What inspired you to pursue your J.D. at Cornell Law, and what made the school stand out to you?

Leila Gomez ’26

When I was applying to law schools, I knew I wanted to attend a smaller program. Law school is challenging, and I wanted an environment where I could get real support—from both professors and classmates. I wanted my professors to know who I was, not because I was at the top of the class, but because they had the time and capacity to care. Cornell’s small size really facilitates that, and now that I’m a student, I’ve seen firsthand how true it is. If I can’t make a professor’s office hours, they always find time to meet with me. When I was out sick one day, a classmate sent me their notes without me even asking. That sense of community extends beyond my year—2Ls and 3Ls are genuinely invested in helping newer students. Early in the semester, there are countless opportunities to sign up for mentors, have coffee chats with students working in different fields or cities, and get advice from those who’ve been through it. Even on my first campus tour, I noticed how connected everyone was—students couldn’t walk down the hallway without saying ‘hi’ to five different people. That warmth and sense of community made Cornell stand out to me, and I knew then that it was where I wanted to be.

What has been a highlight of your Cornell Law experience so far, whether in the classroom, a clinic, or through student organizations?

My full-time externship with a legal nonprofit called Civil Survival, where I primarily work on post-conviction relief. With my Rule 9 legal intern license, I’ve had the opportunity to represent clients under supervision, appear in court, and file pleadings. Most of my work focuses on legal financial obligation relief, statutory vacates, and Blake vacates—stemming from a recent case that declared one of Washington’s statutes unconstitutional, allowing affected convictions to be vacated. Because of that case and my work at Civil Survival, I’ve been on the front lines of developing legal arguments in this evolving area. I’ve drafted briefs arguing that similar statutes share the same constitutional flaws and should also be vacated. Beyond litigation, I’ve participated in community events to educate currently incarcerated individuals about their rights under these new laws, empowering them to clear their records and gain better access to employment and housing. This experience has been incredibly rewarding and unlike anything I could have imagined. It has given me practical skills, deepened my understanding of criminal justice reform, and allowed me to begin building my legal network in the Seattle area—where I’ll be working after graduation. I also hope to continue this work through pro bono efforts at my future firm.

What area of law are you most interested in pursuing, and what sparked that interest?

Upon graduation, I will be joining the business group at a firm in Seattle. My interest in transactional law began during my second semester of 1L year, when I was able to take an elective called Music Law. Although all 1Ls take Contracts, that course primarily focuses on case law rather than actual contract reviewing/drafting. Music Law was the first time I encountered real contracts, and I was fascinated by how small wording choices could drastically affect the rights and obligations of each party. I still remember the professor walking us through what a singer might negotiate for versus what a record label would push back on—it was the first time I saw how law shapes business relationships in a tangible way. That summer, my firm gave me the opportunity to explore both litigation and transactional work. I naturally gravitated toward transactional matters, inspired by that class, and gained hands-on experience drafting and reviewing contracts such as nondisclosure agreements and seller agreements. Since then, I’ve known that transactional law is where I can best combine analytical precision with creativity to help clients achieve their goals.

How do you think Cornell Law is preparing you for your future career?

Cornell Law has truly instilled confidence in me—both in my abilities and in my future as an attorney. That confidence comes from many sources: world-renowned professors who are generous with their time and mentorship, supportive career services, and extensive experiential learning opportunities that allow students to practice law in meaningful ways before graduation. During my first semester, I met with someone from Career Services and explained that I wanted to apply to the Seattle legal market because my partner had moved there, even though I’m originally from New York. They immediately helped me map out a plan to get my foot in the door—and it ended up being very achievable, thanks in part to Cornell’s strong national reputation. Cornell also encourages students to pursue hands-on experiences that go beyond the classroom. Through my full-time externship at a legal nonprofit, I’ve had the opportunity to represent clients under supervision, file pleadings, and appear before judges. Having that level of responsibility as a student has given me immense practical confidence. Similarly, the work I did in the Gender Justice Clinic—representing asylum seekers and gender-rights activists—directly translated into my later experiences. When a partner at my firm asked me to help with an immigration pro bono matter, I already knew how to prepare a country conditions report and supporting memo. And when I was tasked with creating a presentation on board of directors’ duties, I drew directly from my notes in Business Organizations class. Cornell has prepared me not just with knowledge, but with the confidence to apply it effectively in any professional setting.

What advice would you give to prospective J.D. students about making the most of their time here?

Be curious—both inside and outside the classroom. Try clinics or classes you might not have initially considered. Cornell’s professors are world-renowned, and each brings deep expertise in their field. Take advantage of the chance to learn from them, even in areas of law you didn’t expect to enjoy. Outside of academics, get involved in student organizations. They’re a great way to find mentors, build friendships, and tap into the incredible Big Red network for career advice and support. And don’t forget to enjoy everything Ithaca and Cornell’s community have to offer—go to hockey or football games with classmates, attend Graduate Student Assembly events, or explore the local trails and gorges. As a 3L, I still feel like there’s more I want to experience here, so my biggest advice is to make the most of every opportunity while you can.

When you are not studying or in class, what is your favorite way to unwind or enjoy life in Ithaca?

I really enjoy exploring the hiking trails and gorges around Ithaca when the weather is warm—it’s such a beautiful way to reset after a long week. As it gets colder, I love to bake and share sweet treats with my friends from school during cozy movie nights. We also make a point to try new restaurants together, which has been a fun way to unwind and enjoy everything Ithaca has to offer year round.