Student Ambassadors
Meet Our Student Ambassadors
John Balloveras
Undergraduate Institution: University of Florida
Email: jball064@fiu.edu
Hometown: Miami, FL
Legal Affiliation: FIU Law Student Body Association—Secretary; International Law Student Association—President; FIU Law Moot Court Member; Negotiation and Arbitration Team
Why FIU Law?
I am interested in international law, and Miami is a growing hub for international law, especially with Latin America. I wanted to attend an excellent school that could launch me into a career in international law, and I was very lucky that it was in my hometown!
My favorite thing about FIU Law?
The community. I could not have asked for a more supportive environment for my law school career, especially during the pandemic. My classmates, professors, friends, and faculty here at FIU Law have pushed me to excel in ways I never would have imagined.
Justin Coffie
Undergraduate Institution: Hillsborough Community College, Florida International University
Email: jcoff009@fiu.edu
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Legal Affiliation: BLSA, SEFA, MLES, IPSA, ACLU of Miami
Why FIU Law?
I chose FIU Law because of my strong interest in civil rights and social justice. FIU Law’s Advanced Trial Advocacy Program is among the best programs in the nation. I hope to join the trial team to learn the art of legal storytelling. I would like to acquire this skill to better advocate for underrepresented individuals.
My favorite thing about FIU Law?
My favorite thing about FIU Law is the college’s dedication in ensuring each students’ success. I would like to give a special shoutout to Dean Schulze and Professor Lorenzo for their support throughout my law school journey.
Leslie Gonzalez
Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University
Email: lgonz499@fiu.edu
Hometown: Miami Beach, FL
Legal Affiliation: CABA, HLSA, The Federalist Society, Lexis Nexis, Law Review
Why FIU Law?
The community at FIU is truly phenomenal and the support from all of your classmates and professors is amazing and unlike at any other institution. FIU Law also provides so many wonderful opportunities to all of its students and the staff is always willing to help students with whatever they might need.
My favorite thing about FIU Law?
The people that have become like family.
Victoria Gonzalez
Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University
Email: vgonz206@fiu.edu
Hometown: Miami, FL
Legal Affiliation: SBA Student Org Support Committee, Barristers Ball Committee, SBA Social Committee
Why FIU Law? I chose to attend FIU Law because of its #1 bar passage rate, its Intellectual Property Certificate, and because of the caring and welcoming nature of all those who work at and attend FIU Law
My favorite thing about FIU Law?
The environment. There are so many opportunities at FIU Law to get involved in so many different things. The people are also very caring. To be part of FIU Law is to be a part of a family.
Briana Harris
Undergraduate Institution: Vanderbilt University
Email: bharr081@fiu.edu
Hometown: Pembroke Pines, FL
Legal Affiliation: Federal Bar Association - Networking Director
Why FIU Law?
I am a South Florida girl, born and raised, and knew that I wanted to come back home after I finished undergrad to begin my professional career. I didn't always know that I wanted to go to law school, but once I discovered my path, FIU was my immediate first choice. Of course the incredible bar passage rate was a major factor in making my choice, but I was also drawn to the Academic Excellence Program. As a first-generation law student it was nice to know that there were courses that would help teach me "how to do law school."
My favorite thing about FIU Law?
Despite the inherently competitive nature of law school, there is such a great sense of community and camaraderie among the students!
Paul Haynicz
Graduate Institution: Harvard University
Undergraduate Institution: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Email: phayn004@fiu.edu
Hometown: Monroeville, New Jersey
Legal Affiliation:Student Bar Association: Wellness Committee Co-Chair, Peer Mentor
Why FIU Law?
Choosing a law school is a daunting endeavor; however its unparalleled bar passage rate, trial and mediation teams leading the national rankings, and proximity to the diverse metropolis that is Miami, made FIU Law an easy decision.
My favorite thing about FIU Law?
The brilliant professors and staff have carefully curated a vibrant environment conducive to quality learning and professional growth. As corny as it may sound, my first year felt like I was in Hogwarts.
Krista Hoffman
Undergraduate Institution: University of Florida, Masters from Trinity College Dublin
Email: khoff020@fiu.edu
Hometown: St. Augustine, FL
Legal Affiliation: Peer Mentor Program - Secretary/Treasurer, SBA - Alumni Relations Committee, Mindfulness Association
Why FIU Law?
I always tell people I chose FIU for three reasons: (1) the location, (2) the bar passage rate, and (3) the culture. I wanted to tap into the largest legal market in Florida and live in an international, metropolitan area. The bar passage rate is hard to beat - it’s comforting to know that I’m going to receive all the education and training I need to succeed on possibly the most important hurdle to becoming a lawyer. I heard from a lot of schools about fostering community and collaboration, but I really felt it when I visited FIU Law and talked to FIU Law students.
My favorite thing about FIU Law?
Even though I did 1L on Zoom, didn’t meet any of my classmates in person until the first year was over, and barely even walked on campus, I still experienced the sense of community at FIU Law! My classmates wanted to connect, support each other, and help each other to succeed. Upperclassmen were always available to share study tips, job advice, and encouragement. Faculty were so understanding, and even through Zoom showed how they genuinely care about their students.
Khaleel Martin
Undergraduate Institution: Florida International University
Email: kmart203@fiu.edu
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Legal Affiliation: Vice President of Sports and Entertainment of the Sport, Entertainment, Fashion, and Art Law Society (SEFA); Black Law Students Association (BLSA)
Why FIU Law?
I chose to attend FIU Law because of the diverse population here in South Florida. I aspire to be in-house counsel for a professional sports organization, and South Florida is the perfect market for professional sports. Also as a Jamaican, I need warm weather, so I really have all I need here in South Florida.
My favorite thing about FIU Law?
The familial environment. Teachers care about my well-being and students constantly check in and keep up with one another.
Jessica Viquiera-Rodriguez
Undergraduate Institution: University of South Florida
Email:
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Legal Affiliation:FIU Hispanic Law Student Society (VP), FIU International Law Students Association (VP), FIU Mindfulness Association (Secretary), National Hispanic Bar Association (student member), Florida Association for Women Lawyers (student member)
Why FIU Law?
From the moment I stepped on FIU Law's campus, I knew in my gut I would grow here. I chose my undergrad the same way and I had a wonderful time. So I knew I would prosper and achieve anything I wanted at FIU Law. The staff and teachers were open and honest about the school. The student ambassadors I met were friendly. It was a friendly and open community that I wanted to contribute to. I felt at home.
My favorite thing about FIU Law?
The amazing people I have met along the way that want me to grow and that I want to help in any way possible.