Melissa Sonntag
2L; Admissions Ambassador
Hometown:
Worcester, MA
Professional Interests:
Corporate Law; Environmental Law; International Law
Student Organizations:
Latinx Law Student Association (Academic and Professional Development Chair); Outlaw; First Generation Professionals Program; Women’s Law Society
Extracurricular:
Lawyering Skills Research Fellow; National Association of Puerto Rican Women 2023 Scholar
UCI Law Clinic:
Domestic Violence Clinic
Pro Bono:
Transgender Legal Assistance Clinic; Puerto Rico Public Defender's Office
Meet Melissa:
I am excited to be an Admissions Ambassador because I am passionate about helping new students find the community support they need to thrive at UCI Law. A huge concern of mine prior to 1L was that I would not feel like I "fit in" or could be my authentic self in a competitive law school environment. This was one of the main reasons I chose UCI -- because I saw that the students and faculty at UCI were uniquely supportive and mutually invested in each other’s success!
Since attending UCI, I have met some incredible people and gotten involved in rewarding projects. I’ve found community within affinity groups such as the Latinx Law Student Association, the First Generation Professionals, and OutLaw. I was able to get involved in Pro Bono right away through the Transgender Legal Assistance Clinic and helped support a prisoner’s habeus corpus claim through the Puerto Rico Federal Public Defender’s Office.
Outside of school, moving to Orange County has also far exceeded my expectations. Being from the East Coast, I feel so lucky to study in such a beautiful place! Some of my favorite outdoor activities are taking a beach walk at Corona Del Mar or hanging out with the birds and bunnies at San Joaquin Marsh. I also love to roller skate at Newport Beach or explore the various coffee shops in neighboring towns like Tustin and Costa Mesa. Finally, it is great to enjoy the tranquility of the suburbs as well as have easy access to the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles!
Overall, I have truly enjoyed my time at UCI Law and would not want to study law anywhere else. I am happy to talk more about my own experience and answer any questions!