Feature Stories Alumni: Corsair meets courtroom: Emily Dillan ’20, JD ’23 achieves dream career in law

CCB alumna, Law School alumna
Emily Dillan '20, JD '23
Feature Stories Alumni: Corsair meets courtroom: Emily Dillan ’20, JD ’23 achieves dream career in law
Corsair meets courtroom: Emily Dillan ’20, JD ’23 achieves dream career in law

Drawing from her own experiences at UMass Dartmouth & the School of Law, Dillan is now an Alumni Association member that is dedicated to being the mentor she once had.

Back in the day, Boy Meets World was one of those shows that captured the hearts of viewers everywhere, including Emily Dillan ’20, JD ’23. She grew up glued to the show’s humor, life lessons, and unforgettable characters, particularly Topanga and her dream of becoming a lawyer. Emily, with her own love for reading and writing, never imagined that she’d one day travel the same path as Topanga, from undergrad to law school. 

At 28 years old, Dillan began her higher education journey at UMass Dartmouth as a nontraditional student, enrolling in the online business management program out of the Charlton College of Business. Living on the Cape, she wanted an education that fit her lifestyle, without a daily battle through Boston traffic. The flexibility of the online program allowed her to balance work as a tax preparer at H&R Block and her studies, all while managing the personal responsibilities that came with being an older student. 

Initially drawn to the challenges of accounting, Dillan toyed with the idea of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). However, after realizing the time and financial commitment required for that career, she came to a clear conclusion—law was simply a “natural fit” for her. 

“I didn’t see myself going back to school for most of my 20s, but I did, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made,” said Dillan, who didn’t have to look far for a stellar law education. She enrolled directly after earning her bachelor’s degree, wasting no time in fulfilling her childhood dream and placing all her trust in the education system that had just supported her every step of her undergrad years. “I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences I’ve had as a Corsair and for everyone I met along the way.” 

While Dillan was a member of the international business honor society, Beta Gamma Sigma, as a CCB student, she was determined to get more involved at UMass Law. She explained, “I knew that after having a nontraditional undergraduate experience, I really wanted to get involved in campus life at UMass Law and achieved that to the fullest.” 

Throughout law school, Dillan served on the Student Bar Association, worked as a teaching assistant for two years, and acted as the student liaison for the American Bar Association (ABA). Additionally, she served as managing editor for the UMass Law Review, further enriching her experience as a Corsair pursing justice. 

Dillan credits three UMass Law mentors for shaping her journey as an aspiring lawyer: Professor James Freeley III, who taught legal research and writing; Professor and Director of Academic Success Amy Vaughan-Thomas; and Professor Margaret Drew, who taught domestic violence law and guided her through the human rights clinic during her second and third years. 

“Working in the human rights clinic was a transformative experience for me,” said Dillan. “I represented survivors of domestic violence at various probate and family court hearings. It was a great way to get my feet wet and determine if probate and family court was where I wanted to end up. Professor Drew asked me to come back and work with one of my clients on a review hearing for a restraining order in my third year, and I just loved every minute of it.” 

Now, Dillan is a judicial law clerk for the state of Massachusetts, serving the Norfolk, Worcester, Hampden, and Plymouth divisions of the court through legal writing and research. Her current professional success wouldn’t have been attainable without years of dedication to her education and the mentorship she received along the way. 

“Mentorship is so important, whether you’re an undergraduate or a graduate student. I wouldn’t be where I am without the mentors that guided me every step of the way,” said Dillan. This belief is what led her to join the UMass Dartmouth Alumni Association, where she actively works to give back to the community that helped shape her. “Those connections that you make as a student matter more than anything when starting your career.” 

As a proud alum, Dillon was determined to ensure that the School of Law had a voice on the board. She works to strengthen alumni connections, support current students, and create valuable networking and mentorship opportunities. Driven by a passion for helping others realize their potential, Dillan believes that with the right guidance, anyone can succeed—no matter their circumstances. 

“It’s just a matter of service. I want to help people in any way that I can,” said Dillan. “Having been a nontraditional student, I offer a more mature perspective that helps me connect with both younger and older students. I live locally, so I have the luxury of being close to campus to do just that. It was a no-brainer for me.” 

From a young girl sitting cross-legged in front of the TV to a dedicated lawyer and advocate for students and alumni, Dillan’s journey shows that anything is possible when you’re a Corsair.