Duke Law Life: Meet Evan Ortiz
Evan Ortiz
CLASS OF 2026
Prior Education: The University of Texas at Austin
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Professional Interest: International trade and energy regulatory
Previous Work Experience: Coached speech and debate; accounts receivable for a local law firm
My Duke Law Life
- Admissions Ambassador
- OutLaw
- First Generation Professionals
- Moot Court Board
- Student Curriculum Committee
- Teaching assistant for Legal Analysis, Research, and Writing and Distinctive Aspects of U.S. Law
Coming from a large undergrad campus in a large city and faced with the blistering Texas heat, I knew I wanted a change of scenery (and weather) for my law school experience. Surrounded by the quaint town of Durham, nestled within a luscious North Carolina forest, and with seasonal weather to boot, I knew Duke Law would be my new home away from home.
My first visit to Duke Law confirmed that Duke was the perfect fit. From the eager student body excited to greet me, the collegial admissions team, and endless opportunities, Duke Law was a law school dream come true.
My law school experience has changed me by allowing me to recognize when to ask for help and where help can come from. At Duke Law, everyone is a resource. From a quick chat with the admissions teams to retune my social battery, asking my friends for a rant session, my classmates for a different explanation of a complex doctrinal concept, or even my professors for career advice — everyone at Duke Law wants you to succeed. I just had to learn how to ask for their help.
What made you interested in a law career?
During my senior year of undergrad, a winter storm wreaked havoc on my home state. Our electricity grid collapsed, and I watched thousands around me struggle to survive the winter cold without access to heat or running water. I realized in that moment that effective regulation of the Texas electricity grid needed to change, and I wanted to play a part in that change.
A must-take class at Duke Law
One class you must take at Duke Law is the law school’s negotiations class. I took negotiations in the fall of my 2L year, and the class was one of my most rewarding experiences. The class was engaging, interactive, and perhaps most importantly, very little reading. I walked away from that class feeling like I honed tangible skills that I can continue to grow years into my future career.
- Do not take yourself too seriously. Law school is a grind, but do not let it take away what makes you sparkle. Dress in fun outfits, maintain your weird hobbies, and remember to have fun.
- Pay attention to your health. Your physical and mental health is your most valuable asset in law school. Unfortunately, during finals season, they can also be the first to go. Do not sacrifice your physical and mental health for law school — your experience and grades will thank you.
- It is ok to step away. Many times when I found myself frustrated with school, I walked away for the night or the weekend. I went and got a milkshake, ran, or even baked cookies. School will always be there, so give yourself some grace and hit the reset button.
My advice if you are thinking about law school
The best piece of advice I would share with a future student considering law school is not to rush yourself. Law school is a deeply academically, mentally, and personally challenging three years. And that is ok! The challenge is what makes it exciting.
With that, make sure that you feel “ready” to go to law school. I delayed going to law school for two years, and I think it was the best decision I ever made. With those two years, I became more confident in myself, which allowed me to tackle law school head-on. If you need an extra year, or even three, do not hesitate to wait. Law school will always be there.
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