News Archive

Amiya Reina was drawn to the law because of her desire to advocate for the underprivileged and underrepresented people in our society. She’s a 3L evening division student.

Where are you from? What year are you in law school?

I grew up in Merrillville, IN. I am a 3L evening student.

Any lawyers in your family? What made you decide you wanted to go to law school? And what brought you to IU McKinney in particular? What has your experience been like as a student at IU McKinney?

I do not have any lawyers in my family. I decided to go to law school to further my passion for advocating for underprivileged and underrepresented people in our society.

IU McKinney seemed like the best decision as I did my undergraduate degree on the IUPUI campus and built many connections at the school during that time. I also did the Pathways to Law program where I had the opportunity to take law classes with a few professors from IU McKinney. Lastly, IU McKinney has a part-time evening program which is extremely striking to a student like me who must work their way through school.

If I could sum up my law school experience thus far, I would have to say that it has been a rollercoaster. I use that analogy because, on a rollercoaster ride, there are scary moments, exciting moments, moments of strength, and moments of weakness.

What’s been the biggest adjustment you’ve had to make in your life since you started law school?

Learning how to balance work, school, and life. Law school is a big adjustment. You may not be able to study for a test the day before and do well like you were able to in undergrad. Even in my third year, I am still learning new tactics and strategies that work for me.

What student groups have you been involved in?

I have been involved with the Black Law Student Association (BLSA) and Pathways to Law Mentorship Program.

What externship or clinic courses have you taken part in? Have you worked as a summer associate anywhere?

I was a CLEO Intern - Judicial Intern at the Court of Appeals under the Hon. Leanna K. Weissmann, took part in the R.E.A.C.H. Clinic, and I was a summer intern at Kids’ Voice of Indiana.

What are your plans for after law school?

I would like to begin in the practice area of Family Law and Estate Planning. I am open to working in a firm or the public sector.