J.D. Vance, the American author and venture capitalist, attended Yale Law School from 2010 to 2013. During his time at Yale, Vance was a student in the law school's class of 2013, where he earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Early Life and Education
Before attending Yale Law School, Vance grew up in Middletown, Ohio, and graduated from Middletown High School in 2003. He then attended Ohio State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy in 2009. After completing his undergraduate degree, Vance served in the United States Marine Corps from 2003 to 2007, including a tour of duty in Iraq.
Yale Law School Experience
At Yale Law School, Vance was actively involved in the school’s community, participating in various extracurricular activities and organizations. He was a member of the Yale Law Journal, one of the most prestigious law journals in the country, and served as the journal’s executive editor. Vance also worked as a research assistant for several professors, including Professor Amy Chua, who would later become a mentor and friend.
Vance's experience at Yale Law School had a profound impact on his life and career. In his memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, Vance writes about the challenges he faced as a first-generation college student and the cultural adjustments he had to make as a result of attending an elite institution like Yale. Despite these challenges, Vance thrived at Yale, developing a strong network of friends and mentors who would support him throughout his career.
| Education | Degree | Years Attended |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University | Bachelor's degree in political science and philosophy | 2005-2009 |
| Yale Law School | Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree | 2010-2013 |
Post-Graduation Career
After graduating from Yale Law School, Vance worked as a law clerk for Judge Jeffrey Sutton of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. He then moved to Silicon Valley, where he worked as an investor and entrepreneur, co-founding the venture capital firm Middletown Ventures and serving as a principal at the firm Revolution LLC.
In 2016, Vance published his memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, which became a New York Times bestseller and earned widespread critical acclaim. The book explores Vance's experiences growing up in a working-class family in Appalachia and his journey to Yale Law School, offering a unique perspective on the social and economic challenges facing rural America.
Public Policy and Advocacy
Vance has been an outspoken advocate for policies aimed at addressing the social and economic challenges facing rural America. He has written extensively on topics such as economic development, education reform, and social mobility, and has testified before Congress on issues related to poverty and inequality.
Vance's work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the National Book Award and the Time 100 list of most influential people in the world. He continues to be a prominent voice on issues related to social and economic policy, and his work has had a significant impact on the national conversation about poverty, inequality, and social mobility.
What was J.D. Vance’s experience like at Yale Law School?
+Vance’s experience at Yale Law School was marked by challenges and opportunities. As a first-generation college student, he faced cultural and socioeconomic adjustments, but he also developed a strong network of friends and mentors and thrived academically.
What is J.D. Vance’s memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, about?
+Hillbilly Elegy is a memoir that explores Vance’s experiences growing up in a working-class family in Appalachia and his journey to Yale Law School. The book offers a unique perspective on the social and economic challenges facing rural America.
