1. Please tell us about yourself.
My undergrad institution is the University of Florida. I attended from Fall of 2011 to May of 2015. I majored in Biology, earning a 3.8gpa. I was born and raised in Miami, and I plan on remaining in Miami. I’m 26.
2. What first made you want to go to law school?
I felt it was a clearer and more tangible path for me than embarking on a medical school journey, and I also got a full ride to law school. At the time, 4 years of medical school plus another 3 years of specializing, along with student loans, felt like an obstacle that I wasn’t willing to undertake. During my gap year after undergrad, I started working at a law firm, which encouraged me to take the LSAT and apply to law school.
3. Why did you choose your law school?
My law school decision was between University of Florida, University of Miami, and FIU Law. Going to the University of Florida was very tempting, but I didn’t think it would be a smart decision to spend another 3 years in Gainesville after I lived it up for 4 years in undergrad. I wanted to stay in Miami, and my choice was between UM and FIU. After attending a “dean’s weekend” functioning at FIU Law, I felt that FIU offered the best environment for me to excel. I really enjoyed that FIU Law was an up and coming school, and was not as established as UM in reputation. I’ve always been an underdog in a sense.
4. What is one thing you wish you knew about law school or the admissions process ahead of time?
I wish I knew more about the actual practice of law. For example, law school teaches you about the law, and theories involving the law, but we don’t learn much about the practice of law. Ahead of time, I would have liked to know how law firms operate. For example, how billing works at bigger law firms.
5. What student organizations or activities are you involved in?
I’m involved with the negotiations team, where we compete against other schools in negotiation style competitions. For example, last year I attended Fordham Law for a basketball sports negotiation, involving endorsement deals, free agency negotiations, etc.
6. Discuss any exciting jobs or internships you’ve had while in law school.
I’ve worked at a law firm with an attorney that took me under his wing, and allowed me to join him on all his out of the office trips. He allowed me to go to depositions with him, trials, mediations, and appeals. In addition, he taught me that being a businessman goes hand in hand with being a lawyer.
7. What do you like to do in your spare time?
On my spare time, I like to be outdoors. I like playing basketball and football. Living in Miami, I enjoy swimming and going to the beach. I also enjoy hanging out with my friends and my family.
8. What is your dream career?
My dream career has yet to be determined. I definitely plan on practicing law, and establishing myself in the field. However, my life goals don’t involve being the “best lawyer” I can be. I think life is about balancing one’s interests.