Student Spotlight: Annalisa Gobin, L’23

As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re sharing how some of our Class of 2023 Law Spiders are impacted and empowed by their identities. Students like Annalisa Gobin, L’23, who is starting her legal career in intellectual property.

Why did you decide to attend law school? Why Richmond Law, in particular?
I was looking for a bit of adventure and found a lot of it at Richmond Law. The IP programming here is next level, and my classes, professors, and being a member of our Journal and Law and Technology (JOLT) have prepared me to confidently enter the field.

How has being a member of SALSA benefited your Richmond Law experience?
Being a member of SALSA helped me begin to find my place as a woman of color in the legal field. Being a founding member was my introduction into DEI work, which I became very involved with in law school and plan to take with me into my career. Through SALSA, I was able to connect with like-minded classmates who want to make the school and the profession better for all. Together we founded Multicultural Night, which has served as a event for law students from different cultures and backgrounds to share their identities with the rest of the school.

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. What does being an Asian American lawyer mean to you? What impact do you hope to make on the legal system after you graduate?
I am a child of immigrants who came to the U.S. on a student visa, and I was taught that education can open doors. I hope that I can open doors and leave them open for others so that they  have those same opportunities. My culture plays a large role in who I am, and the kind of lawyer I aspire to be. My diverse background has made me a better student today, and I know that it will make me a better lawyer tomorrow.

In one word, how would you describe your experience at Richmond Law?
Empowering.

Transcript has been lightly edited for length and clarity.