Birmingham School of Law alumna Jacquelyn Wesson has been teaching at Birmingham School of Law since 2005. Former Dean Ginger Tomlin encouraged her to give teaching a try. “I could not be more appreciative of her having this confidence in me. Teaching law has been remarkably rewarding,” Wesson says.
Wesson is continuously amazed at the dedication of her students. “My students approach the material we are covering with a tremendous amount of excitement. That attitude is completely contagious. Aspects of my legal practice, which otherwise would seem routine, feel new and fresh as I share insights with my students,” she says.
Wesson and her husband, Jon, are both alumni of BSL and have a general law practice in Warrior, AL. The practice, Wesson and Wesson, includes divorce, family law, bankruptcy, probate matters, appeals, contracts, business formation, civil litigation, real property, estate planning, personal injury, and other matters.
She began her teaching career with Legal Writing and over the years has taught Legal Ethics, Legal Research and Writing, Domestic Relations/Family Law, Agency and Partnership, Study Skills (MEE and MPT preparation), and Pleadings and Practice. Wesson admires the drive of her students as they study the law. “In addition to working full-time, meeting family obligations, civic responsibilities and otherwise having busy lives, these students have resolved to also complete law school – frequently in pursuit of advancement within an established career or in order to change careers. I am inspired by their commitment.”
Wesson points out that the diverse student body makes BSL unique. “Each semester, I meet new students who range in age from the 20s to the 70s. They hail from all over the state of Alabama and from other states, often commuting hours each way,” she says. “They are teachers, doctors, accountants, engineers, nurses, police officers, software developers – all variety of professions are represented in each incoming class. This provides a tremendous opportunity to draw from the vast and varied wealth of knowledge and experience present in every classroom.”
The Wessons recently became empty-nesters, but they stay busy caring for their rescue pets – five dogs and seven cats. Wesson also spends time as a beekeeper. “I started keeping honeybees several years ago. They are fascinating,” she says. “I could literally watch my hives for hours at a time.”