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

Marieya Jagroop ’26

I was drawn to the robust class and clinic offerings and there were clinics and seminars for every field of law that I wanted to explore.  I also liked the fact that the student body was so small because I had attended other small schools and programs and really enjoyed how close-knit we all were. I wanted to be in a smaller school where I could really get to know my peers, work with people outside of my section and class year, and make meaningful connections with professors. Lastly, the location of Ithaca was ideal. Ithaca is beautiful and I wanted to live outside of a city and experience having a big campus with easy accessibility to nature and outdoor activities.

How has your view of the legal field changed since starting your J.D. program?

My understanding of the legal field has evolved significantly since beginning my J.D. program. I always knew that a J.D. offered flexibility and the opportunity to pursue multiple interests because of the breadth of the law. What I did not fully appreciate, however, was just how expansive the field truly is and how many distinct areas of practice it encompasses. I also came to realize that I would not need to move from one passion to another. Instead, I could find work that sits at the intersection of several of my interests.

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

The highlight has been my involvement in multiple clinics: Capital Punishment, Movement Lawyering, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and Gender Justice. Through these clinics I’ve been able to conduct investigations work and travel to Texas, Colorado, and Tennessee. I’ve also gotten to meet clients and do advocacy work on an international and local level, while drafting briefs and memos. I have learned so much through my clinic experience, and it has allowed me to feel that I am making an impact already prior to entering the legal field.

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

I’m most interested in pursuing criminal defense and impact litigation work. My parents immigrated here from Guyana in South America, I have seen through their experiences during my childhood how flawed the criminal justice system is. I want to use psychology and the law to help provide empathetic representation to criminal defendants to help amplify their voices and pave the way for reform. I’ve been lucky to get a head start at this through mentorship under skillful professors that have numerous accolades in criminal defense and capital punishment work. Prior to coming to Cornell I never had any experience in capital punishment litigation and now I’m determined to continue that work in practice.

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

Cornell Law has helped me to substantially strengthen my researching, writing, and oral argument skills, which will be helpful since I want to be a litigator and eventually an academic. It has also transformed me socially. I have learned how to network with a wide range of professionals and to represent organizations and positions effectively. I have also gained substantive legal knowledge across a broad array of fields, which I will carry with me as I enter the workforce.

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

My advice is to try out as much as you can, whether it’s moot court, a club, or taking a class out of your comfort zone. This is the time for experimenting and learning more about yourself as you navigate this transformative experience. I think future Cornell Law students should spend time getting to know their community and think creatively about ways they can pay it forward.

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

I love to go on hikes and enjoy the scenic waterfalls or visit the local wineries. I also love to participate in fitness activities like aerial arts, yoga, tennis, and indoor rock-climbing.

*Click here to watch Marieya reflect on her time at Cornell Law School and how it has shaped her path toward a legal career.