Through CMU’s Criminal Justice program, one student found ways to connect coursework with professional experience. The journey reflects how determination can open doors in competitive fields.
Colorado Mesa University’s (CMU) Criminal Justice Program has continuously propelled its students into the workforce through multiple departments and internship opportunities. Recent CMU graduate Corbin Hines has excelled through the program and has built a series of stepping stones for himself to succeed in his future legal endeavors.
Hines's love for law comes from his mother, as she is a senior paralegal at a medical malpractice firm in Denver, Colorado. Her attentiveness and passion for her career allowed Hines to witness the success of her cases and the impact she had on others. Since graduating from CMU with a degree in Criminal Justice, Hines is looking forward to finishing a path his mother had difficulty starting.
“She always dreamed of going to law school herself, but by the time she seriously considered it, she was raising my brother and me and could not afford to make that leap,” Hines said. “Her dedication to the profession and her sacrifice motivated me to pursue the opportunity she never had.”
Hines held a cumulative GPA of 3.62 during his time at CMU and took advantage of many opportunities on campus. Towards the later years of his schooling, Hines secured an internship with Ramos Law where he has been able to shadow behind managing partner Nick Mayle and an of-counsel attorney, Dan Robinson. Hines knew he wanted to continue his passion for law after Mayle and Robinson took on a pro bono case involving a man with a developmental disability who had endured severe workplace harassment. Hines realized no one should have to go through what their client had gone through and gathered a real grip on what he wanted to pursue. Through this internship, Hines's attention to his education was prevalent.
“For me, it comes down to drive and determination. I have always believed that you can achieve anything if you are willing to put in the work...” Hines continued, “There were long nights and moments of frustration, but those challenges strengthened me.”
Hines quickly learned how to manage his time because he had to juggle so many things at once. This includes setting personal deadlines for assignments and dedicating specific blocks of time for studying. This was difficult as he pioneered a grassroots campaign to bring CMU’s Pre-Law Society back to pay it forward for other students pursuing law school. The society aims to educate aspiring law students on the tenets of law as well as guide them through the rigors of the application process for the LSAT (Law School Admission Test).
“I have always believed that opportunities rarely appear on their own, and that you have to create them through persistence and hard work,” stated Hines.
This mindset carved a clear path for where Hines is heading. From excelling at CMU to working for Ramos Law, Hines's persistence is evident through every aspect of his life. In the next few years, Hines aspires to graduate from law school and pursue meaningful work. He hopes to work in plaintiff's litigation or the criminal field. Hines plans to stay in Colorado and contribute to the communities and the people who have helped him reach his current position.