Rhiannon Ortiz

Hometown: Ridgewood, NJ
Email: rao5336@psu.edu
Schedule a meeting with Rhiannon!

Legal Areas of Interest:
Intellectual property, municipal law, sports and entertainment

Undergraduate Study:
Journalism and art history at Rowan University in New Jersey

Campus and Community Involvement:
Vice President of the Military Law Caucus, Treasurer of Alianza Latin Law Student Association, Barbri student representative, teaching assistant for the Pre-Law Summer Institute at Penn State Dickinson Law, Law Lion Ambassador

Life before Penn State Dickinson Law:
I was a full-time student at Rowan University where I worked as a Team Lead at a coffee shop on campus and served as Treasurer for Rowan University’s Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity chapter as well as the Pre-Law Society.

A Penn State Dickinson Law Favorite:
The professors. They are always looking for ways to engage students and make topics interesting. It is evident that they want you to succeed.

Internship:
I had the incredible opportunity to work with the Honorable Judge Christopher Spataro of the Indiana Superior Courts. The experience immersed me in the life of a judge hearing civil litigation proceedings and allowed me to learn first-hand about state courts.

Favorite course:
Torts and Property

Advice for Prospective Law Students:
Keep and open mind! Give the same energy towards all your classes even if you think you do not want to practice that type of law. You might be surprised with what you end up loving.

Something You Love about University Park:
The school spirit. I went to a small state school for undergrad and did not get to experience this level of excitement over sporting events. The excitement during the football season is unmatched and you cannot help but be a fan.

On Choosing a Law School:
When making this decision, it is imperative to look beyond the three years of classes and to consider how this institution will set you up post-graduation. I looked for a school with a strong alumni network and support system that would allow me to practice anywhere after graduating. When choosing a school, think about where you want to be after you graduate and pick the school that will help you get there.

You’d Never Guess That:
I have a puppy named Pudge! He is named after the fish from the
Disney movie, Lilo and Stitch

Favorite Book:
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren