Our Interview With Benjamin Casino, Editor In Chief Of Johns Hopkins Undergrad Law Review

By the Juris Education Interview Team

Benjamin Casino is the Editor In Chief of the Johns Hopkins Undergrad Law Review.

What inspired you to pursue leadership within the pre-law community at your school?

I have been involved in law review for four years, and I came to the school originally interested in patent law. From my first year, I was drawn to the way legal writing allows you to take complex ideas and turn them into structured, persuasive arguments. As a freshman and sophomore, I spent a lot of time writing papers, helping with edits, and supporting other students in the pre law community who were just beginning to explore legal studies. I benefited greatly from the guidance and mentorship of older board members who took the time to review my work and encourage my curiosity about the law. Stepping into a leadership role felt like a natural extension of that experience. I wanted to provide the same opportunities for learning, growth, and mentorship that had helped me develop confidence in my own legal thinking and writing.

What’s one initiative your society has introduced that’s had a meaningful impact on its members?

One of the most impactful initiatives our society introduced was a speaker series that brought in local legal professionals to talk about their work. We invited attorneys and legal advocates to explain what their day to day work looks like and how they entered their field. This helped members see the law as something real and practical, not just abstract theory. It also exposed students to areas of law they might not have considered before, which made the path to a legal career feel more tangible and accessible.

What do you think are the skills aspiring law students can gain from joining an organization like yours?

Students gain several important skills from being involved in a pre law organization. One of the most important is writing, especially legal writing, which many students are encountering for the first time. Members learn how to structure arguments, analyze cases, and communicate ideas clearly and logically. They also build confidence in speaking and expressing their views, whether through discussion, debate, or presenting their work. These experiences help students find their voice and become more comfortable engaging with complex and sometimes controversial legal issues.

What advice would you give to law students on how to make the most out of joining a pre-law association?

I would encourage students to actively engage with case studies and examples of real legal arguments. Reading how cases are structured and how attorneys frame their positions is one of the best ways to understand how the law works in practice. From there, students should try to apply those structures in their own writing and discussions, adding their own perspective and style. Getting feedback from peers and mentors is also essential, since it helps refine both analytical thinking and communication. By being curious, practicing consistently, and learning from others, students can get far more out of a pre law association than simply attending meetings.

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