From Minnehaha to Harvard Law: Matt Doty ’19 on Curiosity, Advocacy, and Finding His Path

As young adults step into their professional lives, it’s easy to see the coming years as a series of résumé lines to conquer. Slowing down and allowing success to grow out of one’s own formation isn’t always easy.

This profile is part of a series highlighting young Minnehaha alumni who are pursuing their work with thoughtfulness and purpose. Rather than chasing short-term wins to build their LinkedIn profiles, these alumni are asking deeper questions about who they are becoming—and making choices that reflect the passions, personality, and gifts God has placed within them.

Matt Doty '19

Harvard Law School
J.D. Candidate

Spot on the Map

I'm a J.D. candidate at Harvard in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I also have a BA in international/global studies and psychology, as well as minors in history and Spanish from the University of Minnesota.

A New Direction 

I took Human Rights Issues in Latin America for my Spanish minor. That introduced me to human rights theories and international law, which nudged me to take a few law courses at the Humphrey School.

The Indirect Route

Did I really want to do law? A professor at UMN suggested I work at a law firm for two years before making that decision. I spent the next two years in Washington, D.C. working as a paralegal. I like to say that those two years were the nail in the coffin: I loved it. 

What Excites Me

Experiencing the process of litigation­—from the complaint through to trial—captivates me. I already liked persuasive writing; strategizing how to advocate for a client provides a compelling outlet for those skills.

Connecting Dots

At times, I bring a unique perspective to legal discussions thanks to my research experience in psychology and overseas internships (Spain and Bulgaria). I learned to question my initial sizing up of any event, and to realize that policy changes may affect people's behavior in unexpected ways.

Set Up for Success

The way faculty at MA taught us to structure persuasive essays really drew me in. My chapel internship encouraged leadership and responsibility, as our team planned services for the whole school. I was at MA from kindergarten through twelfth grade; the school shaped many of my goals and values. 

A Word of Advice

Be curious. Be open to change. I see many of my peers hyper-focused on achieving success or reaching a specific rung on the ladder. I'm an academic late bloomer, but on my journey I've been served well by staying grounded, keeping my values, and following my interests where they lead.