Cameron Ervin has been on the fast track since he began his undergraduate studies at UToledo as a Law and Social Thought major. With the goal of becoming a lawyer in mind from the start, he joined the accelerated 3+3 program, which allowed him to begin law school after only 2.5 years as an undergraduate student.
“I don’t have any lawyers in my family, but I always saw on the news and on television how a lawyer can change the world or their client’s life,” Ervin said. “I have always wanted to get into a profession that can truly make a difference. This is that profession. From a young age, I knew that this was the career path for me.”
CELEBRATING SUCCESS: UToledo recognizes the Class of 2023 with a series of stories featuring students receiving their degrees at fall commencement.
Ervin not only succeeded in his accelerated route to law school, but he did so while also playing football for the Toledo Rockets. Navigating his academic and athletic schedules helped him perfect his time management skills, which became an essential tool for navigating law school.
As a law student, Ervin ensured that he took advantage of being fully engaged as a student and leader. From being on the Mock Trial team to serving as president of the Student Bar Association, Ervin participated in opportunities to grow personally and professionally.
“He is a natural leader,” said Rebecca Zietlow, interim dean of The University of Toledo College of Law. “I have enjoyed working with Cam in his role as SBA President.”
During fall 2022, Ervin served as a member of Mock Trial, helping guide his team to winning first place in the 2022 Ohio Attorney General Public Service Mock Trial Competition. Ervin was also honored with the individual award of “Best Witness.” The next semester, Ervin was a top-ranking student in the Trial Practice class of Judge Myron Duhart of the Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals, an adjunct professor in the College of Law. Ervin then served as a co-captain of Mock Trial the following year.
Wanting to expand opportunities for law students, Ervin co-founded the Trial Advocacy Spring Competition, an exclusive mock trial event for Toledo Law students that launched in spring 2023.
Cameron Ervin wanted to be a lawyer. He will serve as an officer in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps after passing the Michigan Bar Exam.
Showing his admiration for the UToledo community at large, Ervin also participated in opportunities to help guide the future of academics at the college and institution. He served on multiple committees, including chair of the constitutional committee for the Graduate Student Association, faculty hiring committees and the provost search committee.
“From my first time visiting The University Toledo, I fell in love with this school and this city,” Ervin said. “I am so proud to say that I went to school here.”
As chair of the constitutional committee for GSA, he led the rework of their constitution and bylaws ensuring that all professional students would be included in the Graduate Student Association for years to come.
“Being involved is just the kind of person I am. I love taking on leadership positions and challenging myself,” Ervin said. “I love having the ability to shape the school that I have so much pride in. I also believe that being involved is the best way to thrive in any environment. Being involved has allowed me to meet so many wonderful people in this amazing community.”
Looking ahead, Ervin is excited to pursue his next adventure and challenge. Upon graduating and passing the Michigan Bar Exam, he will serve as an officer in the United States Army Judge Advocate General Corps.
“It is truly a job like no other. The Army JAG Corps will give me the opportunity to step foot in the courtroom doing high-profile cases very early on in my career,” Ervin said. “I will be able to practice several areas of law, including some that would not be available at any other job. But more importantly, it is something that I know I will be very proud to do.”
