Sabrina Mato
Who I was then: I graduated from Florida State University with degrees in international affairs and political science in 2020. In the year before law school, I worked remotely as a paralegal at the Department of Justice in the Immigrant and Employee Rights Section of the Civil Rights Division. I enjoyed using my dual language skills to connect with Spanish-speaking clients. My time as a paralegal at DOJ solidified my interest in the law and its power to help people.
Amazing law school class: I really enjoyed Border and Politics taught by Professor Kristen Clarens! The class dissects what happens at the U.S./Mexico border. Professor Clarens even helps students connect to the local immigrant community in Charlottesville. This class helped me build relationships with the Latinx community, which led to a UVA Law and Southwood Boys and Girls Club collaboration on a soccer day! I also really enjoyed both yearlong clinics I participated in. As a 2L, I was in the Immigration Law Clinic and was second chair for two full asylum trials that we won! As a 3L, I worked with the International Human Rights Law Clinic on an international human rights accountability project which culminated with a visit to the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Outside class: I served as the president for the Latin American Law Organization as a 3L and vice president during 2L. I poured my passion into creating a community for Hispanic/Latinx students through professional, academic and social activities — we even started a local dance night each semester. I also participated in the Peer Advisors Program during the last two years. It was fun to stay connected to incoming students and share my knowledge about UVA law and fun activities in Charlottesville.
Favorite outing/activity to unwind: Sipping all the different wines at the various Charlottesville wineries with my dog, Chorizo. I also do a lot of fun exploring in nearby parks, rivers and relaxing at local breweries and wineries. A few of my favorite parks are Chris Greene Park and Walnut Creek State Park. One of my favorite local activities is watching a sunset over the mountains at Raven’s Roost Overlook or a sunrise hike at Mountain Farm Trail.
Noteworthy summer job: I was a judicial intern for Judge Hannah M. Lauck in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia during 1L summer. It was fun to watch proceedings in court and make lifelong connections with the clerks and co-interns. It helped me understand the work of opinion-writing and what it means to be a woman on the bench.
What’s next (job/location): After the bar exam, I’ll return to Reed Smith in D.C. to practice litigation/regulatory work. Before starting my job, I will be traveling around Africa and Europe!
Who I am now: I am more confident in my professional and legal skills. As an immigrant and first-generation student, I often struggle, as many do, with imposter syndrome. But law school has helped me hone my critical thinking, public speaking and advocacy skills. It has helped me take up space—which is important to do as a legal advocate. It has also taught me to be open to having difficult conversations with people I might disagree with and ask inquisitive questions about issues I don’t understand. I know this curiousness will allow me to keep learning in the future.
What you should know about Virginia Law: UVA Law will challenge you. We truly have top-notch professors who will invest in you once you take the initiative to create the relationship. You will also find amazing friends and people who will support and advocate for you. This support comes not only from friends and peers, but also from some of our amazing administrators. In terms of your own development, you can really take your interests and create a space for them. It is helpful to know what you might be interested in before law school, that way, you can make the most of your time here!