'11
Austin Baird
"The fact that I went to a law school that placed such emphasis on service and that has so many opportunities to put that service into action, has been hugely influential on what I've done since then."
While working as director of risk management and compliance at Vivint Solar, Austin finds balance in his life through his love of service, the outdoors, and his family. He has a strong commitment to use his legal education to ease the burdens of others. Austin has served as chair of a non-profit that addresses domestic issue in countries around the world. He also works with local Utah leaders to address the homeless situation and ensure refugees receive the training and mentoring they need to successfully integrate in the local community. Austin is leading a group of BYU Law alumni participating in the volunteer representation of women and children asylum seekers being held in detention in Dilley, Texas.
Austin talks about how his legal education gave him the tools to get proximate and serve people who are in situations they cannot overcome on their own.
"I’m extremely passionate about refugees.”
Attending BYU Law helped solidify Austin's passion for both the outdoors and service. “BYU Law’s proximity to the Wasatch Range gave me access to the outdoor activities I enjoy and needed to decompress and process the rigors of law school; and the School’s emphasis on service rooted me in using my law degree to help people through difficult times. Being a lawyer really is a position of authority and responsibility."
Austin's legal education helped him engage with his community by providing the following:
1. Emphasis on Service — "BYU Law has a strong emphasis on using your legal education to help others which encouraged me to look for ways to use my knowledge, finances, positions, and connections to make a difference."
2. Engaged Network — "Thanks to BYU Law, I have an international network of people who are dedicated to easing the burdens of those around them."
3. Relevant Tools — "A lot of the needs we encounter are complicated and require more than just a willingness and desire to serve; they include the knowledge and experience I received in law school."
There are several members of the BYU Law community who had a significant impact on Austin's law school experience including Justice Tom Lee, Associate Dean Carolina Núñez, Dean of Students Wendy Archibald, and Professor John Fee.
“Professor Tom Lee’s passion and love for the law were truly inspiring and he infused that passion in his students, especially in me."
"Watching Professor Carolina Núñez's dedication and passion for immigration law has left a significant impression on me and has influenced some of my decisions."
Austin shares how his family—especially his wife, Leslie (BYU Law, '12)—helps him find balance. “Having a wife with aspirations and ambitions has helped me embrace being as full-fledged of a parent as I can.”
BS, Brigham Young University, 2008
Mountain Climbing
Running
Service
Family Adventures
Praedo Institute, Director of Business Development
Praedo Institute, Associate General Counsel
Vivint Solar, Director of Risk Management and Compliance