A dedicated single mother of two boys, former account executive, athletic trainer, and lifelong Hurricane fan, Ann Turner Light has been selected by the University of Miami School of Law to deliver the student commencement address. Light, set to graduate with her J.D. and LL.M. in Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law, embarked on her journey to Miami Law through a circuitous and unique path.
After earning her B.S. summa cum laude in psychology and elementary education from Longwood University in Virginia, she spent 16 years in Washington, D.C., at The Economist Group, where she assisted law firms, nonprofits, and all government agencies in following and analyzing federal legislation. She then changed directions and became the head athletic trainer of Orangetheory Fitness in Parkland, Florida. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to the loss of her job, coinciding with a personal life upheaval due to a divorce. She was crucial in securing an ideal settlement agreement during the divorce process, which ultimately led her to law school.
“That experience lit a passion inside me to help others, particularly when one judgment could impact the rest of their lives,” said the Virginia native. “Honestly, I did not even know what the LSAT was. I quickly found out, and the rest is history.”
Light first attended Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law but decided to transfer to Miami Law after her 1L year.
“For 50 years, I wanted to be a Hurricane,” said Light, whose mother is a 1969 alumna of the U. “However, the defining moment that helped me decide to transfer, leaving behind the top scholarship at Nova, was the unparalleled range of opportunities at Miami Law. I entered into law school to pursue my ambitions on a grand scale, and Miami offered me the perfect opportunity to do just that.”
Light took full advantage of the many hands-on opportunities at Miami Law. She served as the managing editor of the International and Comparative Law Review and was a member of the International Moot Court Program, where she competed in the Sports Arbitration Moot Court and was a member of the Yvette Ostolaza Mock Trial Team, where she placed as a semi-finalist in the Chester Memorial Mock Trial competition.
She volunteered with ER Sports Law & Arbitration, an independent firm, providing pro bono assistance with motions and legal drafting. Light also worked as a certified legal intern in the Broward County State Attorney’s Office during her 2L summer and received the John M. Hogan Public Interest Litigation Scholarship. Her article, with co-author Miami Law graduate Enric Ripoll, “From Doping Allegations to Fundamental Rights Protection: A Case Study of the European System,” has been accepted for publication in an international arbitration law journal. She also found the time to serve as a member of the Student Ambassador Program, which supports the admissions office by recruiting prospective law students.
“My favorite experiences [at Miami Law] were those in which I embraced daunting challenges, uncertain of how I would navigate them, but ultimately grew as a result, like fulfilling the LL.M. requirements in one year and actively participating in law review, International Moot Court, and the trial team,” said Light. “I will always cherish being an ambassador because it allowed me to proudly advocate for Miami Law, which is undoubtedly the best law school in the nation!”
When she found out she was selected as this year’s student commencement speaker, she was “filled with profound gratitude, feeling humble and honored beyond words. The thought of how much this moment would mean to my mother, my unwavering source of support and a proud UM alum, moved me to tears. Writing this speech was deeply fulfilling, as it flowed effortlessly from my heart, and I felt happy I would have the opportunity to share it.”
Following graduation and passing of the Bar, Light will begin her legal career as a trial attorney specializing in maritime law at Mase Seitz Briggs.
“As I gain valuable experience in federal court, another goal is to explore the field of intellectual property litigation,” said Light. “My ‘blue sky’ is to serve as the general counsel for a prominent sports team, cruise liner, or any esteemed company within the ever-evolving entertainment industry.”
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