Jacob Burnett ’15, a Wabash Rhodes Scholar and political science major, has been selected to serve as an Executive Editor for Volume 170 of the University of Pennsylvania Law Review – the oldest and one of the most cited law journals in the country.
“If I had to capture what it is like to work with The University of Pennsylvania Law Review in one word, it would be: exciting,” Burnett said. “The Journal publishes some of the most groundbreaking legal scholarship that scholars, practitioners, and students are producing.”
Burnett, who is currently attending the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and works as a research and teaching assistant, previously served as an Associate Editor for The Journal and was selected to serve in the new role after submitting a written application to the outgoing board.
“I applied for the position specifically because I enjoy working directly on Law Review pieces, and as an Executive Editor, I believed I would thrive when working directly with authors and incoming Associate Editors,” he said. “The substantive scholarship is fundamental to the success of the Journal, and I hope to play a key role in ensuring that the Law Review publishes well-edited, thoughtful, and excellent pieces.”
Burnett, a native of Mishawaka, Indiana, was active at Wabash College through Moot Court, Student Senate, The Bachelor, Wabash College Democrats and Pre-Law Society, among other activities and organizations. He was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Psi Chi and Lambda Pi Eta honor societies.
In 2014, Burnett was one of 32 students in the nation to be named a Rhodes Scholar.
He graduated from the University of Oxford with a master’s degree in global governance and diplomacy and criminology and criminal justice.
“Growing up in poverty and watching my mom do God’s work to lead my family through class oppression has always inspired me to work hard and keep moving forward,” Burnett said. “My journey is one that could not have happened without her, who I look to for strength and tenacity.”
The alumnus said he’s thankful for the Wabash professors he had who were integral to his success.
“Specifically, Professor Scott Himsel and Dr. Robert Horton wrote me letters of recommendation for my law school application process,” Burnett said. “They have always been great mentors to me and have guided me along my journey.
“Without Wabash, I don’t know if I would be where I am today! It taught me how to be excellent at what I do and to have fun along the way with amazing colleagues and friends.”
