NIU College of Law Student Ambassadors
NIU Law Student Ambassadors are a select group of 1L and 2L students who represent the College of Law. These students actively engage and interact with alumni, prospective, and current students by sharing their perspectives and experiences. Our ambassadors are appointed for a year and are a great resource for anything NIU Law and embody the true Huskie spirit.
We are delighted to share this year's NIU Law Ambassadors.
Alexandra Alcantar
What have you enjoyed most about NIU Law?
What I enjoy most about NIU Law is our remarkably supportive community. There is a genuine culture of openness here where students and faculty prioritize helping one another succeed, paired with an extensive alumni network that remains deeply invested in our professional growth.
Jinan Askar
How has NIU prepared you to be an effective attorney upon graduation?
What makes NIU Law special is that you don't just learn about the law, you practice it. My professors create an interactive environment where I'm constantly applying what I've learned to actual legal challenges. This hands-on experience, supported by a close-knit community, has built the confidence I need to transition seamlessly into my legal career.
Kevin Becerra-Cardoza
Which NIU Law professor has made the biggest impact on you and why?
Professor Rigertas has made the biggest impact so far. In our Torts class she incorporated current events and cases to help reinforce what we learned. She also stressed the importance of becoming an attorney and the importance of our future roles in society.
Zachary Camilleri
What advice would you give an incoming 1L?
NIU Law provides its students with an amazing network of attorneys and alumni, take full advantage of it. One thing you'll learn is that attorneys want to give new law students opportunities to work and get experience. So don't be intimidated or afraid, your network will be a valuable resource and one NIU Law will help you build if you allow it.
Hannah Devyor
What type of law are you interested in?
Each class I've taken has expanded my awareness of just how many different avenues a law degree can take me. Starting this semester, I'll be interning at a practice specializing in Family Law. I'm looking forward to learning more about the field and gaining hands-on experience.
Abraham Fakhoury
What is your favorite memory so far from law school?
I attended the summer study abroad program in Agen, France, which was a life changing experience that I had the privilege of attending alongside my classmates. Every day we had an amazing opportunity to learn about another culture while participating in very interesting courses.
Danielle Gillon
How has NIU prepared you to be an effective attorney upon graduation?
NIU has supplied great network and employment opportunities. Many professors teach the law and give you real world applications of how things are used, which helps practically.
Bailey Harvey
What advice would you give an incoming 1L?
To prepare for law school, I would tell a 1L to work, save money and learn how to meal prep. During their first year of law school, I would tell an incoming 1L to take every opportunity that presents itself. Three years sounds like a long time, but it goes by so fast. Make the most of your time here!
Mia Lapointe
What is your favorite memory so far from law school?
My favorite memory so far was during the midterm review for Prof. Rigertas' Torts class. We were trying to visualize the difference between intentional torts and instead of explaining it again, Prof. Rigertas had volunteers come to the front to direct and act out scenarios showing the similarities and differences. It was a really fun and engaging ways to understand the material and now anytime I think of an intentional tort, I think of those skits.
Alexis Lopez
Why did you choose NIU Law?
While affordability was a huge driving factor, when I visited NIU Law I instantly knew it was the school for me. Students and faculty were extremely welcoming and also very passionate about their work. During admitted students' day, it was a true glimpse inside the life of what a day at NIU Law is like. Professors are passionate about their subjects and encourage student engagement in a welcoming way. Upperclassmen are extremely welcoming and eager to help in any way they can. Additionally, the size of the class is extremely comforting as it allows for a welcoming environment while still having a competitive atmosphere.
Diana Ojeda
What have you enjoyed most about NIU Law?
The community, whether within the law school or other departments on campus, has been consistently supportive. NIU has provided a space where we can learn from our mistakes, with guidance and encouragement from others and where support is available whenever we are struggling.
Valentín Padilla Uribe
Which law professor has made the biggest impact on you and why?
Tracy Simmons, my legal writing professor, had the greatest impact on me during my first semester of law school. English is not my first language and writing had never been my strongest skill, so I entered my first legal writing class feeling nervous and uncertain. However, those doubts quickly disappeared the moment I stepped into Professor Simmons's classroom. I will never forget the first day of class, when she asked us to write our "writer autobiography" so she could understand our individual backgrounds. She made it clear that although we all came from different experiences and levels of confidence, each of us had what it took to become a strong legal writer.
Dominic Schaefer
What is your favorite memory so far from law school?
Since attending NIU Law, the various societies and clubs have provided great experiences. I especially enjoyed learning a Palestinian dance with Muslim Law Student Association (MLSA) and Middle Eastern North African Law Student Association (MENALSA), as well as participating in a lotería game night with Latinx Law Student Association LLSA. Being able to celebrate different cultures, whether my own or others', has been both joyful and inspiring
Dayven Shinhoster
What is your favorite memory so far from law school??
My favorite memory from law school has been creating friendships that I know will last a lifetime. The shared challenges, late nights and accomplishments have created strong bonds and the supportive community at NIU Law has made those relationships especially meaningful.
Jayden Wickliffe
What advice would you give an incoming 1L?
Advice I would give to an incoming 1L, would be to remember to take time to care for yourself, both mentally and physically. Law school is a taxing endeavor, so be sure to take time to enjoy life outside of school.
Madison Walsh
How has NIU prepared you to be an effective attorney upon graduation?
NIU Law has strongly encouraged the importance of asking for help and using available resources. From my first day of law school, I regularly attended office hours, participated in ASP (Academic Success Program), met with tutors, and collaborated with my peers. Learning to seek guidance and support has prepared me for the reality of the legal practice, knowing that I will not have all the answers right out of law school and being confident enough to ask questions and never stop learning even when I am an attorney.
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