From Law School to Lifelong Partnership: UH Law Couple Prepares for Next Chapter
Student Spotlight: University of Houston Law Center students Emma Jenny and Tanner Shae reflect on law school, their engagement, graduation and their next chapter in Hawai’i.
Emma Jenny and Tanner Shae’s UH Law story
MAY. 13, 2026—Emma Jenny and Tanner Shae arrived at the University of Houston Law Center from opposite corners of the country: Jenny from Hau’ula, Hawai’i, on the island of O’ahu, and Shae from Fort Lauderdale, Florida — but they found a lasting connection in the John M. O’Quinn Law Building on the UH campus. What began as a brief encounter near the library printers during their 1L year quickly evolved into a partnership that shaped both their academic and personal journeys.
“I coined a term in my first semester called ‘LSC’—law school crush,” Shae said. “After a few smiles and waves across campus, I finally had the chance to speak to Emma in the library by the printer. Once I found out I was her LSC as well, it was written.”
As first-generation law students, Jenny and Shae leaned on one another through the challenges of law school while developing their professional goals. Jenny was inspired by her Native Hawai’ian roots and hopes to build a career that helps people and communities, while Shae wanted to give back to his family and make big changes in the world.
“Going through law school together has been a journey that I wouldn’t have completed without Tanner,” Jenny said. “His calmness balances out my chaos—he helps me relax, and I help him focus.”
Both credit UHLC with providing the support and opportunities that helped shape their pathways.
After graduation, the couple plans to take the Texas bar exam before beginning their next chapter in Hawai’i, where Jenny will clerk at the Hawai’i Supreme Court Justice Sabrina McKenna and Shae will work remotely in patent litigation with The Devlin Law Firm.
Reflecting on their experience, they offer advice grounded in balance and connection. “Remember who you are and what you love to do outside of being a law student,” Jenny said. Shae added, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know…you might even end up falling in love with one of them.”
Q&A with Emma Jenny and Tanner Shae
Why did you choose UH Law Center as your law school?
EJ: UHLC graciously offered me in-state tuition, and I fell in love with the new law building online. I was so excited to move to Texas and get some cowboy boots. As a first-generation law student, I’m so glad I chose UHLC—it’s truly become my home away from home.
TS: UHLC gave me a prompt offer and cost-effective, amazing opportunity. After meeting Emma, I’d say everything worked out.
How transformational was law school for you?
EJ: I would say law school is very transformational. Definitely, for me, being so far away from home and having to be on my own was really tough. But it was very rewarding also and very challenging. A lot of the time you have no idea what's going on and just pushing through the uncertainty was really, really rewarding in the end.
TS: It was definitely transformational. I mean, you come out of the pandemic, and everybody's social skills has kind of reverted from staying inside for so long. And then you get into law school and you're talking to everybody in the hallways. You're going to events, you're doing mock trial, or you're doing moot court, and you're just like really stepping out of yourself and becoming who you are.
What is the best advice you could give to someone just starting law school?
TS: It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Network, network, network. Network with partners who can help develop your career, network with potential clients to provide value to your firm, and network with your peers — you might even end up falling in love with one of them.
EJ: Law school naturally comes first, but remember who you are and what you love to do outside of being a law student. Keep your hobbies going, take a walk outside, call your mom every day and lean on your friends and family. Take care of yourself. Always do what makes you happy. And also, maybe, talk to your law school crush.
Anything else you'd like to add?
TS: I'd like to take a moment to express immense gratitude. I am incredibly grateful for the life-changing opportunities these past 3 years of law school. I’m grateful for everything that has happened to me, and I look forward to what’s to come.
EJ: Congratulations, class of 2026! We did it!
