Graduation appreciation
Three star students discuss their law school experiences and what they’re doing next
It’s commencement time! As the class of 2023 prepares to graduate on May 13, the School of Law asked three star students about their time at Loyola, their most exciting experiences during law school, and what’s next. Congratulations to all of our fabulous graduates!
Paola Vargas Daly
What was your most rewarding experience in law school?
Graduating is absolutely the most rewarding experience of law school. My daughter was 3 when I took the LSAT. She’s 8 now, and when she describes what a lawyer is, she says, “It’s a job where you help people.” That is why I pursued this career. My family and I emigrated from Mexico, and it was a family effort to get me to this day. As the first lawyer in my family, graduating is surreal and a joy and achievement I share with them.
What are your career plans after graduation?
I will be clerking for Justice Briana Zamora at the New Mexico Supreme Court for two years. She has consistently dedicated her time to issues of equity in the justice system for vulnerable populations including youth, Native peoples, and the homeless. Justice Zamora was also a first-generation law student and is someone I admire. It is an amazing opportunity to be able to work on cases at this level.
What will you miss the most about the School of Law?
My classmates and my professors. In the Weekend JD program, we spend eight hours together every other Saturday and Sunday. Most of us have been in the working world for a while, and we understand one another. There is a sense of community that builds when your classmates also show you pictures of their kids, tell you about the careers they have been building, and show up for you in little and big ways.