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.

With a passion for the law and a determined spirit, Wiah is well on her way to making an impact on the legal profession. After she graduated from Temple University, she had two years left on her military contract. Wiah decided to finish out the military and then go to law school.

The fast pace and ability to interact with people are some of his favorite aspects of politics. “It's a lot of moving parts, and no two days are the same. It really teaches you to think on your feet, move fast, and work well under pressure.”  

Before she heads out to Washington D.C. to join Mayer Brown’s litigation team with a focus on antitrust after graduation, 3L Lauren Knudson will be spending a year as a law clerk for Senior Judge Michael J. Melloy of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. This is especially exciting for Knudson who enjoys, and has plenty of experience with, research and writing.  

Second-year law student Hannah Altman shares her experience at Iowa Law and how she pursued her passion for giving back through an internship position with the Lavender Legal Center in Cedar Rapids, a new legal clinic supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

Spending time in India as a teenager, second-year law student Maya Sanaba, was inspired to help others, especially the vulnerable. She aims to give them a voice through obtaining a legal education. Read her story.