From literary adventures to legal pursuits, 3L Katelyn Larossa navigates the intersection of passion and purpose

"Reading and writing were my strengths, and I could really articulate my thoughts as a child," says Ralph. "I found joy in advocating for my friends, stepping in when they faced challenges with their parents or at school. It felt natural to use my abilities to help others."

Alexis Jones' commitment to social justice and community-building serves as a testament to her promising future in the legal field.

In 2022, Lex enrolled in the Advanced Standing Program at Iowa Law, drawn not only by the program’s efficiency but also by the positive testimonials from friends who had followed the same path. During his first summer of law school, Lex worked as a Summer Associate at Dechert LLP in New York City, New York, where he will return after graduation. Lex credits his readiness for the real-world legal landscape to the guidance and teachings of his professors at Iowa Law.

Katrina Crouch has wholeheartedly embraced her love for writing. She was a member of the Journal of Gender, Race, and Justice and is further honing her writing skills as a tutor in the Writing and Academic Success Center for the second consecutive year. Her role as a tutor, where she offers guidance, support, and feedback on various writing tasks, is an aspect of her law school journey that she deeply cherishes. “It’s truly my pride and joy,” says Katrina.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, a compelling narrative has unfolded at Iowa Law where passionate individuals with multicultural backgrounds intertwine their legal aspirations and desire to create change within the legal community. Patricia Linninger, a second-year law student and president of the Hispanic and Latinx Law Students Association, has nearly four years of experience in immigration, discovering that her diverse background helped her facilitate trust and communication with clients.

Zachary Sides is a second-year law student and vice president of Iowa Law's Hispanic and Latinx Law Students Association (HLLSA). Zach is extremely proud of his heritage and through HLLSA he’s working to help promote, encourage, and increase the number of Hispanic and Latinx individuals in the legal field and to enhance their legal education.  

First-gen student, Bry-Tanny Weaver talks about her inspiration to study law, the programs and people who helped her along the way, and how her heritage shaped her goals and desire to give back. As a child she loved watching Law & Order with her mom and, as she grew up, she saw the real world impacts of having a skilled attorney on your side in times of need. Her experiences shaped her future in law.

rowing up in the town of Nichols, Iowa, Isaac Sarinana found himself on an extraordinary path that led him to Iowa Law. Isaac’s interest in pursuing a legal education began after he hired an immigration attorney to sponsor a family member. It was during his final year of college that he had a life-changing encounter with an immigration attorney and Iowa Law alum.

Gokare discovered her passion for corporate law after being approached by two childhood friends who had founded an e-commerce clothing company. Despite facing financial constraints, the friends sought Gokare’s legal assistance, which not only kindled her interest in corporate law but also highlighted her proficiency in the field.