Natalie Lara, a first-generation Mexican American and the first in her family to attend college and law school, has graduated from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. Her interest in environmental law began after an environmental policy course introduced her to the field as a way to connect science, policy, and people. “Environmental law really stood out to me, because my professor had explained it as a way to bridge science, policy, and people,” Lara said. She added, “I knew I liked working with people, but I also wanted to advocate for better environmental conditions. Furthermore, growing up in South Florida, hurricanes were a common occurrence. I saw how climate change was affecting my community and other communities like mine, and I realized that I wanted to use the law to advocate for a sustainable future for all.”
During her time at Pace Haub Law, Lara participated in the Land Use Law Center legal externship and contributed to the Climate Resilient Development workshop series. She also held leadership roles as president of the Environmental Law Society, secretary of the Latin American Law Students Association, and Hospitality Vice-Chair for the National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition. “Pace Haub Law is very rooted in community,” Lara said. “There were opportunities for involvement and networking everywhere, which allowed me to develop my networking and communication skills. The community at Pace ultimately helped me develop confidence in my abilities.”
Lara highlighted the support she received from faculty members. “Every single professor was engaging and enthusiastic and all are willing to go beyond the classroom and act as mentors to help their students navigate their legal careers,” she shared. She specifically mentioned Professor Smita Narula as an inspiration: “In addition to her impressive legal career and despite any injustices that she’s confronted throughout her life, Professor Narula is kind to everyone, and she reminds us to do the same. She reminds her students that it’s important to process emotions as we feel them, whether we have great wins or great losses. This has been invaluable to remember.”
After graduating in 2025 with an Advanced Certificate in Environmental Law, Lara joined Kirkland & Ellis LLP as an associate, pending bar admission. She credits her education at Pace Haub Law with preparing her for this role. “My studies at Pace Haub Law helped me gain the confidence and skills necessary to secure this position,” Lara said. She also acknowledged the support of the Law School’s Career Center for Professional Development in preparing her for interviews and reviewing her applications. “I am looking forward to this next step in my legal journey and feel fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from top lawyers in the field and refine my legal practice skills.”
Outside of her professional pursuits, Lara enjoys reading and values making time for personal interests.
