Max Hayashi, a 3L at Texas A&M Law, grew up in Dallas and graduated from Baylor University in 2018 with a B.S. in Biochemistry. He then moved to Maryland and worked as a researcher with the National Institute of Health where he focused on “tubulin protein biochemistry in the context of human chronic illness.” After two years, Max found his way back to Texas and began law school in the fall of 2020.
During his time at Texas A&M, Max has prioritized gaining experience in different fields and has focused on fostering strong relationships with his peers and mentors. Max shared that his legal interests are a “mixed bag,” and that he enjoys “environmental law, real estate law, corporate law, and healthcare law.” He is currently a research assistant for Professor Gabriel Eckstein researching groundwater laws in several states, a member of the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association, and a Notes and Comments Editor on Law Review.
After completing his 2L year, Max spent his summer in Austin interning with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). There, he researched and wrote memos on behalf of the agency’s lawyers on a broad range of legal issues facing TPWD, including public land management, freshwater navigability, and mineral royalties. The internship also allowed Max to explore different parts of Texas. He shared that they “went to a state fish hatchery in San Marcos and learned about the importance of aquaculture from scientists working there.” Further, he learned about “the importance of managing [Texas groundwater] resources for future generations” when touring San Marcos Springs and Edwards Aquifer. When asked what he enjoyed most about this internship, Max said that he “liked attending meetings between agency lawyers and other TPWD personnel,” and that he “learned a lot about the many things TPWD does through these meetings and the important, underappreciated stewardship role the agency plays in our state.”
Outside of his internship with TPWD, Max spent his summer enjoying all that Austin had to offer. He appreciated “the great food and music scene,” and said that Austin was a “beautiful city with a lot of outdoor activities like biking, swimming, and hiking.” Max shared that he is “very grateful for the guidance and support” that he has received from Professor Eckstein and Dr. Brian Larson, who “have been strong mentors and advocates of [his] since entering law school.”