Tell us about your community growing up. Looking back, how did they shape who you are now?

I grew up in Manhattan, with wonderfully supportive parents, a terrific younger sister, and an extended family in Florida. My dad was born in Santiago de Cuba and came to the United States in 1960 after Fidel Castro took over. My mom’s family is Cuban on my grandmother’s side, and my mom herself was born and raised in New York. My Cuban heritage shaped my outlook growing up. In particular, I appreciated how lucky we are as Americans to have a free and democratic political system, anchored in our Constitution and the rule of law. And I learned a lot about the dangers of authoritarianism and totalitarianism.

Describe your journey to law school. What motivated you to apply?

I’ve always been interested in politics and our constitutional system, and I’ve always loved to argue and debate. A career in the law seemed like a perfect fit! After college, I worked for three years in various policy roles at the White House, the Coalition Provisional Authority in Baghdad, and at the US Department of Defense. My main focus was on helping promote Iraq’s post-war transition to a more democratic government after Saddam Hussein. All of these experiences confirmed my interest in the law.

What was your law school experience like?

I loved Yale Law School. I was surrounded by an amazing assortment of smart and passionate classmates, most of whom disagreed with my right-of-center views. I welcomed the opportunity to have robust debates on hard issues with people of good faith. These exchanges confirmed the importance of free speech, civil discourse, and developing friendships with people who think differently.

Did you know about appellate work in law school? If not, when and how did it first get on your radar and why were you drawn to it?

I very much enjoyed reading Supreme Court cases in law school, and also had fun participating in moot court and a class on constitutional advocacy. I was drawn to appellate work because of its overwhelming focus on underlying disputes over the meaning and interpretation of legal rules.

Tell us about one of your appellate cases that you found particularly meaningful.

Last year, I successfully represented Miguel Luna Perez in the Supreme Court. Miguel is deaf, and for over a decade his public school discriminated against him in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The lower courts had rejected Miguel’s right to sue the school district under the ADA, because he had previously settled his separate claim against the school under the IDEA. We persuaded the Justices to unanimously uphold Miguel’s right to sue under the ADA. The Court’s decision will help Miguel obtain relief, but will also have a broader impact on children with disabilities across the country.

How often do you encounter Hispanic people in the appellate field? Why do you think that representation is important?

Equal opportunity is essential. As a matter of law and justice, anyone who has the interest and aptitude to succeed as an appellate advocate should have the chance to do so – regardless of their personal background or characteristics. I’m optimistic that organizations like The Appellate Project can make a real difference in promoting such opportunity.

What advice would you give to a law student of color who aspires to be where you are now?

I’d give the same core advice that I’d give to any law student – work hard, read widely (not just law!), develop mentors, take risks, pursue excellence, and practice integrity in everything you do. I’d also encourage law students to find ways to integrate public service into their legal careers in one form or another.

What’s one thing law schools and/or the appellate bar can do to ensure our highest courts are representative of all our communities?

Law schools, lawyers, and firms should actively invest in the most talented up-and-coming appellate lawyers rising up through the ranks, from all walks of life. It’s especially important for more senior attorneys to mentor more junior colleagues, teach them the craft of lawyering, and find opportunities for them to shine, both in court and in front of clients.