Graduate Profile: Brian Haara
Brian Haara took a philosophy of law class only because it filled a pre-requisite and was given at the right time.
However, he enjoyed the class so much that he took another, and eventually became a philosophy major — a move that has been invaluable in his career as an attorney.
“The critical analysis and logic, along with finding new ways to understand things I had taken for granted, all attracted me to the major,” the 1993 graduate says.
“Philosophy is incredibly connected with the legal profession,” he says. “The ability to critically analyze facts and arguments, to develop logical arguments and to communicate effectively are all part of philosophy and of law. And from a more theoretical standpoint, philosophical concepts of morality, ethics and values go to the core of legal theory.”
Haara also majored in political science and minored in history.
“I think the combination of my major, minor and other courses gave me a broad perspective and an appreciation for being open-minded,” he says. “I would hope to have had similar experiences in other programs, but I know that philosophy certainly gave me that experience.”
Working as an attorney in Louisville, Ky., Haara says he hopes to someday argue a case before the United States Supreme Court.
While at Alma, Haara was a member of the Zeta Sigma fraternity, was a writer and editor for The Almanian (student newspaper) and played intramural sports.
