Jessica Gaynelle Moss '18 - Art Law [Self Defined Study]
During my time at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, I was exposed to an intrepid and fantastic world that I had yet to experience anything else like it in my professional career.
My professional work is focused on the intersection of the arts, education and advocacy. I build artist's spaces in dilapidated communities with the goal of economic redevelopment. Throughout my career, my roles and positions have been working for artists directly or within museums, galleries or non-profit community centers. The MSL program offered the opportunity to shape and build a legal curriculum that would be completely unique to me, my interests and professional experience. During my year of study, I focused on the intersection of art, property and race in this country-- something not offered at any other graduate program in the US. I was able to gain a deeper insight into the diverse perspectives of legal professionals who are actively still engaged in their specific fields, like Professor Gerald Dickinson [leading the national discussion concerning racial injustices in real estate and property law] and Professor Michael Madison [an international scholar in the world of copyright and trademark law]. My cohort was full of diverse perspectives, opinions and experiences, which only made for a more rich and valuable experience. As a result, my professional network has expanded dramatically, providing access to spaces, places and people I otherwise wouldn't have has access to. As a graduate of the MSL program, I use my degree everyday. From reading through artist's contracts to developing short-term lease agreements for residencies, my year of study at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law continues to supplement my work and career in invaluable ways.