How do you prioritize and manage your time effectively to balance academic demands, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments? Time management is a crucial skill in the legal field, and for me, it means living by my calendar and following three principles: 1. I should be realistic about how much time an activity requires, 2. I should be present in my scheduled activity, and 3. I should be disciplined enough to follow through on my plans. These basic principles have helped me use my calendar to my advantage, allowing me to allocate time for my wife, family, and friends, while also balancing studying, serving as Co-President of a student organization, mentoring 1L students, running my own business, and participating in pro bono internships.

What areas of law are you most passionate about, and why? Immigration law is my passion. Coming from a family of immigrants, I understand the experience first-hand. I aspire to be a guide for immigrants, just like my family, and help them navigate their legal challenges, starting with their immigration status in the United States.

Have you had any internships or legal experiences outside of the classroom, and how have they influenced your career aspirations? I have had a few internships, but my experience at the City of Atlanta Public Defenders Office solidified my aspiration to become an immigration attorney. I had the privilege of working under an exemplary attorney and witnessed her advocacy in immigration court. I was truly inspired by the dedication she put into her case, and it was gratifying to see her efforts lead to a favorable outcome for her client.

How do you envision leveraging your legal education to make a positive impact on society or your community? I envision using my legal education to help Atlanta-based immigrants and their U.S. citizen family members with any legal matters they may face. Many of these community members avoid legal action due to fear of their immigration status, lack of information, or insufficient resources. I want to bridge that gap by demonstrating that the law can work for immigrants too.

What advice would you give to other law students who are navigating their legal education and preparing for their careers? I would advise other law students to take full advantage of the opportunities available in law school and to create a realistic plan. There is no time like the present—so take that internship, apply for that scholarship, and engage with student organizations. The connections you make and maintain will be invaluable as you prepare for your career.