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

Sofía Cuevas Dorador ’26

One of the biggest factors that drew me to Cornell Law was its small class sizes, which truly sets it apart from other top law schools. The close-knit community has allowed me to form genuine relationships with nearly all of my classmates and to feel connected to the broader Law School community. Cornell’s smaller class sizes have also made it possible for me to develop close relationships with my professors, who are leading scholars in their fields. Their accessibility and investment in their students create a level of mentorship and support that I don’t think would be possible at a larger institution.

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

Before law school, I thought the legal field had clear lines that defined winners and losers. However, since starting law school, I have gained a broader perspective on what a “win” can be. Through my clinic experiences, I have learned that for a client, a win isn’t always about a legal victory, but that it can be as simple as having someone to tell their story to, or to have someone by their side when the odds are stacked against them. These experiences have allowed me to appreciate both the broader impact of the legal field and the multiple ways that a lawyer can support their clients.

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

Participating in Cornell’s clinical programs has been the highlight of my law school experience. As a first-year student, I had the opportunity to participate in the 1L Immigration Clinic, which allowed me to get hands-on experience almost immediately. This experience is unique to Cornell, as only a handful of law schools offer similar opportunities. In this clinic, I worked on an asylum application for a family fleeing persecution in South America and assisted members of the Cornell community with immigration matters.

As a 2L, I joined the Capital Punishment Clinic, which ignited my passion for criminal defense and has given me extensive hands-on experience in investigations and legal writing. I also had the opportunity to participate in the Veteran’s Law Practicum, where I helped local veterans obtain discharge upgrades. Supporting people who have given so much to this country was incredibly rewarding, and I learned invaluable lessons about client advocacy through that work.

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

Because of my work in the Capital Punishment Clinic, I’m most interested becoming a criminal defense lawyer. Last fall, I worked on a case in which our client was wrongfully convicted based on a false confession. As part of our investigation, I traveled to Texas, Tennessee and Oklahoma to help develop an alternate theory of the crime and gather evidence of our client’s innocence. Witnessing firsthand how the system can convict someone despite a complete lack of physical evidence ignited my passion for criminal defense. In addition, getting to learn from incredibly fierce and compassionate death penalty lawyers such as Professors Johnson, Weyble, and Blume has shaped the kind of lawyer that I aspire to be.

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

Through my rigorous coursework and the wide range of clinics and practicums that allow me to practice my lawyering skills, but also through the incredible resources and support offered across campus. Offices like Career Services and the Dean of Students regularly host events that give students access to valuable networking opportunities, guest lectures from distinguished speakers, résumé and cover letter workshops, and mixers. Cornell Law’s commitment to providing robust opportunities outside of the classroom has allowed me to grow as a student and has equipped me with the professional foundation I need to succeed in my future career.

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

Get involved with student organizations, and don’t be afraid to try new things, especially the ones that intimidate you! During my 1L year, I heard about the first-year moot court competition and immediately thought it sounded like my worst nightmare, since public speaking has never been something I enjoy. But I pushed myself to participate and to continue to get involved with moot court, and it’s turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in law school. I discovered how much I enjoy crafting and presenting legal arguments, even if I still get nervous every time I moot. Some of the moments that have challenged me the most have also helped me grow the most as a student, an advocate, and a future lawyer.

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

I love long-distancing running, and so when I am not in the Law School, you can find me on the trails. I am currently training for my first marathon! Also, I love spending time with my dog, Cortado, a five-pound chihuahua who loves to snuggle.