Her Story
About Samantha
Samantha Lopez is a Immigration Attorney practicing law with the Immigrant Justice Corps Fellowship program.. She graduated law school in 2024 and passed the bar exam on her first attempt in October 2024 before being officially admitted to the New York State Bar in March 2025. She subsequently gained admission to the Southern District of New York and the Eastern District of New York (both federal courts) to support habeas corpus petitions in her immigration practice. As a first-generation Latina attorney, Lopez has navigated significant challenges including intense bar exam preparation funded by a personal loan and ongoing imposter syndrome. She is a member of the Hudson Valley Hispanic Bar Association and participates in a fellowship program with the Immigrant Justice Corps in New York. Through the bar association, she mentors a law student at Pace Law School in Westchester County, assisting with applications and professional development. Lopez currently holds a staff attorney role handling her own caseload and aspires to advance to a supervising staff attorney position within five years.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Samantha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my ability to never give up, even when it feels impossible. My favorite quote is "It always seems impossible until it's done." - Nelson Mandela. This has been a mantra of mine from my first year of law school to today. I just keep going, and never stop.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Growing up my father instilled in me the importance of obtaining an education and the privilege that I have being in the United States to pursue any degree I want. With this advice and my motivation to help others, I obtained my Juris Doctor degree and now practice law in New York.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women that it is going to feel intimidating and uncomfortable at many parts of the process in pursuing law. I would tell them instead of ignoring it, to feel the discomfort. In my experience, I have been the most uncomfortable when I was pushed beyond my comfort zone but that is how you grow and learn. I would tell young women everywhere to channel those emotions into positives because we need more women in the legal industry.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Immigration attorneys everywhere are grappling with inhumane and illegal policies that are constantly being implemented, and then overturned after lawsuit. This results in laws and policies changing almost weekly and can be extremely challenging both legally and emotionally. When good outcomes come out of federal court and give us all hope, it's devastating to see government agents violate these orders or case law. The challenge is maneuvering it anyway, and obtaining the best results for our clients.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I believe in the dignity and power of a human life. I believe migration is the most natural process for both humans and other species and should be honored, especially when fleeing unsafe living conditions. I believe every person when given the chance can meaningfully provide value to society and that no human is illegal. I bring my love and respect of humanity with me to every client meeting and court hearing.
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