Arizona Law Ambassadors (ALA) represent the University of Arizona Law student body and serve as professional student leaders to prospective students and families, alumni and the legal community. They participate in numerous events, including prospective student visits, admissions events, student orientation, homecoming, and alumni receptions.
ALA members share their experiences and an insider view into the University of Arizona Law community. They educate audiences on the legal profession, what lawyers do and how they positively impact the world around us. Ambassadors are also charged with sharing what student success looks like, sharing tools and strategies necessary to succeed as JD law students at the University of Arizona.
2026–27 Arizona Law Ambassadors
Kacey Andreacola ’28 - she/her
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Legal Area of Interest: Juvenile Law
What is one of your favorite experiences while at Arizona Law?
The AZ Supreme Court held oral arguments at Arizona Law. I found it so engaging and loved the opportunity to attend without having to drive to Phoenix. It helped some of the nebulous class topics come to life for me and was very inspiring.
What advice do you have for incoming 1Ls?
Go to office hours! It’s so helpful to humanize yourself and humanize your professors. And there’s no need to arrive with a class-specific content question. It’s valuable just to chat and introduce yourself outside of class.
Leilani Barbee ’27
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Legal Area of Interest: Criminal Law and Personal Injury
What clubs/organizations are you involved in outside of class?
I am the president of the Black Law Student Association. I’m also heavily involved in Christian Legal Society.
Why did you choose Arizona Law?
I chose Arizona Law because it was cost-effective, the community seemed supportive (which it definitely is), and the staff with whom I interacted were all extremely welcoming.
Andre Bengtson ’28 - he/him
Hometown: Tempe, AZ
Legal Area of Interest: IP and Corporate Law
Name a favorite a place in Tucson visitors should go to. Could be restaurant/coffee shop/activity, etc.
If you want the best views of Tucson, you have to hike Tumamoc Hill. It’s a moderate hike right on the edge of the city, and it's always crowded. You’ll see me there in the mornings before classes.
What has been one of your most memorable classes at Arizona Law?
Property with Professor Hu was one of the most challenging and rewarding classes I have taken. She is probably the smartest person I have ever met, and she brought that knowledge to class every day.
Sam Berghoff ’27 - she/her/ella
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Legal Area of Interest: I am interested in all things public interest law! I plan to continue gaining experience in areas such as immigration, environmental, housing, and labor law.
What has been one of your most memorable classes at Arizona Law?
My most memorable class was Property Law with Professor Pidot. I had no idea what we would be learning prior to starting the class, but it ended up being one of the most interesting classes I have taken. It exposed me to an area of law I otherwise would have probably written off but am now considering pursuing. It was a great reminder to keep an open mind when choosing and taking classes.
What is one of your favorite experiences while at Arizona Law?
One of my favorite experiences at Arizona Law is attending the speaker series on campus hosted by different student organizations during the lunch hour. I have learned so much about different areas of law from practitioners. These series gave me the opportunity to meet the speakers and ask questions about their practice. I highly recommend attending as many on-campus events as possible.
Rosie Boswell ’27 - she/her
Hometown: Olathe, KS
Legal Area of Interest: Business Law and Sports Law
What clubs/organizations are you involved in outside of class?
I am the Marketing & Outreach Coordinator for the Student Bar Association and the Secretary for the Law Women’s Association. I am also co-founding the Sports Law & Entertainment Society, and a member of the Business Law Society.
What advice do you have for incoming 1Ls?
My advice is to get involved! There are so many opportunities at the law school for you to take advantage of and I have yet to regret attending an event at the law school. Different clubs and organizations bring in a variety of guest speakers you can learn from and host fun events such as open mic night. I went to every event that I could last year and believe doing so is what made my 1L experience so great.
Damon Clark ’27 - he/him/his
Hometown: Bowl Canyon, NM
Legal Area of Interest: I’m focused on Federal Indian Law, specifically tribal constitutions and governance. I hope to work with tribal nations to reform legal systems in ways that reflect community values and improve standards of living for future generations.
Name a favorite a place in Tucson visitors should go to. Could be restaurant/coffee shop/activity, etc.
Our family loves Eegee’s—especially the monthly flavors (Watermelon is a favorite!). We enjoy trying new places to eat like KOTU Korean BBQ, The Parish, and Time Market for pizza. Outside of food, we enjoy hiking local trails, visiting the zoo with our son, and spending time at the Tucson Museum of Art.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in outside of class?
I’m President of the Native and Indigenous Law Students Association (NILSA) and a member of National NALSA. These organizations have allowed me to build community, support fellow Native students, and help amplify Indigenous legal perspectives on campus and beyond.
Stephanie Clinch ’28 - she/her
Hometown: Douglas, AZ
Legal Area of Interest: I am interested in Criminal Law, specifically Public Defense
What is one thing every student should experience at Arizona Law?
One thing every student should experience at Arizona Law is Barrister’s Ball, which is an end-of-year celebration for all law school students. You get to relax for an evening and commemorate your first year of law school!
What advice do you have for incoming 1Ls?
Don’t be afraid to get involved in clubs and organizations! The community that you build with peers outside of the classroom is what really enhances your law school experience.
Mitch Conroy ’28 - they/them
Hometown: Washington Crossing, PA
Legal Area of Interest: Human Rights Law and Civil Rights Law
What clubs/organizations are you involved in outside of class?
I am the Vice President of Pride Law and the Social Media Manager for the Black Law Student Association.
What is one thing every student should experience at Arizona Law?
Every student should go to the SBA picnic at the beginning of the year! I know it can seem a little intimidating because you are still getting to know your fellow students, but the SBA picnic was so much fun! It is a great opportunity to get to know your classmates and professors outside of class.
Joey Deignan ’28 - she/her
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Legal Area of Interest: SVU Prosecution
Why did you choose Arizona Law?
The people. This is not a dog-on-dog kind of school, and UA prioritizes the wellness and safety of our students. Prepare yourself—once you become a Wildcat, you’ll never go back!
Name a favorite a place in Tucson visitors should go to. Could be restaurant/coffee shop/activity, etc.
Tanque Verde Swap Meet! If you’re a thrifter, you do NOT want to miss out on this.
Jocelyn Ehalt ’27 - she/her
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Legal Area of Interest: I am interested in criminal law and immigration law. Specifically, I would love to work for an immigration firm handling cases involving previous criminal offenses.
What advice do you have for incoming 1Ls?
Don’t get nervous about the academics of it all. One of the most important parts of law school is figuring out what area of law you are passionate about. The connections you will make and the experiences you will have are so much more valuable than any GPA could ever be! That being said, do try your best! You will never regret it.
What has been one of your most memorable classes at Arizona Law?
My immigration professor allowed me to watch an asylum hearing just a few weeks after we had covered that material in class. At the hearing, the judge granted the client asylum, and it was one of the coolest things I have ever seen. I loved seeing the law in practice, especially since it saved this person's life.
Caden Fankhauser ’28 - he/him
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Legal Area of Interest: I’m not sure exactly what specific area of law I want to pursue long term, but I am interested in both business transactions and litigation. Coming from a finance background, those are my initial interests, but I’ve learned to never count anything out without putting effort in to exploring it, so I’m keeping an open mind. You never know what you may enjoy.
Why did you choose Arizona Law?
I chose Arizona Law for a few reasons. I went to U of A for undergrad and fell in love with the college and the landscape of Arizona. I also love the culture at our law school. Everybody genuinely wants to see you succeed, and the smaller size allows you to build meaningful, long-lasting relationships with classmates and faculty.
What is one of your favorite experiences while at Arizona Law?
One of my favorite experiences at Arizona Law is grinding in the library during 1L finals. While undoubtedly a stressful time, there is nothing that will bring you and your friends closer than pulling a 7-hour study session as you slam energy drinks trying to understand the material that you were taught all semester.
Isabella Genovese ’27 - she/her
Hometown: Southbury, CT
Legal Area of Interest: Corporate Law (Business Transactions)
What has been one of your most memorable classes at Arizona Law?
My most memorable class so far was Legal Writing first semester of 1L. This class really forces you to engage with your classmates and work in groups effectively. Your small section from this class will be some of your greatest resources throughout the rest of law school.
Why did you choose Arizona Law?
I chose Arizona Law because of the great scholarship I received. Law school is expensive, and having a scholarship to help minimize debt upon graduation was extremely important to me.
Cal Gozdzik ’27 - he/him
Hometown: Pickering, ON, Canada
Legal Area of Interest: Election Law, Commercial Litigation & Criminal Law
What is one thing every student should experience at Arizona Law?
Trivia Night hands down. The Student Bar Association hosts one about each semester and it's one of the greatest and most fun experiences at the law school. I highly recommend coming by!
What advice do you have for incoming 1Ls?
Get involved! If there's one thing that makes the law school experience great at Arizona Law, it's going to all the events, signing up to be part of student organizations and really becoming an active member of the law school community.
Mason Hagemann ’27 - he/him
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Legal Area of Interest: Commercial Litigation, and Business Transactional Law
Name a favorite a place in Tucson visitors should go to. Could be restaurant/coffee shop/activity, etc.
Tucson Botanical Gardens (especially during the winter to see the light decorations).
Why did you choose Arizona Law?
I choose Arizona Law because of the collaborative community, affordability, and the emphasis on accessibility to faculty.
Shonell King ’28 - she/her
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Legal Area of Interest: Criminal, Civil Rights, Appellate, and Wrongful Convictions
What is one of your favorite experiences while at Arizona Law?
Being a part of the First Circuit Program has been very rewarding because it has provided me with amazing support, resources, and opportunities that have enriched my experiences, perspective, and network building.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in outside of class?
BLSA president, Pride Law secretary, First Circuit member
Vincent Kroll ’27 - he/him/his
Hometown: Brooklyn Park, MN
Legal Area of Interest: Criminal Law, Human Rights Law, Reform
Name a favorite a place in Tucson visitors should go to. Could be restaurant/coffee shop/activity, etc.
Agua Caliente Park is one of my favorite places around! It is such a peaceful and gorgeous place.
Why did you choose Arizona Law? What has been one of your most memorable classes at Arizona Law?
Torts (and basically nobody knows what a tort is before law school). Prof. Desai is a great, engaging lecturer, and I found the cases in this class to be the most interesting.
Kate Mook ’27 - she/her
Hometown: Palm Desert, CA
Legal Area of Interest: I’m really interested in public interest law, whether that be working with survivors of domestic violence, working for the government, or working in politics.
What is one thing every student should experience at Arizona Law?
Every student should get to know the other small sections! I have the best small section, and I also made friends with a lot of people in other small sections. Not only will this help you learn about other courses and professors, but it will also help you find more support, study tactics/buddies, and friends!
What is one of your favorite experiences while at Arizona Law? What advice do you have for incoming 1Ls?
Law school can come with a steep learning curve — be kind to yourself, remember that you are enough, and know that it will get easier! Do the best *you* can do and don't worry too much about what everyone else is doing.
Brooke Myers ’28 - she/her/hers
Hometown: Boulder, CO
Legal Area of Interest: I want to start in Prosecution and ultimately shift to bad faith litigation suing medical insurance companies for denial of treatment and wrongful death.
What has been one of your most memorable classes at Arizona Law?
My most memorable class so far has been Civil Procedure. The class has a lot of complicated topics, but we were all learning together and shared laughs as we were figuring it out.
Why did you choose Arizona Law?
I chose Arizona Law because I felt like it was a place where I could find my people and it is an incredible school.
Alexia Rascon ’27 - she/her/hers
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Legal Area of Interest: I am mainly interested in Immigration Law. Nonetheless, I am also interested in other legal areas such as criminal and employment.
What is one thing every student should experience at Arizona Law?
Everyone should experience being a volunteer or observer for the Basic or Advanced Trial Advocacy Class. Observing other Arizona Law 2Ls and 3Ls argue a case in front of a real judge is so intriguing. It is also special to see your peers in action as they demonstrate their legal knowledge, creativity, and presence in a courtroom.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in outside of class?
Outside of class I am the President of the Latine Law Student Association, Vice President of the Student Bar Association, and on the executive board of the Immigration Law Student Association.
Keila Dalila Rodriguez Baez ’27 - she/her
Hometown: Santa Ana, Sonora, Mexico
Legal Area of Interest: Labor & Employment Law, Civil Rights Law, International Law
What is one thing every student should experience at Arizona Law?
Every student should go to Donuts with the Dean. It’s a low-key setting that gives you the opportunity to talk about anything with the Dean.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in outside of class?
I am most involved with LLSA and NILSA. I am also part of the Fed Soc and LWA. I think becoming involved with clubs and organizations is a great way to meet classmates and get involved with things you’re passionate about.
Abby Ryan ’28 - she/her
Hometown: Provo, UT
Legal Area of Interest: I am leaning toward healthcare, mass tort, or corporate law. I hope to do immigration and education advocacy pro bono work throughout my career!
What advice do you have for incoming 1Ls?
The first semester, especially the first month, will be challenging in ways you probably do not expect. Don’t let it get you down! You earned your spot in law school, and you deserve to be here. You also deserve to be a person outside of school, so strive for balance where you can.
What has been one of your most memorable classes at Arizona Law?
I loved Torts with Professor Griffin and Immigration Law with Professor Lee. Really interesting material, and both professors are kind and engaging.
Tanner Schmidt ’28 - he/him/his
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Legal Area of Interest: I want to pursue something in the realm of transactional business law. Right now, I am most interested in commercial contracts and employment law.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in outside of class?
I am a writing fellow for 1L LRAC classes and in the past, I have been an SBA representative.
Why did you choose Arizona Law?
I choose Arizona Law because Tucson is, and always will be, my home. Plus, its small size makes for a tight-knit community where relationships matter.
Matthew Schreier ’28 - he/him/his
Hometown: Madison, NJ
Legal Area of Interest: I want to practice civil litigation, more specifically commercial or business litigation.
What advice do you have for incoming 1Ls?
My advice for incoming 1Ls is that you are doing everything you need to be doing! I found that it is easy to feel like you are behind in your first year; however, that is not the case. Everyone has their own journey to follow and it will work out in the end!
What is one thing every student should experience at Arizona Law?
One thing I think every student should experience sand volleyball! It is super fun and a great way to destress from school.
Kara Stephan ’27 - she/her
Hometown: Barrie, ON, Canada
Legal Area of Interest: Intellectual Property, Technology Law
What is one of your favorite experiences while at Arizona Law?
One of my favorite experiences so far is at the end of LRAC in first semester the writing fellows put on an escape room for the first years to test out their knowledge in a fun environment and compete against other teams!
What is one thing every student should experience at Arizona Law?
I think one thing every student should experience at Arizona Law is Trivia Night. It a fun night where students from each year get together to enjoy some trivia and compete against each other! It’s a great way to get to know students from other years and take some time away from studying!
Joseph Sullivan ’28 - he/him
Hometown: Tulsa, OK
Legal Area of Interest: Federal Indian Law
What clubs/organizations are you involved in outside of class?
I am the President of the Native and Indigenous Law Student Association (NILSA).
Name a favorite place in Tucson visitors should go to. Could be restaurant/coffee shop/activity, etc.
Thrifting at Saver’s or walking on Tumamoc Hill are my favorite chill activities.
Alex Summers ’28 - he/him
Hometown: Dallas, TX
Legal Area of Interest: I am still open to many different areas of the law, but I am primarily interested in Real Estate Law!
What has been one of your most memorable classes at Arizona Law?
Business Organizations with Sjostrom. As someone who majored in business during undergrad, I really enjoyed getting to expand my knowledge in this field. Also, I found it really interesting learning the law from a transactional approach as opposed to a litigation centered approach!
What advice do you have for incoming 1Ls?
Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and meet new people! Everyone is going through law school together and building relationships with others makes it a lot more fun!
Justin Terrill ’27 - he/him
Hometown: Oxnard, CA
Legal Area of Interest: Since beginning law school I found myself being more drawn to advocacy and trial litigation. Though litigation is broad, I find myself more specifically interested in civil and business litigation with an emphasis in international law.
What has been one of your most memorable classes at Arizona Law?
International Business Transactions with Professors Gantz and Dubovec was a real eye-opener. I came into law school with an interest in international trade law and everything in that class really opened my eyes to how broad and vast the topic actually is. Similarly, having a class that is focused on real-world application and client representation really helped me picture my career post-school.
Why did you choose Arizona Law?
I chose Arizona law because of the tight-knit community it promised. Unlike other law schools that I toured, U of A was the best balance between good size and great resources. Moreover, everyone at Arizona Law actually looks like they want to be there. There is such a lively, upbeat atmosphere for a law school at the U of A that no other school I saw could compete with.
Jordan Toledo ’28 - she/her/hers
Hometown: Amarillo, TX
Legal Area of Interest: I’m interested in business/civil litigation and litigation in general!
What clubs/organizations are you involved in outside of class?
I am currently involved in Law Women’s Association, Native and Indigenous Law Student Association, and the Barry Davis Mock Trial Team. As a 1L, I was a 1L Representative for my small section in SBA as well!
What is one of your favorite experiences while at Arizona Law?
I think my favorite experience was trying out for the Mock Trial Team. I had never done mock trial, moot court, or speech & debate as an undergraduate, so I felt like I was truly challenging myself. It ended with a spot on the Mock Trial team and an upcoming year of competitions that I am looking forward to so continuously push yourself and try out for things you may not feel as confident about but always had an interest in!
Trey Wagnon ’27 - he/him
Hometown: Fort Collins, CO
Legal Area of Interest: While my areas of interest seem to change with every class I take, I currently want to pursue criminal or family law.
What advice do you have for incoming 1Ls?
My advice is twofold. First, focus on relationships with your fellow students. This is a unique and challenging adventure that most have never experienced, so lean on those who have. Second, go to office hours.
Why did you choose Arizona Law?
I chose Arizona Law because it opens the most doors for my future career. The environment is wonderful, and because of the small class sizes, you get to know professors and students more deeply.