roni) Miller, graduating with a JD from the College of Law.
Hi Veronica! Tell us a little about yourself.
I am from Crete, NE, and a proud fourth-generation University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate, where I studied Spanish and Political Science. Before attending law school, I taught English at a public high school in Spain and worked on sustainability planning for the University of Nebraska system. At Iowa Law, I served as a Writing Center Tutor, competed on the National Moot Court Team, and was the Editor in Chief for the Journal of Gender, Race & Justice, Volume 29.
In a few short sentences, tell us how writing impacted your time here at the University of Iowa?
Writing shows a lawyer's worth. A good oral argument only happens if you write a good brief beforehand. Good advocacy is possible when legal issues are appropriately explained. The focus on my legal writing skills has been a centerpiece of my time at the University of Iowa, and I know it has prepared me for the next chapter of being an attorney.
What was one of your favorite classes or activities related to writing?
My favorite writing class at Iowa Law was my Reproductive Justice seminar with Prof. Jill Lens. As a field, reproductive justice centers on social, racial, and economic justice and focuses as much on a person’s rights to have and raise children in safe and healthy environments as what people traditionally think of reproductive rights (abortion care, contraceptive access, etc.). I was able to spend the semester researching and writing my seminar paper about Dandridge v. Williams, a 1970 U.S. Supreme Court case about welfare program family caps that disadvantaged poor families with multiple children.
What advice would you give to incoming students about writing at Iowa?
Even when you think you aren't writing, you are. The tab never closes in your brain. Let the process be iterative, take time away from the piece you are working on, and revise, revise, revise. It'll come together.
What are your plans for post-graduation? Any projects, continued studies, or exciting work news we can share?
After graduating from Iowa Law, I will return to my home state of Nebraska to clerk for Senior Judge John Gerrard of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska in Lincoln until 2028.
Find Veronica online!
Instagram: @ronimillzz
Facebook: Veronica Miller
LinkedIn: Veronica Miller