The James E. Rogers College of Law Introduces Inaugural Cohort of Arizona Law Ambassadors
The James E. Rogers College of Law has announced the inaugural cohort of Arizona Law Ambassadors (ALA) for the 2022-23 academic year. The group of fifteen JD students were chosen to represent the University of Arizona Law student body and serve as professional student leaders to prospective students and families, alumni and the legal community.
The ALA will share their experiences and an insider view into the University of Arizona Law community. They will educate audiences on the legal profession, what lawyers do and how they positively impact the world around us. Ambassadors are also charged with demonstrating what student success looks like, sharing tools and strategies necessary to succeed at University of Arizona Law.
“This first group of Arizona Law Ambassadors all have such diverse backgrounds and perspectives, offering a great representation of the Arizona Law community,” said Director of Admissions Ruben Fierros. “They will be able provide a customized experience and share their unique law school experiences for every prospective student who visits."
Ambassadors participate in numerous events, including prospective student visits, admissions events, student orientation, homecoming and alumni receptions.
“I look forward to speaking with prospective students about all of the things I love here at Arizona Law,” said Arizona Law Ambassador and President of the Student Bar Association Sarah Gerstel. “I’m hoping to provide interested students with an accurate perspective of our community so that they can determine if Arizona Law is the right fit for them.”
Meet University of Arizona Law 2022-23 Arizona Law Ambassadors
Nabil Bhimani ‘24
Hometown: Little Rock, AR
Legal Area of Interest: Criminal Law / Employment Law
Why did you choose Arizona Law: The smaller class size. I like the idea of a smaller law school that fosters a tighter knit community. Which I found is true at Arizona Law.
Kyran Brown ‘24
Hometown: Page, Arizona
Legal Area of Interest: I would like to be an advocate for members of the community, such as those that fall within the scope of family, immigration, workers' rights, and military and veteran benefits law, whether I act as an attorney or judge.
Why did you choose Arizona Law: I chose Arizona Law because Tucson is located to an international border, a military base, a couple of indigenous reservations, and a city with its own personality, which attracts people from varying cultures and backgrounds. It is nice to see mountains visible from the campus, fighter planes often flying over the law school, meeting students from across the globe, and having classmates looking to better understand the perspectives and stories of other students.
James Cerasia ‘23
Hometown: Glen Ridge, NJ
Legal Area of Interest: Labor & Employment Law; Political & Election Law
Why did you choose Arizona Law: I like the small class sizes and the ability to get to know your entire cohort.
Jade Colclasure ‘24
Hometown: Kansas City, MO
Legal Area of Interest: Family Law/Mediation or Environmental Law
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.
Thomas Corrigan ‘23
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Legal Area of Interest: Litigation
Why did you choose Arizona Law: The unmatched sense of community, affordability, and opportunity to explore water law in the West.
Oscar Fimbres ‘23
Hometown: San Luis, Arizona
Legal Area of Interest: Employment & Labor Law
Why did you choose Arizona Law: The tight knit community is what drove me to Arizona Law. I knew that within Arizona Law, I would find a community that would support me throughout my law school journey.
Sarah Gerstel ‘23
Hometown: Aberdeen, NJ
Legal Area of Interest: Public Defense
Why did you choose Arizona Law: Lots of sunshine, pretty mountains, and a law school that seemed more collaborative than cutthroat (which, in my experience, has definitely turned out to be true).
Scott Glanzel ‘23
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Legal Area of Interest: Criminal Defense (Public Defense specifically)
Why did you choose Arizona Law: I really enjoyed how small and tight knit the community is.
Hannah Hays ‘24
Hometown: Bozeman, MT
Legal Area of Interest: Criminal Law
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: Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy, Criminal Law and Policy, and Property Law.
Why did you choose Arizona Law: I chose Arizona Law because of its small size which enables students to form meaningful relationships and promotes a spirit of collegiality. The connections you make in law school with classmates and professors can provide both a professional and personal support network throughout your career. That support network is invaluable and is exactly what I've found at Arizona Law.
Ben Koehler ‘23
Hometown: Union, Kentucky
Legal Area of Interest: Tax or State and Local Government
Why did you choose Arizona Law: I chose Arizona Law over other schools because it was the best combination of a supportive community culture, scholarship offer, future employment opportunities, and location relative to some of my family. I am incredibly happy with my choice as I have found lifelong friends amongst my classmates and professional opportunities that will benefit me for years to come.
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.
Why did you choose Arizona Law: I chose Arizona Law because I'm from Tucson, my family lived here, and I love that I can hike, bike, run, and swim year-round in this amazing weather!
Annet Rich ‘24
Hometown: Tucson, AZ
Legal Area of Interest: Criminal Attorney or Immigration Attorney
Why did you choose Arizona Law: Tucson for me has always been home and I love the culture and environment here.
Maryam Soortjii ‘24
Hometown: McLean, VA
Legal Area of Interest: I would love to be a Public Defense in the future.
Why did you choose Arizona Law: I have heard a lot of good things about Arizona Law and I am so glad I made the right decision by coming here.
Luis Torrero ‘23
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA.
Legal Area of Interest: Business Litigation
Why did you choose Arizona Law: I chose Arizona Law because it has a small community kind of vibe.
Extra Info
If you are currently a law student and are interested in becoming an Arizona Law Ambassador, applications open in Spring 2023.
Key Contact
Ruben Fierros
Director of Admissions
(520) 621-9949
rfierros@email.arizona.edu