5/23/2016

Donald Campbell was an undergrad pursuing a political science degree at Stockton University in New Jersey when he took a class on law and found his future.

“I said, ‘I like this. I could see myself doing this,’” the 26-year-old Egg Harbor Township resident said. “I like public policy and advocacy.”

He enrolled at Delaware Law School and now, three years later, he’s ready to trade life in the classroom for life in the law. He is an inspiring example of dedication and grit.

Campbell was born prematurely with mild cerebral palsy. He can walk very short distances but largely relies on a wheelchair. He has trouble with precise motor skills in his hands, so writing anything beyond his signature is extremely difficult.

He overcame those challenges to earn his law degree. Campbell used a computer system called “Dragon” that allowed him to dictate papers and briefs, but it was imprecise and needed a lot of editing. To ease that burden at exam time, when tests are administered under strict time limits, the law school paired Campbell with Amy Loeffler, an administrative assistant in the Office of Student Affairs. Loeffler sat with Campbell through every law school exam, typing his thoughts as he dictated them. She also filled in the ovals on his multiple-choice exams after he selected his answers.

Over time, Loeffler learned Campbell’s preferences on style rules and formats and they got to know each other. They grew to be friends. Campbell said he was thankful for the role Loeffler played in his education. “It’s hard to find somebody who is easy to work with, and she was,” he said

Loeffler said she was glad for the experience – a first for her with a student – and her coworkers joke she should be eligible for a degree, having experienced three years of law school exams. “It was a pleasure to work with Donald,” Loeffler said. “We are all proud of his accomplishments and I look forward to seeing where his career takes him.”

Campbell also credits his uncle, Chris Schanz, for helping him get through law school. Schanz, a resident of New Jersey, helped Campbell complete the errands that come with daily life, which for a person with cerebral palsy, can present incredible challenges. Schanz also provided transportation to get Campbell home for visits to New Jersey.

Campbell plans to take the New Jersey bar exam and he’s eyeing a career in special education or disability law. After growing up attending New Jersey public schools, he said he already knows quite a bit about the system.

“I can’t wait to see what goal I accomplish next,” he said.