Student Spotlight: Kyara Rivera Rivera, L’24
At Richmond Law, we recognize the contributions the Latinx and Hispanic communities have made to our legal system and overall community every day. This year, as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we are shining a spotlight on some of our current JD students who are making history right now.
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Kyara Rivera Rivera, and I’m a 3L here at University of Richmond School of Law. I grew up in Newport News, VA, and was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico.
Why did you decide to attend the University of Richmond School of Law?
The location of the school and the opportunity to be in clinics! When I was applying to law school, I wasn’t entirely sure what path I wanted to follow, so going to a school in Richmond, VA was an appealing option because of its proximity to so many different court systems here in Richmond and DC. I also was very interested in the opportunity to work in clinics to have hands-on experience. Last year, as a 2L, I was a part of the Wrongful Conviction Clinic, and this semester, I am a part of the Children’s Defense Clinic.
What aspect of your law school experience has surprised you the most?
I have loved building my law school community. I didn’t expect law school to introduce me to such an amazing friend group that has been by my side these past few years.
What does being a Hispanic or Latinx lawyer mean to you?
Hispanics are significantly underrepresented in the legal community. Growing up, I did not believe that being an attorney was possible because I never saw any other Hispanics around me pursuing this career. Hispanics make up less than 6% of attorneys in the United States, and Hispanic women only make up roughly 2%. Being a Hispanic attorney means that I will continue increasing diversity in the legal field, while hopefully inspiring young Hispanics who hope to become attorneys.
What impact do you hope to make on the legal system after you graduate?
By entering the legal community, I will be helping to increase the diversity in this career path, which is truly important! Additionally, I have enjoyed participating in pro bono opportunities while in law school, so I hope to continue contributing my time to these opportunities and shine a light on the importance of pro bono service.
What are your post-graduate plans or aspirations at this time?
I have accepted a position as an Associate at the Troutman Pepper Richmond, VA office as a member of their Regulatory Investigations, Strategy + Enforcement (RISE) practice group.
What interests you most about the specific field you’re planning to pursue? What sparked your interest?
Regulatory work piqued my interest during my 1L summer at Troutman Pepper, and when I returned for my second summer this past year, I knew it was the path I wanted to pursue. For me, it is fascinating how the cases are approached and resolved. Every case differed from prior ones, so I could always learn something new. I am also very excited to begin working with the RISE team at Troutman Pepper because they have served as incredible mentors and advisors thus far!
What class or professor helped you hone in on your interests within the law?
My trial ad experience was the course that impacted my legal path the most. After starting my trial ad course, I knew I wanted to learn more about litigation, so I joined the Trial Advocacy Board competition in my 2L year. These experiences taught me that I wanted to learn more about becoming a litigator and steered me in the direction of litigation/regulatory work, which also helped me during my Summer Associate experience.
Tell us about a legal-themed movie or TV show that you love, even if it’s not entirely accurate!
My all-time favorite legal-themed TV show is Suits! I first began watching it when I was studying for the LSAT back in the summer of 2020, and although it is very dramatized and highly unethical, it made me excited to learn more about the legal field!