Feature Stories 2025: Marisa Heller BS '25, JD '27: The business of law

Marisa Heller '25, JD candidate '27 is the first Charlton College of Business major to participate in School of Law's 3+3 joint degree program, a pathway she says set her up for success in law school and in her legal career to follow.

"I always knew I wanted to pursue law school—I enjoyed negotiating, and I wanted to be someone that people could count on to help them," she said. "When choosing a college, I wanted to go somewhere that had a law school and a 3+3 track to accelerate my plans."

"I knew I wanted to own my own law firm in the future, so I felt like having a business background would provide the skills necessary to build that organization. At the end of the day, a law firm is a business, and I want to be able to grow my business."

Studying management

Knowing you wanted to pursue law school, why major in management?

"I knew I wanted to own my own law firm in the future, so I felt like having a business background would provide the skills necessary to build that organization. Management interacts with all aspects of a business, so I wanted to build skills in marketing the business, managing the books, attracting investors, and more. At the end of the day, a law firm is a business, and I want to be able to grow my business."

What makes management a good major for someone interested in law school?

"Any business student at UMass Dartmouth interested in law school should take 'MGT 312: Legal Framework for Business' and 'MGT 452: Employment Law' taught by Bobby Hazelton, who is a business and intellectual property lawyer himself. Even though these are taught from the business side, they put your foot in the door to a legal mindset." 

What's exciting about studying management?

"I loved all my professors and classes. They knew I had a busy schedule outside my classes with pre-law advising, law school events, and athletics, and they were very flexible and accommodating if other obligations arose. They would encourage me to do what was best for me.

"Pre-law advising sets you up for law school. The management major sets you up for life after law school."

Starting law school

How do law school classes compare with undergraduate courses?

"You have to be more self-sufficient in law school. Your midterm and final exams are weighted much more heavily, so it's on you to stay on top of your readings and case briefings. That might seem like a harsh reality, but it's more indicative of being an attorney.

"You don't get credit for doing the homework that builds the case—credit comes from the final performance that wins the case, seals the deal, or persuades the court. But it's that behind-the-scenes homework—the part you don’t get credit for—that prepares you to deliver when it counts."

Do you have any advice for other students thinking about pursuing the 3+3 program?

"It's so worth it, even if it means squeezing in an extra class. You're already in school—and in a learning mindset—so you're used to doing homework and studying for exams, which makes for an easier transition. The 3+3 program just lets you enter the next level a year earlier. If you know you want to do something, you might as well fast-track it to save time and money."

What's your favorite thing about UMass Dartmouth and UMass Law?

"The professors I've had are so willing to help. Don't be afraid to ask them to simplify a concept. If you ask a question, they're going to help you. I've always found them willing to meet me halfway, whether it's clarifying something or meeting me outside their office hours to make sure I feel comfortable with the lesson."

Studying abroad

Heller continued to embrace new opportunities this summer, taking part in the second annual study abroad trip to Portugal. Over two weeks, she immersed herself in comparative law and culture, gaining firsthand insight into Portugal's legal system, history, and evolving relationship with government—an experience that broadened her perspective and connected directly to her career goals.

What drew you to the study abroad program?

"I always wanted to study abroad, but not quite for an entire semester. When this opportunity to spend two weeks during the summer learning about different cultures and differences in judicial systems, I jumped at the chance. It was a once in a lifetime experience, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity."

Would you recommend the experience to other UMass Law students?

"Yes, I would recommend this experience to other UMass Law students. It was eye-opening to compare Portuguese and U.S. law, seeing both differences and striking similarities in constitutional principles and how they've evolved over time.

"Beyond the classroom, visits to institutions like the Assembly of the Republic and the Museum of Aljube Resistance and Freedom deepened my understanding of Portugal’s history and struggles. The stories of women enduring brutal oppression as recently as the 1970s were especially impactful, highlighting both the severity of that era and the resilience that led to liberation."

How does understanding European Union law help your career goals?

"It helps provide perspective on how different countries interpret different policies. Also, learning about Portugal's history and evolution of freedoms further strengthened my passion and resolve that practicing law is what I want to do with my future."

Marisa Heller BS '25, JD '27: The business of law

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