Blake Atherton ('12)

Blake Atherton (Class of 2012) embodies Beachwood Schools’ mission to “develop intellectual entrepreneurs with a social conscience.” Driven by a desire to solve complex legal challenges and contribute to a more peaceful world, Blake thrives as an international-disputes lawyer.

Blake credits his time at Beachwood Schools and participation in Model United Nations for sparking his interest in political science, competitive debate, and international relations.

“Beachwood was academically rigorous,” he reflects. “The standards for academic performance were high, and I was surrounded by some brilliant students who pushed me every day.”

After graduating from Beachwood High School, Blake studied International Political Economy in Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. He received the Saint Andrew’s Society Scholarship to study at the University of Saint Andrews in Scotland, where he obtained a master’s degree in International Security Studies, focusing on the relationship between international criminal courts and domestic judiciaries.

Driven by a desire to become a trial lawyer, Blake enrolled at Georgetown Law School. He honed his legal skills with a clerkship in a federal trial court in Dallas before joining a Washington, D.C., law firm specializing in trial and appellate litigation, including international disputes. This experience provided a solid foundation for his current role as a judicial law clerk for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans. “Being a judicial law clerk is one of the best jobs you can have out of law school,” explains Blake.

“You get fantastic legal research and writing experience on cases of all kinds, you build close relationships with your judge and co-clerks, and you get to witness and learn from some of the best advocates in the country.” After the clerkship, Blake intends to return to private practice to specialize in international disputes.

Coming from a family of creative professionals – musicians and artists – Blake recognizes the importance of storytelling and writing in the legal field. He recalls his trial-practice professor’s words, “If your case is about a breach of contract, don’t tell the jury, ‘This case is about a breach of contract.’ Instead say, ‘This case is about a promise...and someone who broke that promise.’ Evocative narration resonates more than legalese.”

Outside of work, Blake is a seasoned traveler, having explored destinations including South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Serbia, Cyprus, and Lithuania. The former varsity soccer player remains a loyal fan of Cleveland sports and also finds enjoyment in playing golf and following the English Premier League.

Blake’s advice to current students? “There’s real value in specialization. Starting in college, I would begin to think about areas of interest in which you can leverage your skill set and develop expertise. Doing so will likely give you a comparative advantage.”