Becoming a voice for others: Leo Ortega JD’24

The path Leo Ortega JD’24 took to law school was marked with challenges and opportunities.

He saw the profound impact lawyers can have on people’s lives and was struck by how they carried themselves, the articulation of their thoughts, and their professionalism. More importantly, perhaps, he saw lawyers giving a voice to those who needed it most — something he needed throughout his childhood.

These experiences inspired Ortega to pursue a career as an attorney.

It was all uncharted territory. But I was determined to figure it out,” he shares. “I grew up in Section 8 housing in [Los Angeles]. College and law school were my way out.

- Leo Ortega JD’24

Without much guidance, Ortega attended college, where he embraced every opportunity available to him. When it was time to apply to law schools, he faced a number of rejections and setbacks. Finally, Willamette Law “took a chance” on him and accepted his application, he says.

Despite a first year that tested his abilities, he recalled his family’s journey to the U.S. from Mexico and their courage to start a new life.

Knowing they were able to push past adversity is what motivated him to continue through his 1L year, even when it was difficult.

Of all his experiences in law school, one that sticks out the most for Ortega was the opportunity to have a sit-down conversation with then-Dean Brian Gallini.

He reminded me to always be where my two feet are, to focus on what I could control and how to be present.

As Ortega looks to his future after graduation, his advice for people considering law school is to remember their “why”. He hopes prospective law students find a “why” with deep meaning, something they can hold onto when times are difficult.

Overcoming the challenges he faced both in childhood and in law school, Ortega is ready to take on the role he has been working toward for years. He plans to work for the prosecutor’s office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, knowing his family, friends and the mentors he met along the way have helped him accomplish his dream.