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.
2024-25 Arizona Law Ambassadors
Sarah Avila ‘26
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Legal Area of Interest: Criminal Prosecution & Environmental Law
Name a favorite a place in Tucson visitors should go to. Could be restaurant/coffee shop/activity etc.
See the sunrise or sunset at Gates Pass!
Why did you choose Arizona Law?
I knew I would be challenged academically while still being in a positive environment and great weather.
Tyler Beck ’25
Hometown: Juniata, NE
Legal Area of Interest: Business transactions. Specifically, working with banks and financial institutions.
What has been one of your most memorable classes at Arizona Law?
My most memorable class is Business Organizations with professor Sjostrom. The class goes beyond teaching about businesses by providing real world insight on how to approach clients and their problems.
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.
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.
Audrey Conant ‘26
Hometown: Parker, CO
Legal Area of Interest: At present, I find myself undecided, as numerous legal fields pique my interest, yet I am leaning significantly towards public interest work. Law school offers an invaluable opportunity to explore various avenues for the future!
Name a favorite a place in Tucson visitors should go to. Could be restaurant/coffee shop/activity etc.
Amelia's Mexican Kitchen. The Mini Chimis are my favorite!
Why did you choose Arizona Law?
I chose Arizona Law due to its steadfast dedication to providing invaluable support and mentorship. From the instant I set foot in the college during my initial visit, I felt it exuded a positive atmosphere where professors, advisors, and peers were deeply invested in contributing to my education and success. I was certain that I would find the necessary support I would need to do my best, especially during moments of uncertainty or setbacks.
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.
Maya Davidson ‘26
Hometown: Albuquerque, NM
Legal Area of Interest: Criminal Law, Environmental Law, Civil Liberties, Human Rights
What clubs/orgs are you involved in outside of class?
Law Women's Association, Student Bar Association, Society for Employment and Labor Law, and If/When/How.
Why did you choose Arizona Law?
I chose Arizona Law because of the close knit community here. I was looking for a law school that encourages collaboration and community, and Arizona was the best fit for that. I also wanted to be close to home and stay in the southwest.
Kyle Dayton ‘26
Hometown: Riverside, CA
Legal Area of Interest: Agriculture Law, International Trade Law, and Business Litigation
Name a favorite a place in Tucson visitors should go to. Could be restaurant/coffee shop/activity etc.
My favorite place to take people visiting Tucson is the Sonoran Desert Museum. It is an outdoor museum that feels closer to a wildlife sanctuary. If you love the outdoors, its a great way to learn more about the Sonoran Desert and the wildlife in and around Tucson. Also there is a student discount!
Why did you choose Arizona Law?
I chose Arizona Law because of its academic rigor, small class sizes, affordability, and welcoming culture.
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.
Jacquelyn Francisco ‘26
Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT
Legal Area of Interest: Judicial Clerkships, Litigation, and Tax
What clubs/orgs are you involved in outside of class?
I am the President of the Native and Indigenous Law Students Association (NILSA) organization. I was also a member of the First Circuit program for first-generation law students.
What is one of your favorite experiences while at Arizona Law?
Attending the Arizona Law Judicial Reception hosted by the Career Development Office (CDO) was a great networking event. I met Federal, State, Tribal, and local judges, clerks, and judicial staff. I had great one-on-one conversations that led to interviews and internship offers.
Gilberto Galvan Zacarias ‘25
Hometown: San Luis Potosi, Mexico
Legal Area of Interest: Tax Law
What advice do you have for incoming 1Ls?
Don't stress about the academic part of law school. Having a strong personal foundation is much more important when preparing for 1L. Figuring out housing, transportation, and having a consistent routine for your hobbies and self-care activities will make a much more significant difference for your 1L experience.
What has been one of your most memorable classes at Arizona Law?
Civil Procedure. Professor Trebbe taught a very structured class, making it easy to grasp complex legal concepts and seeing how they play together to form an entire area of the law.
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!
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.
Keaton Markley ‘26
Hometown: Hays, KS
Legal Area of Interest: IP Litigation, Patent Litigation, Life Sciences, Healthcare Law
What is one thing every student should experience at Arizona Law?
One thing every student at Arizona Law should experience is Trivia Night. It's a fun time where a ton of students really bring the energy for a great experience in one of the classrooms. It's a great way to take your mind off school and interact with your fellow students!
Name a favorite a place in Tucson visitors should go to. Could be restaurant/coffee shop/activity etc.
My favorite place in Tucson is definitely Mount Lemmon. The trails, view, and complete change in scenery is very refreshing. It feels like a mini vacation.
Braydon Mathis ‘26
Hometown: Surprise, AZ
Legal Area of Interest: Public Health Law, Healthcare Law, Insurance Law
What is one thing every student should experience at Arizona Law?
One thing that every student should experience at Arizona Law is Homecoming! Getting to meet with Lawcat Alumni from throughout the years with so many amazing stories that are willing to share their experiences and advice is one of the greatest experiences at Arizona Law!
What clubs/orgs are you involved in outside of class?
Outside of class, I am President of the Health Law Society, a member of the First Circuit Student Success Program, and a councilmember for the Library Advisory Council.
Alex Nieminen ‘26
Hometown: Cave Creek, AZ
Legal Area of Interest: Family law & litigation - I'm still exploring different areas of law. You never know what you may be interested in unless you give it a try!
What is one thing every student should experience at Arizona Law?
I really enjoyed participating in the Summer On-Campus Interview Program that happens early in the spring semester. Having the interview practice under my belt helped me feel more confident in talking about myself and my law school experience.
Why did you choose Arizona Law?
I chose Arizona Law because of the tight-knit community it fosters between current students, staff & faculty, recent alumni, and even alumni from many years ago. I feel like there is an implicit bond between Arizona Law graduates that is incredibly supportive and positive. I love being a part of it!
Carissa Patton ‘26
Hometown: Murphy, TX
Legal Area of Interest: Intellectual Property
What has been one of your most memorable classes at Arizona Law?
My most memorable class was Criminal Procedure with Professor Kreag. His vast knowledge and experience made the content come to life, he brought clarity to any questions that were asked of him, and he never failed to make the entire class laugh right when we needed it. This class was my first taste of criminal law, so it also prompted a lot of interesting conversations with family members in law enforcement about things I had never thought of before, so I really enjoyed that as well.
Why did you choose Arizona Law?
I chose Arizona Law because of the opportunities to learn about a vast range of law and technologies. With a background in computer engineering, I wanted to pursue an area of law that intersected technology. Arizona’s TechLaw Fellowship and faculty and staff committed to helping students learn more about how law is impacted by technology made it the easy choice for me!
Arjun Puri ‘26
Hometown: Troy, MI
Legal Area of Interest: I would like to do either private sector work or government environmental law work.
What is one thing every student should experience at Arizona Law?
Everyone should experience Trivia Night! It's a great way each semester to get together with the entire law school and forget about school for an evening.
What is one of your favorite experiences while at Arizona Law?
I like to study together with my friends in the Collaborative Space on the bottom floor of the library. Generally, studying with others is great because talking about the material together helps each of you understand it deeper than you would if you were studying alone.
Alison Rahman ‘26
Hometown: Ransom Canyon, TX
Legal Area of Interest: I look forward to working in an area of law that allows me to protect people's assets.
What clubs/orgs are you involved in outside of class?
I'm the current Vice President of the South Asian Law Student Association and the Treasurer of the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association. Also, I play pickleball and tennis with other students on the weekend for fun!
What has been one of your most memorable classes at Arizona Law?
Legal Research, Analysis, and Communications (LRAC) has been the most memorable class because it challenges everyone differently. For instance, writing my first legal memorandum felt almost impossible because legal writing was like a new language. However, I only felt comfortable with legal writing after I made mistakes that I could improve on. LRAC helped me grow significantly as a writer.
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!
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!!
Jennifer Shim ‘26
Hometown: New York, NY
Legal Area of Interest: There's been a lot of back and forth. I came in wanting to become a JAG (military lawyer), but I have grown fond of transactional work.
What clubs/orgs are you involved in outside of class?
I am President of the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA) and JAG Vanguard Society. I am a member of the Law Women's Association (LWA), Arizona Asian American Bar Association (AAABA), and the First Circuit Program.
What is one of your favorite experiences while at Arizona Law?
I love the times I get to hang out with my peers in between classes. There's no stronger bond in law school than those in the trenches with you and can be genuinely sympathetic/understanding of the amount of stress you go through; but at the same time, we all love it! It's true that you make lasting friendships with those you meet in law school.
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.
Diana Vega German ‘26
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Legal Area of Interest: I am interested in many legal areas. However, the legal areas that most interest me include Immigration, Family and Juvenile, Criminal, and Public Interest Law. What I enjoy most is helping others, and the goal is to work in an area that will allow me to do so.
What advice do you have for incoming 1Ls?
A great piece of advice I can give incoming 1Ls is to relax and enjoy the new experience. Seize any and every opportunity law school has to offer that interests you. You may enjoy a topic you had never heard of or meet legal community members who open you up to new knowledge and opportunities. There is more to do than simply trying to get a good grade in class. Sometimes, all the other opportunities will teach you the most about who you are as a student, person, and legal advocate.
What is one of your favorite experiences while at Arizona Law?
One of my favorite experiences while at Arizona Law was the networking opportunities I had. Fantastic opportunities throughout the year allowed us to meet judges and attorneys and spend more time one-on-one with our professors, allowing us to learn more about the legal profession and ourselves. Some highlights were listening to live oral arguments and participating in the Legal Writing and Research Course (LRAC) throughout my 1L year. There is no better feeling than overcoming my nerves about being in the LRAC program and surprising myself with writing skills I did not know I had. Our writing professors are excellent and take out the best in each and every one of their students.
Tyler Wilhelm ‘26
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
Legal Area of Interest: I'm still open to several areas of the law, but I'm most interested in business litigation and international law.
What advice do you have for incoming 1Ls?
Get to know everyone in your small section! And, if you're small section tends to be paired up with another small section, get to know them as well! I'm so grateful for my combined small section - they're some of my best friends and being alongside them day in and day out made navigating 1L so much better!
What is one of your favorite experiences while at Arizona Law?
I had the opportunity to meet 1-on-1 with our university's Athletic Director, Desireé Reed-Francois. She was visiting the law school, and the CDO offered to set up a 1-on-1 meeting with her while she'd be in town. I said yes, and a week later I'm sitting in LRAC, only to see the news break that she was being hired as our school's next AD! The meeting was incredible and she even invited me to her introductory press conference at the stadium the following morning! I sat alongside Dean Miller, Dean Kreag, and Dean JC - definitely an experience I'll never forget!