Our Interview With Vincent van Houden, Attorney At Vest Counsel

Vincent van Houden is a Harvard Law graduate with a degree in psychology from UC Berkeley. In 2024, Vincent founded Vest Counsel, a law firm advising founders and creators on intellectual property, technology, and business strategy. Prior to that, Vincent worked in the capital markets practice at Fried Frank and for a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.‍

1. What motivated you to pursue a career in law?

I wasn’t sure what direction to take. After experiencing periods of instability, I wanted a path that provided a degree of security. Law stood out because it sits at the intersection of power and structure, and allows you to directly shape outcomes.

A lot of students struggle with the law school personal statement. What did your process look like, and what made yours stand out?

I started by writing out the memories that came to mind, then Frankensteined them into a cohesive narrative with a clear hook, a defined throughline, and no repeated content across my materials.

2. What was the biggest challenge that caught you off guard during the LSAT?

Sleep. I went into the test tired after being kept up the night before. Small things like rest and environment matter more than people think.

3. How much work experience did you gain before applying, and how did it help?

Nothing traditionally impressive, but it was useful. It clarified what I didn’t want.

4. Did you face any setbacks during admissions, and what did you learn?

People didn’t always believe in me, and some were openly skeptical about the path I was pursuing. I learned you have to back yourself before anyone else does.

5. If you received acceptance to multiple law schools, how did you decide between them?

I thought the Harvard brand would open doors and position me to be taken seriously across different spaces.

6. What led you to your current practice focus, and what advice would you give to someone pursuing a similar path?

Before law school, I launched everything from cupcake businesses to a spray tanning business. I also filed my own trademark, joined the YouTube Partner Program, and dealt with an infringement-related Instagram deactivation. That gave me exposure to both the enforcement and protection side of branding across early and growth-stage environments.

That foundation, combined with experience in capital markets and complex transactions, led me to focus on intellectual property, deals, and growth strategy. At Vest Counsel, I work with clients to structure, scale, and protect their businesses at each stage of growth.

7. What activities or opportunities would you recommend for students interested in your field?

Work with startups, or build something yourself. Cold outreach. Join an innovation lab or business-focused student group, or programs like Vest Counsel’s legal fellows initiative.

8. How do you think AI is affecting law school admissions?

I hope applications are still being read individually. AI can increase access to information and help with brainstorming, but it can also push applicants toward generic answers. The risk is that people start sounding the same, which makes it harder to stand out.

9. What emerging fields of law should students consider if they want to future-proof their careers?

Food law, technology, and regulatory work tied to emerging industries are strong options. That said, almost every field has a legal dimension. The better approach is to start with what you are genuinely interested in, then build legal expertise around it. That alignment is usually your best path to success.

10. What are the biggest sacrifices you’ve had to make to pursue a career in law?

Time and focus. It requires sustained commitment over a long period, often at the expense of flexibility and other opportunities early on.

11. Did you have mentors or guidance when applying to law school? How did they help?

Not in a traditional sense. I drew inspiration from fictional characters who embodied confidence, strategy, and presence, like Temperance Brennan, Elle Woods, and Annalise Keating.

12. Bonus question: How much would we have to pay you to take the LSAT again?

I’d prefer not to revisit that experience, but I’m always open to structuring a flat-fee package.

Juris Education is proud to interview experts like Vincent to help future lawyers understand the challenges and rewards of a legal career. Learn more about how our experts can help you get into law school today.