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Q&A with Lizbeth Mendoza-Leon, Rising Third-Year Law Student
Lizbeth Mendoza-Leon will be entering her third year in the fall at UC Irvine Law. Lizbeth completed her B.A. in Political Science and Legal Studies at UC Berkeley in 2020.
Lizbeth spent the 2024 summer as a Diversity Fellow Summer Associate at Gibbs Law Group. Prior to coming to law school, Lizbeth worked as an open-source investigator. Lizbeth is a Northern California native, a child of Mexican immigrants, and the first person in her family to attend college and law school.
Q: What motivated you to pursue a law degree and why did you choose UC Irvine Law?
I had always wanted to be a lawyer even though I had never met a lawyer before going to college. I am the child of immigrants and I’m the first person in my family to go to college. Although going to law school was always the plan, I took legal studies classes in undergrad to be sure. After my first legal studies class, I fell in love with figuring out how to the use the law to protect vulnerable communities.
I chose UC Irvine Law because of its International Justice Clinic. I had always wanted to get hands-on experience in human rights law work.
Q: What has been your proudest accomplishment at UC Irvine Law?
One of my proudest moments at UC Irvine Law happened during my first final. I had felt a lot of imposter syndrome when I started law school but I remember opening my first exam and realizing, I know exactly what I am doing, I am meant to be here.
Q: What has been your favorite class and/or clinic experience at UC Irvine Law?
My favorite classes have been Antitrust and Contracts!
Q: What advice would you give to prospective students who are thinking about going to law school?
I’d tell a prospective student to work on making healthy habits a priority before coming to law school. Law school is difficult and will ask so much of their time. Being able to rely on good habits helps keep you sane. I’d also tell them that once they get to law school, to surround themselves with friends and community that inspire them.
Q: How is your summer work experience going?
I’m loving my summer experience! I’m currently working at Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP in San Francisco. Since starting in May, I have worked on privacy and antitrust matters.
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