Contact: Sara Diedrich, diedrichs@missouri.edu
May 5, 2026
Photo courtesy of Elly Lang DeVeney
Student ambassadors at the University of Missouri School of Law serve as a bridge between incoming students and the broader law school community. For third-year student and ambassador Elly Lang DeVeney, that role means sharing her experience, helping newcomers build connections and making sure they feel at home from day one.
Drawn to Mizzou Law for its location on a beautiful campus, supportive atmosphere and faculty’s commitment to students, DeVeney, who is a co-leader of the Mizzou Law Ambassador Program, has found a community rooted in collaboration. Learn more about her experience as a law student ambassador.
Where are you from and what type of law will you practice after graduation in May?
I am from Hays, Kansas, and will begin practicing civil litigation at a Kansas City plaintiff’s firm specializing in class actions this September.
Give us an overview of your responsibilities as a law student ambassador at Mizzou.
As a co-leader for the ambassador program, my duties primarily consist of facilitating tours for prospective students. I help train new ambassadors on how to best show prospective students what we love about Mizzou Law and give them a glimpse of life as a law student. Ambassadors also help with Admitted Students Day, answering questions and introducing admitted students to life at the law school, and they pitch in with new student orientation, helping students become acquainted with the expectations of law school.
What are the main messages you share with new law students?
Mizzou Law is a community. First-year law students at Mizzou can expect to be welcomed into a very supportive environment. Professors are always willing to work with students outside of class, and the entire Mizzou Law staff works hard to make law school a positive and friendly three years.
The law school also provides a wide variety of unique opportunities for students to boost their skills outside of class. The school operates four different legal clinics for students to gain real-world experience representing clients. Additionally, three academic journals give students the opportunity to practice their legal writing and even have these writings included in publications such as the Missouri Law Review, the Journal of Dispute Resolution and the Business, Entrepreneurship and Tax Law Review.
What stands out most to you about your time at Mizzou Law?
My professors and classmates are what have made this experience so special. I have had the opportunity to learn from some very intelligent and kind people who have shaped my understanding of the law and helped guide me through the difficult parts of law school. Mizzou Law is set apart from other schools in the way it encourages friendly and supportive relationships. This type of environment has allowed me to meet some amazing friends.
