Rebecca Corke is the new pre-law advisor at the Tufts Career Center. A graduate of Suffolk University Law School, she arrives at Tufts after serving as an Assistant District Attorney at the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. As an ADA, she worked in the Family Protection Unit and prosecuted cases in the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Unit.
Corke aims to support students and alumni interested in pursuing a legal career by coaching them through the law school application process and helping them navigate the decision to pursue a law degree.
“I have seen through my engagement that the potential for impact in a learning community is great. Here at Tufts, I am eager to empower future leaders through coaching and opportunities afforded in the higher education setting,” Corke wrote in a statement to the Daily.
Corke’s appointment as the new pre-law advisor was a major change for the Tufts Career Center, impacting the many pre-law students eager for guidance in their major and the tasks of taking the LSAT, and applying to law school.
Louise Bond, a senior and co-president of the Tufts Pre-Law Society, recalled her experience as a pre-law major prior to Corke’s appointment.
“Tufts did not have a very strong full-time position where they could focus all their energy on helping out pre-law students … and I think that’s just something that any university should offer its students,” Bond said.
Connor DeBoda, junior and vice president of the Tufts Pre-Law Society, had also felt a need for more administrative support for pre-law students.
“My exposure to pre-law events, resources, and community, were primarily through the pre-law society prior to Corke’s appointment,” he wrote in an electronic message to the Daily. “Students should actively feel like they have that administrative backing, for which, personally, I chose to go to a school like Tufts in order to have access to. Until now, the burden of providing this support seemed to be on students themselves.”
On Oct. 24, the Tufts Pre-Law Society hosted a meet-and-greet with Corke for current pre-law students at Tufts.
“I think students will really appreciate that she’s taking the time to introduce herself and the resources that she can offer pre-law students. [Corke] had a career in law … so she can also share her personal experiences with students which I think will be really exciting for students,” Bond said.
Corke said that her time planning educational and community-building events and mentoring interns while serving as Assistant District Attorney fueled her passion for helping others, and incentivized her to apply for the pre-law advisor position at Tufts.
“I enjoy being part of conversations about career exploration and goal setting; and love the chance to make a difference,” Corke wrote.
Corke also said she strives to pursue her goals through coaching sessions that are available to all students and alumni interested in the legal field.
“I endeavor to help Jumbos explore the vast options, demonstrate their strengths and achieve their full potential. As the pre-law advisor, I will meet students and alums where they are in their journey and offer the necessary support to further their exploration and growth,” she wrote.
Bond looks forward to seeing this change implemented at the Tufts Career Center. She said she is excited to “turn over a new leaf” and “form a more close and consistent relationship with the advisor.”
“Hopefully, one-on-one meetings can make students feel more prepared and informed about the process of applying,” Bond said.
DeBoda also expressed excitement at Corke’s appointment.
“In my meeting with Corke it was really clear to me that not only does she have the experience and perspective that really can help students considering law school, but also, she is very intentional about the position,” he wrote.
According to Corke, pre-law students and alumni benefit from a wealth of support, including comprehensive online resources, webinars, panel discussions and networking opportunities. Corke encourages Jumbos to take advantage of these offerings by scheduling coaching sessions and participating in events designed to enhance their skills and foster connections within the Tufts community and beyond.
Corke emphasized the importance of challenging students to engage deeply with their communities and pursue all available opportunities. She said she is proud to be part of a Career Center dedicated to supporting the success of the entire Tufts community.
“Growth is the key, and I plan to work with Jumbos to challenge themselves, engage in new ways with their community and seek all possible opportunities,” Corke wrote. “It is imperative that we continue to increase diversity and access in the legal profession, and I hope to always be furthering that goal.”
