Jesse Dawn McLain is an experienced litigator, trained mediator, and multi-genre teacher. She has taught classes at the undergraduate and law school levels, including: College Composition; Writing Arguments; Writing in the Discipline of Social Sciences; Topics in Language, Law, and Justice; and Trial Advocacy.
While working as a crime and politics reporter in college Jesse became particularly motivated to tell the stories of those impacted by crime. During law school, she was the first student in school history to be a champion member of the American Bar Association’s Traveling Trial Team and an Editorial Board member of the DU Law Review simultaneously. After law school, she became a prosecutor.
Upon returning to education, Jesse noticed the significant overlap between legal and academic language and the power of giving audiences access to justice through a better understanding of both. This connection inspired the creation of this course as a capstone project for a Master’s Degree in Writing, Rhetoric, and Social Change.
Jesse is a strong advocate of free speech, clear communication, and education that truly empowers all students.
- Master of Arts, English – Writing, Rhetoric, and Social Change, Colorado State University, 2026
- Juris Doctorate, University of Denver Sturm College of Law, 2012
- Bachelor of Arts, English – Writing Concentration; Minor, Political Science, Colorado State University, 2005
Writing in the Law 