Traded One Gavel for Another: Meet Samina Gagné

/ Sangeeta Kishore

There are numerous roads to law school, and no one-size fits all path to a successful legal career. Follow along with our new series highlighting BC Law students and how they got here! 

Our first and second entries were with Sara Womble, a 2L from Winston Salem, NC, and Elias Massion, who comes from Nashville, TN and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Today’s Q&A is with Samina Gagné from London and Columbia University.

What did you do before coming to law school?

Before law school, I was an Auctioneer and Senior Client Development Manager in the art auction industry.  I worked my way up in the ranks of Sotheby’s and Phillips—working for both organizations in New York and London—to become one of the youngest auctioneers at a major auction house. Here’s a video link! This career allowed me to be both analytical and creative, while also constantly pushing me out of my comfort zone.

Why did you decide to go to law school? And why BC Law?
I decided to attend law school to apply my skills and experiences in a broader, more impactful context. My work at Phillips and Sotheby’s exposed me to complex legal issues, such as data privacy and sanctions compliance, which sparked my interest in pursuing a legal career. I realized that the analytical rigor and client-oriented approach I developed in the auction world could translate seamlessly to the practice of law. I chose BC Law because of its academic excellence, its reputation for fostering a supportive, high-morale community, and its commitment to diversity and inclusion—values that align with both my personal and professional goals.

How have your past experiences informed your law school experience and future career interests?
As an auctioneer, I cultivated the ability to read and respond to my audience, think strategically, and communicate persuasively—skills essential for legal advocacy. Beyond my formal work, I was deeply involved in diversity initiatives and mental health support in the art world and beyond, a focus I intend to maintain in the legal profession. At BC Law, I have actively participated in organizations that have reinforced my interests in advocacy and in promoting inclusive environments, such as the South Asian Law Students Association and the Art Law Society.

Sangeeta Kishore is a second-year student at BC Law and president of the Impact blog. Contact her at kishorsa@bc.edu.