1L Spotlight: Phil Cutsinger
The academic year has officially begun, and Colorado Law is looking forward to welcoming the incoming class of new students. Over the next few weeks, we will be highlighting some of our incredible 1Ls through a series of brief profiles! Next up, we have Phil Cutsinger (he/him). Phil grew up in Maple Park, Illinois, and studied Environmental Science at the United States Military Academy. He has been serving in the Army since he graduated in 2020.ÌýÌý
Meet the Class of 2028’s Phil Cutsinger!
What inspired you to pursue a law degree?Ìý Ìý
PC: I found myself reading the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) fairly regularly for various projects and investigations I was tasked with while I was in the Army. I found that I actually really enjoyed the process of reading the UCMJ, making arguments, and providing evidence to support my conclusions. It was intellectually stimulating and gave me a sense of satisfaction – I was doing work that had a direct impact on my community, in this case the unit I was assigned to. Pursuing a law degree is the natural progression of that interest and satisfaction. I’m hoping to find work that scratches that intellectual itch while allowing me to continue to positively impact our community. Ìý
What are your hobbies outside of work and school?Ìý Ìý
PC: We live in Colorado, who doesn’t love to get out into the mountains and enjoy that fact?! My wife and I love to take our two mini dachshunds, Frank and Oscar, out for hikes. Camping, skiing, running, hiking, fishing (fly and otherwise) – I’ve also recently started overlanding on 4x4 trails, and am rediscovering an interest in rock climbing! If it’s an excuse to get outside, I’m game for it. Ìý
Why did you choose Colorado Law?ÌýÌýÌý
PC: I chose Colorado Law for a few reasons – the Front Range area is a great fit for my wife and I, both professionally and personally. Making connections with current CU Law students who have had similar experiences to mine also put my mind at ease when making the choice to come to CU (shoutout Will Ostlund). Finally, my interactions with the admissions team differed so drastically from all the other schools I was admitted to that choosing to become a Law Buff was a no-brainer!Ìý
What are you most looking forward to this upcoming academic year?ÌýÌý
PC: I am most looking forward to getting to know my classmates now that I am back in school! I am also really looking forward to getting involved with the Getches-Wilkinson Center, especially the Acequia Assistance Project.Ìý