Arizona Law Ambassadors

Tyler Beck ’25

Hometown: Juniata, NE

Legal Area of Interest: Business transactions. Specifically, working with banks and financial institutions.

What clubs/orgs are you involved in outside of class?
I am the Secretary of the Student Bar Association.

What advice do you have for incoming 1Ls?
Have fun! Law School is difficult which makes it easy to lose sight of how much fun it can really be. Take time to make friends, visit spots around Tucson, and get out of your comfort zone.

Jackson Bednarczyk ’25

Hometown: Flower Mound, TX

Legal Area of Interest: I am interested in many legal areas. So far I have loved Property, Immigration, Constitutional, and Criminal Law. In the future, I would love to do something that allows me to work in many areas of the law without having to pick just one area.

What advice do you have for incoming 1Ls?
Keep an open mind. Lots of people come into law school thinking they know exactly what they want to do, and they change their mind after the first semester. There are so many areas of the law and so many things you will learn. Remember to take it one day at a time. We are all going through this experience together!

What has been one of your most memorable classes at Arizona Law?
One of my favorite classes has been Property with Professor Hu. She often assigned us a position we had to defend and challenged us to make our best arguments. This was a lot of fun and offered a picture of what practicing law will really be like.

Nabil Bhimani ’24

Hometown: Little Rock, AR

Legal Area of Interest: Criminal Defense / Litigation 

What is one thing every student should experience at Arizona Law?
Everyone should try to get pretty involved with at least one student organization. You will find that at least one of them will pique your interest and it's one of the best ways to make friends & help make the law school feel like home.

What advice do you have for incoming 1Ls?
Arizona Law has a great environment to step out of your comfort zone and just explore. Whether it's new ideas, new areas of the law, or new people this is the perfect place for all of those and I feel students should definitely take advantage. Bonus: Playing on an intramural sports team is a fantastic stress reliever and another great way to meet new folks.

Kyran Brown ’24

Hometown: Page, Arizona

Legal Area of Interest: Judicial Clerkships, Labor Law (e.g., OSHA), and Equal Protection

What is one of your favorite experiences while at Arizona Law?
I like working with judges, so one of my favorite experiences was when the judge with whom I worked during my 1L summer asked me to be his interim clerk. I was externing at the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division 2, at the same time, so going back and forth between the two courthouses was sometimes tense but always eventful and beneficial.

What has been one of your most memorable classes at Arizona Law?
Professor Coan's Constitutional Theory Seminar course was remarkable. It is a course that encourages students to ask questions, answer questions, and engage in discussions concerning various theories and policies of constitutional-law concepts. At the end of the course and after learning about an eclectic array of constitutional theories, students develop or strengthen their own theories and present them to the rest of the class.

Jesus Carranza ’25

Hometown: Tucson, AZ

Legal Area of Interest: Although I have changed my mind several times since beginning my legal education, I am currently interested in criminal, immigration, and international law.

Name a favorite place in Tucson that visitors should go to.
Tucson is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and has the best 23 miles of Mexican food in the country so there are a plethora of options that will please even the pickiest eater. My favorite spots are Tacos Apson & Barista Del Barrio - thank me later!

Why did you choose Arizona Law?
I knew I wanted to attend law school since I started my undergraduate education at The University of Arizona. The 3+3 program is allowing me to complete my education in only six years. James E. Rogers is also a tight-knit community where faculty and staff truly care about student success. I knew this was the right law school for me.

Jade Colclasure ’24

Hometown: Kansas City, MO

Legal Area of Interest: Animal Law, Family Law/Mediation or Environmental Law

What is one thing every student should experience at Arizona Law?
Every student should experience the barristers ball. It was a really fun event to and a good excuse to get dressed up and have a good time with fellow law students. 

Why did you choose Arizona Law?
I chose Arizona Law because when I visited Tucson, it just felt like a place I could call home. Everyone was very friendly, and that translated into the community here at the school as well. I also love the weather here and I enjoy having Saguaro National Park just 5 minutes from home. 

Stephanie Costa ’25

Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario

Legal Area of Interest: Criminal Prosecution

What is one thing every student should experience at Arizona Law?
One thing every student should experience at Arizona Law is Law Women's Association Speakeasy! This event occurs every fall and is a great opportunity to network with lawyers in the community and start building relationships within the legal community. It's also a great night to dress up and have good food with friends!

What is one of your favorite experiences while at Arizona law? ​​​​​
One of my favorite experiences while at Arizona Law was attending the Arizona Supreme Court visit, where we were able to see oral arguments presented to the judges. It was amazing to watch the lawyers present their cases and see firsthand how they interact with the judges. It made me feel excited for my future as an attorney and I look forward to presenting my own oral arguments one day.

Jordan Devorak ’25

Hometown: Overland Park, KS

Legal Area of Interest: I am interested in Business Litigation and Sports Law.

Name a favorite place in Tucson that visitors should go to.
One of my favorite places in Tucson is Mount Lemmon. The hiking trails are incredible and the little town in the mountains, Summerhaven, has adorable shops and restaurants.

What advice do you have for incoming 1Ls?
Always balance your studies with non-school activities that keep you healthy and happy.

Jocelyn Garcia ’25

Hometown: Goodyear, AZ

Legal Area of Interest: I want to work in public interest with a focus on disability justice.

What is one thing every student should experience at Arizona Law?
One thing every student should experience at Arizona Law is the opportunity to get lunch with a professor through the Food for Thought initiative; it's a unique opportunity to connect with a College of Law professor personally with a small group of your peers.

What clubs/orgs are you involved in outside of class?
Outside of class, I am involved in the Latine Law Student Association, the Law Women's Association, Arizona Law Ambassadors, and Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated. I also serve as the Chief Justice for the ASUA Supreme Court!

Lela Garcia ’25

Hometown: Tucson, AZ

Legal Area of Interest: As of now, I am very open to exploring different legal careers. However, I am very interested in litigation and property law. Eventually, I would like to work for a larger firm post-graduation. We shall see where the path leads!

What clubs/orgs are you involved in outside of class?
Outside of class, I am a ’25 delegate for the student bar association, and I am also a member of the First Circuit program for first-generation law students.

What is one of your favorite experiences while at Arizona Law?
One of my favorite experiences thus far has been participating in my Legal Writing and Research course during 1L year. While legal writing is quite different from other styles, it was a great experience to practice what we would do in our future as attorneys. It was a great time to "represent" fictional clients and write memos and summary judgments on their behalf. That class also piqued my interest in litigation where we were required to present an oral argument in the spring semester. The professors in that class shaped me into a better legal writer and professional.

Brielle Hadley ’25

Hometown: Animas, NM

Legal Area of Interest: Most generally, I'm interested in civil law. I hope to pursue a career in property law or corporate law.

What clubs/orgs are you involved in outside of class?
I’m the President of the Law Women’s Association and the Business Law Society. I’m also a member of the Student Bar Association and the Sports and Entertainment Law Society.

Why did you choose Arizona Law?
I chose Arizona Law because of the small class sizes, the close-knit community, and the variety of experiential learning opportunities the College of Law offers!

Hannah Hays ’24

Hometown: Bozeman, MT

Legal Area of Interest: Criminal Law 

What advice do you have for incoming 1Ls?
Make sure to hold on to the things you love and don’t let school totally consume you — it helps with burnout.

Why did you choose Arizona Law?
For the small but strong community and the focus on public interest! 

Kendal Johnson ’24

Hometown: Ada, Oklahoma

Legal Area of Interest: I’ve developed an interest in litigation through varied experiences like the Child and Family Law Clinic and National Trial Team. Exploring criminal law at the district attorney’s office was a highlight of my 2L year. After law school, I’m excited to pursue federal Indian law. For new students, I would suggest embracing the many opportunities at UA Law like clinics, externships, trial teams, journals, and clubs to explore your own passions.

What is one thing every student should experience at Arizona Law?
SBA trivia night! Each semester, the Student Bar Association hosts a trivia night full of fun-filled competition while getting the opportunity to mix and mingle with other law students. 

What has been one of your most memorable classes at Arizona Law?
I will never forget my small section class my first semester, which was Contracts with Professor Woods. For first semester law students, the small sections are a great opportunity for 1Ls to better connect with a core professor and their classmates. I met some of my lifelong friends in Contracts and so many friendly faces that I love to see around the school after breaks. I still feel sentimental when I walk by the classroom.

Shania Kee ’24

Hometown: Pinon, AZ

Legal Area of Interest: Intellectual Property, Property, Federal Indian Law, Tribal Law

What has been one of your most memorable classes at Arizona Law?
One of my most memorable classes was a January in Tucson (JIT) class, Indigenous Data Governance. The class was an amazing experience and an example of the intersectionality of law, particularly how other disciplines can inform legal reform and thought.

What is one of your favorite experiences while at Arizona Law?
One of my favorite experiences has been working with the law library staff in classes, on projects, and anytime I visited the Law Library. The Law Library is so central to the law school that some of my favorite memories are associated with it such as working on my memo in 1L, working on a project for the Navajo Nation, and reading for classes. It is such a nice place to be surrounded by knowledge in the form of books and people.

Violet Konopka ’24

Hometown: Rockford, IL

Legal Area of Interest: I am interested in way too many things but my two main areas of interest are intellectual property and trusts and estates.

What is one of your favorite experiences while at Arizona Law?
As part of the TechLaw program, I got the opportunity to travel to DC for an Information in Medicine workshop. It was super interesting to hear from people leading in the medical technology field and have discussions along with policymakers and law academics about the future of technology and privacy in the medical field. Plus, being in DC was just so much fun!

What advice do you have for incoming 1Ls?
Take advantage of all the opportunities law school has to offer. It can be overwhelming at times, but this is the only time you’re going to be in this setting so do whatever sounds interesting or fun to you and you may end up finding a practice area or career path you'd never considered.

Gabriella Leonard ’25

Hometown: Fort Myers, FL

Legal Area of Interest: If I am being completely honest, I am not set on a particular field of law and I am currently in the process of narrowing it down! I hope that my summer job, as well as my clinic in the fall, will put me in the right direction to finding the field of law that feels right for me!

What has been one of your most memorable classes at Arizona Law?
One of my most memorable classes is Legal Writing and Research. That class pulled me out of my comfort zone through writing that was different from anything that I was used to! I also built a lot of confidence by participating in an oral argument in front of my professor!

Why did you choose Arizona Law?
I chose Arizona Law because I fell in love with Tucson and the state of Arizona. Also, I love the small class sizes and kind classmates we have here at Arizona Law! I got the vibe that everyone truly wants one another to succeed, which is precisely what I have experienced here!

Matt Lubisich ’25

Hometown: Mission Viejo, CA

Legal Area of Interest: Criminal Law, Public Interest Law

What is one thing every student should experience at Arizona Law?
SBA Trivia night! One of the best nights of the semester. So much fun!

What is one of your favorite experiences while at Arizona Law?
UA Law Homecoming is a blast every year! It is always great to meet with alumni!

Caleb Lynch ’25

Hometown: Ennis, Ireland

Legal Area of Interest: I am interested in corporate litigation and tax law.

What clubs/orgs are you involved in outside of class?
I am the Vice-President of the Student Bar Association and am the College of Law Representative for the GPSC.

Name a favorite place in Tucson that visitors should go to.
Exo Roast Co is the best coffee place hands down and Tumamoc Hill is the best for a quick hike with great Tucson views, especially at sunrise.

Jack McCarthy ’24

Hometown: Kansas City, MO

Legal Area of Interest: I am interested generally in litigation and specifically in labor and employment law.

What is one thing every student should experience at Arizona Law?
Every student should play ping pong in the courtyard between classes at least once while in law school.

What clubs/orgs are you involved in outside of class?
I am involved in the Health Law Society, Business Law Society, and an Articles Editor on the Arizona Journal of International and Comparative Law.

Diya Rakesh ’25

Hometown: Bangalore, India

Legal Area of Interest: While I have hopped from one interest to another, Transactional work in Real Estate and IP has stayed a constant. However, I do not think everyone needs to know what they want to do before coming to Law School. You may find a class on the opposite end of the spectrum of your interest and that might be what you go with for life!

Name a favorite place in Tucson visitors should go to.
Snakes and Lattes has amazing hot chocolate and is frequently the place I go to when I need a change of scenery while getting work done. Alternatively, Mount Lemmon has great views and is a popular spot when Tucson gets too hot.

Why did you choose Arizona Law?
I chose Arizona Law because it was located in a very culturally diverse geographical area. I read about the sense of community that students and faculty have built and knew that I would feel right at home here – and I have!

Travis Reynolds ’24

Hometown: Tucson, AZ

Legal Area of Interest: I've changed my mind about ten times since I started down the path of becoming a lawyer, but right now I'm very interested in criminal law. I'm leaning towards working for the public defender's office after graduation and seeing where that will take me in the future.

What has been one of your most memorable classes at Arizona Law?
One of my most memorable classes would be Criminal Procedure with Professor Kreag. He is a very thoughtful professor and very thorough when answering questions, and the content is so useful for just being an informed individual in the United States. 

What is one of your favorite experiences while at Arizona Law?
One of my favorite experiences while at Arizona Law so far has to be the ping pong table. The Student Bar Association has a ping pong table in the court room and will bring it out to the quad when the weather is decent. It is such a great stress reliever and a fun way to meet other law students. 

Niki Saenz ’25

Hometown: Denver, CO

Legal Area of Interest: I am interested in various types of technology law, including privacy law and intellectual property law.

What advice do you have for incoming 1Ls?
My advice to incoming 1Ls would be to try and avoid worrying about exams as soon as you start classes. Instead, enjoy learning all the new material coming your way. When it comes to exam time, study in groups!

What is one of your favorite experiences while at Arizona Law?
My favorite academic experience was getting to attend a lunchtime talk with the attorneys who argued Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization (the case that overturned Roe v. Wade) in front of the Supreme Court. My favorite non-academic experience is playing volleyball with other law students every Tuesday.

Bridget (Konya) Saidu ’25

Hometown: Phoenix, AZ

Legal Area of Interest: I want to work in education law advocating for students and teachers. I would love to work specifically with disabled students and survivors of sexual assault, and I also want to advocate for teachers to have better pay and work conditions. However, I am also really drawn to family law and would love to work on adoption cases.

What clubs/orgs are you involved in outside of class?
I am involved in BLSA, the Education Clinic, Justice Advocates Coalition, and the library late-nighters club (we’re very unofficial and technically don’t exist but you can find us in the library at 11 pm)

What advice do you have for incoming 1Ls?
Make your own outlines and work on them throughout the semester! Ideally, you should update it every week, but definitely once a month! It will save you so much time and energy when finals season approaches, and you will give yourself the biggest hug for thinking ahead!!

Carson Sparks ’25

Hometown: Logan, UT

Legal Area of Interest: I am not certain in which area of law I want to practice; we will see! I am leaning towards litigation right now, as well as patent law.

What advice do you have for incoming 1Ls?
I would recommend that incoming 1L students take a deep breath and relax. Do not stress about stuff early on; you'll figure out how to do law school in time for finals.

Why did you choose Arizona Law?
Arizona Law is a highly-ranked law school that provides small class sizes, generous scholarships, and a friendly environment. I also chose Arizona Law because of Tucson itself. Tucson is less hot than Phoenix (my wife's hometown), it has great air quality, and it has a lot of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and rock climbing. Furthermore, as a non-traditional student with a family, we're living in a great school district that is very quiet and family-friendly within easy driving distance from campus.

In addition, Arizona Law is diverse, with almost 30% of the student population being international students. Though I wasn't aware of this when I selected Arizona Law, it has been very cool, in part because many of those students are Advanced JD (AJD) students. AJD students already hold legal degrees from their home countries and are now attending Arizona Law for an accelerated two-year program. My first-year classes were better with their participation/input.