Written by: Blake Etringer

In 3L Olivia Kato’s case, she has found that people are more surprised that she moved to Iowa for law school than they are to learn she moved from Florida to the United Arab Emirates for her undergraduate studies. It’s a question that has come up constantly ever since she decided to make the University of Iowa College of Law her next step.

“It’s the question I get asked the most, both in my capacity as a representative of the law school, and in my individual capacity. People want to know what made Iowa Law worth the nearly 7,400-mile move.”

Having traveled significantly and having attended New York University Abu Dhabi, the world was quite literally at her doorstep.

“While I was there, I got to live, study, and work with incredible people from almost 100 countries and got the opportunity to travel to places I could have only dreamed of. The traveling, the people I am deeply connected to around the globe, Abu Dhabi itself, it’s all a huge part of who I am.”

It was there that she found her passion for law and pursued a degree in legal studies. During this time, a business law course introduced her to intellectual property, a field that immediately resonated and has since become the focus of her legal education.

“It immediately clicked for me in a way that made me realize that I could do that, and I really wanted to do that,” Kato recalled. After that class and a few summers spent working at a law firm, she knew that law would be her future.

Discovering Iowa Law

Flash forward to present day, Kato continues to travel, but has spent the better part of her last three years right here in Iowa City, which was not initially on her radar. She navigated the law school application process largely on her own and sought a school that valued collaboration over competition.

“I was looking for a place that didn’t feel cutthroat,” Kato said. “I found a really nice student-written anecdote online about all of Iowa Law’s advantages, like the job outcomes, the bar passage rate, and just that the people were incredible.”

After applying and visiting campus, Iowa Law stood out for its culture of support. Outreach from students, alumni, and the admissions team played a significant role in her decision.

“It was clear that my presence here would be valued,” she said. “I knew a community that was that interconnected and that supportive was 100% a place I wanted to go to law school. And I can say now, having been here for almost three years, that Iowa has lived up to and exceeded my expectations as a student and as an outgoing professional.”

A central role in admissions

Kato’s connection to Iowa Law quickly deepened through her work in the admissions office. Drawing on her undergraduate admissions experience, she became a student ambassador during her 2L year and now serves as lead student ambassador.

In her role, Kato coordinates a team of 18 ambassadors, manages scheduling and logistics, and continues to represent the college at tours, panels, visit days, law fairs, alumni events, and admitted student events.

“When you’re an ambassador, you’re responsible for being honest about what it means to be a law student while also showing why this place is absolutely worth coming to,” Kato said. “It allows you to see the best parts of the institution every day.”

She credits the role with strengthening her connection to the law school community and reinforcing her appreciation for the culture that initially drew her to Iowa.

In-state tuition and mentorship benefits as an LRA

Kato also serves as a law research assistant for Dean Adrien Wing, a position that has been both financially and intellectually transformative. As an out-of-state student, the role allows Kato to receive in-state tuition.

“That has had a tremendous impact on my law school experience,” Kato said. “Being able to graduate with limited debt has changed the way I’ve been able to approach opportunities.”

As a research assistant, Kato supports Wing’s work on speeches, presentations, and publications. Wing also encourages research assistants to pursue independent capstone projects aligned with their interests.

“Dean Wing is one of those people who, when an opportunity comes your way to work with her, you don’t say no,” Kato said. “She is so intricately connected to everything related to international law, human rights issues, race and gender issues. And that seemed like somebody that I definitely wanted to work for.”

Leadership and academic engagement

In addition to admissions and research, Kato has taken on leadership roles across the law school. She currently serves as president of the Intellectual Property Law Society (IPLS) and has previously held multiple leadership positions within the organization.

"I am planning to pursue a career as an intellectual property attorney,” Kato said. “It’s a niche field, but it’s the field that has excited me the most for years, and I have loved getting to bring that passion to life professionally through IPLS.”

Kato also served on the Organization of Women Law Students & Staff board for two years and worked on the Iowa Law Review as both a student writer and contributing editor. During her 1L year, she worked with Iowa Legal Aid on eviction data research.

Kato is also known for her effort and engagement in the classroom. Professor Mary Ksobiech spoke highly of Kato’s incredible work ethic.

“Olivia always added thoughtful insights into our classroom discussion to the benefit of her colleagues," Ksobiech said. "Her ability to implement feedback into her written work is remarkable as well. She works tirelessly to draft the most comprehensive arguments that she can."

Looking ahead to graduation

Kato’s law school summers offered hands-on exposure to both litigation and transactional practice, including medical malpractice defense work in Florida at Wicker, Smith, O’Hara, McCoy & Ford, P.A., and real estate transactions and labor and employment work in Iowa at Nyemaster Goode, P.C. After graduation, she will begin a federal clerkship in the District of Kansas, with the goal of later pursuing business and IP Law.

As she reflects on her time in Iowa City, Kato emphasizes balance and self-awareness as essential components to law school success. 

“You have more time than you think you do, especially as a 1L,” she said. “Take advantage of being here, spend time with your friends outside of the classroom, and make sure you’re prioritizing yourself.”