Featured Student

Each month, CPD features a law student or alum who has shown ownership of his or her career development.  This is an excellent way for you to learn from and get to know your peers! 

Name	Leyla Parada
Class	2008
Hometown	Aurora, Illinois
College	University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Reasons for attending UST School of Law:

My decision was between living in Minneapolis or Chicago, where I grew up.  I wanted a school that had a reputation for public interest and that encouraged their students to volunteer for the community.  I really liked that UST had a volunteer requirement.  Also, I attended an admitted applicant day and met some great people that made me feel instantly comfortable.

One way I connected with the Mission of UST Law:

I grew up in a family that was always involved in helping people in need.  The mission keeps me motivated and reminds to keep working on the behalf of others.

My career planning advice: 

• Just keep trying! Don’t get discouraged! 
• Keep emailing people and using the contacts you have made. 
• And don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.

Favorite job or volunteer experience:

Job: At Meshbesher & Spence, the best part of my job is dealing with clients directly.  Also, it is a trial law firm, so I am constantly exposed to the court system, including expert witnesses, legal professionals and many other interesting people.

Volunteer Experience:  Street Law.  From that, I continue to speak with students at my alma mater (high school) about legal issues and their rights.  I didn’t realize the anger and fear young people have regarding the legal system and enjoyed helping them learn that they have rights they never thought they did.
  

A little known fact about me:

I’m a kick-boxer.  And I love the show, “So You Think You Can Dance?” 

 

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 The view expressed in this profile are solely those of the student, and may not reflect the view of the Office of Career & Professional Development, or the University of St. Thomas School of Law.

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