Faces of the Class of 2028

Hometowns: Juticalpa, Olancho, Honduras, and Miami

Education: Claremont McKenna College, B.A. in Latin American studies 

What inspired you to go to Columbia Law School?

As a first-generation student, I believe Columbia is a great place to receive my legal education. I value its experiential approach to the law, tailored guidance and mentorship, and location in New York City. Being able to join specialized moot courts and write scholarship for journals during my first year was critical in my decision to attend. I am excited for the clinics and externships that will also enable me to practice what we learn in the classroom. And who doesn’t love NYC?

Hometown: Canoga Park, California 

Education: University of California, Los Angeles, B.A in history and Chicanx studies 

What inspired you to go to Columbia Law School?

I decided to attend Columbia Law School because it provides a wide array of opportunities for students interested in public interest work. The staff, the education, and the hands-on experience that students get throughout their time here make for an incredible opportunity that I could not give up. Columbia Law School’s location also provides me with the opportunity to support many of the same communities with which I would like to work after Law School. 

Hometown: Providence, Rhode Island

Education: Hamilton College, concentration in government 

What inspired you to go to Columbia Law School?

The path that led me to Columbia Law specifically is a bit unusual. I was admitted under the Accelerated Interdisciplinary Legal Education program, meaning that I matriculated at Columbia Law School after three years of undergraduate college. I’m very interested in going into legal academia or doing litigation work, and I think Columbia Law is a phenomenal place to achieve either of those goals. More importantly, though, I have loved everything about being here and all the amazing things we have been learning from truly incredible faculty. The learning environment is absolutely unmatched and even more fun than I had expected—and I was already expecting it to be quite fun—so I am incredibly grateful to have gotten the opportunity to study here; there is nowhere else I would rather be.

Hometown: Bowie, Maryland

Education: Northwestern University, B.S. in journalism and political science 

What inspired you to go to Columbia Law School? 

I see the ability to regulate policies and practices as a platform for advocacy. I want to work in corporate law and aspire to become a partner at a law firm, entering an environment where my presence is both a testament to progress and a promise of change. Columbia Law School was always my first choice, as I love New York, and I love that you can choose to be bored here. I can prioritize my studies while still knowing that I can explore everything the city has to offer, and there is no shortage of fun

Hometown: San Ramon, California

Education: University of California, Berkeley, B.A. in philosophy; University of Wisconsin-Madison, Ph.D. in philosophy

What inspired you to go to Columbia Law School? 

I wanted to find a career that would allow me to help people in practical ways using the skills I’ve developed through the study of philosophy, and law seemed like the most promising route. I am open to a huge range of career paths within law, and I knew that Columbia Law School would equip me to excel no matter what path I settle on, whether that be public interest work, work in a private firm, or legal academia. I was also excited by the philosophical expertise and activity of the faculty. Columbia seems like a great place to explore fruitful areas of intersection between law and philosophy.

Hometown: Richmond, Virginia

Education: University of Virginia, B.A. in English and government

What inspired you to go to Columbia Law School?

I decided to pursue law school because I’m deeply interested in how legal frameworks shape opportunities for both businesses and individuals, particularly in creative and consumer-driven industries involving M&A, copyright, trademarks, and general corporate and nonpatent IP matters. I chose Columbia Law because of its strength in corporate and transactional law, its location in New York City—home to many of the industries I aspire to serve—and its collaborative, intellectually vibrant community.

Hometown: Riverside, California

Education: University of California, Los Angeles, B.A. in political science and psychology

What inspired you to go to Columbia Law School? 

As a first-generation American, my biggest inspiration for pursuing law school has always been my parents. Their perseverance and dedication to succeed despite the many obstacles in their way instilled in me a passion to serve others like them and has led me to where I am today. I hope to use my legal degree to uplift underserved and disenfranchised communities, primarily through a focus in environmental justice and international human rights. When I visited Columbia Law School during an admitted students event, I immediately knew it was the place where I could best achieve those goals. The community was welcoming, focused on growth, and exuded a dedication to service similar to my own.

Hometown: Durham, North Carolina

Education: Duke University, B.A. in psychology

What inspired you to go to Columbia Law School? 

I wanted to use the law as a tool for advocacy and problem-solving, especially for people whose voices are often overlooked. My experiences working with refugees and other communities showed me how deeply the legal system affects everyday lives. Columbia Law stood out to me because of its global focus, strong faculty, and opportunities to engage with international law and arbitration. I was also drawn to the school’s location in New York City, which provides unmatched access to diverse legal and professional opportunities. Ultimately, Columbia felt like the right place to challenge myself academically while preparing for a career at the intersection of law and global issues

Hometown: Beijing

Education: University of Chicago, B.A. in economics and psychology, M.A. in social sciences

What inspired you to go to Columbia Law School? 
I’ve always been interested in studying human behavior and the systems that shape those behaviors. I think law presents a fascinating angle from which to approach these questions, and I wanted to be able to use some of the skills I learned in my economics degrees to work on legal research down the line. I chose Columbia Law because I value the support it offers to people who are interested in such research, and I also really appreciated all the international law opportunities Columbia offers.

Hometown: Milford, Connecticut

Education: Wesleyan University, B.A. in government

What inspired you to go to Columbia Law School?

As someone who has a variety of interests in the law, ranging from public service work to the private sector, I felt that Columbia Law School provided the best environment for engaging with all of my legal interests. Opportunities such as the Human Rights Internship Program and the Smith Family Human Rights Clinic served as major factors in my decision to come here, especially given my interests in practical and hands-on human rights work. Additionally, I knew that Columbia, being located in New York City, would serve my varied legal interests well through the numerous externships available—including in the judicial, constitutional and affirmative litigation, and criminal defense areas. These will allow me to gain knowledge and insight in different legal fields to better understand the kind of lawyering I would like to pursue. 

Hometown: Wynnewood, Pennsylvania

Education: Columbia College, B.A. in history

What inspired you to go to Columbia Law School?

I chose Columbia Law for its incredible experiential learning opportunities, which will equip me with the tools to achieve my goals. Through working at several organizations focused on advocating for incarcerated individuals, I continuously bore witness to the abuse of power that renders the suffering of these individuals invisible, and I developed a strong investment in pushing back against that injustice. I am studying law to become the most effective advocate I can be for all those enmeshed within criminal punishment systems, both domestically and internationally.

Hometown: New York City

Education: Columbia College, B.A. in history

What inspired you to go to Columbia Law School?
I entered college uncertain of my future career but with a decided interest in studying American history. Through various research projects and eventually my senior thesis, I gained exposure to legal argumentation in the form of pivotal Supreme Court opinions, legislation, and other texts. My interest in attending law school crystallized during my studies as I learned about the ways that practicing lawyers exercise diligent research, persuasive writing, and oral advocacy to enact real-world change. I chose to attend Columbia Law School because of its outstanding faculty, tremendous breadth of resources, and unparalleled exposure to all corners of the nation’s largest and most important legal market. I am especially excited to participate in Columbia’s extensive experiential learning opportunities, giving me an opportunity to gain hands-on legal experience with leading partner organizations to supplement my doctrinal legal education.

Hometown: Stone Mountain, Georgia

Education: Spelman College, B.S. in mathematics

What inspired you to go to Columbia Law School?

My family teaches the importance of “dwelling” … they are my most sacred community. Because of our meaningful time spent together, we are each other’s sounding board. I hoped to find this kind of community in law school. In my section, organizations, and clinic experiences, I want to dwell and discuss. I hope to create and contribute, and I can do this at Columbia Law School. Whether learning the strategies of advocacy in a moot court competition or directly focusing on financial freedom in the Entrepreneurship and Community Development Clinic, Columbia can provide a space like my grandmother’s kitchen. I want to explore law in a setting safe to interpret and present ideas with the intention of bringing justice to all communities. 

Hometowns: Orlando, Florida, and Maple Valley, Washington

Education: Fordham University, B.A in American studies

What inspired you to go to Columbia Law School? 

I was inspired by my desire to disrupt systemic injustice that exists within America. I am especially interested in intellectual property and entertainment law and aim to level the playing field for all voices, ensuring they have access to the protection they deserve. In the long run, I want to help make legal assistance more accessible and advocate for underserved and underrepresented communities—whether in intellectual property or other fields that may also spark my curiosity. I chose Columbia Law School because I wanted to join a community of changemakers committed to making a positive impact on the legal field. Not only is it an institution that grants world-class training in the profession I am most passionate about, but it also gives me the opportunity to learn in a nurturing and supportive environment. I knew that Columbia Law School would best prepare me for a career of grand impact in the legal field. I am incredibly grateful to be in this space and am excited to see what I am able to achieve over the next three years.