Student Spotlight: Nicole Morote ’25

Nicole Morote ’25 immigrated with her family to the United States from Peru as a child and knew from an early age that she wanted to be a lawyer. At Columbia Law School, she has focused on criminal law, including through the Criminal Defense Clinic. Now a finalist in the Harlan Fiske Stone Moot Court Competition, Morote talks about her interest in the law, her love of public speaking, and her work as Student Senate president.

Hometowns: Lima, Peru; Phoenix, Arizona

Education: B.S. in marketing, B.A. in civic and economic thought and leadership, and M.A. in political psychology, Arizona State University

Before Columbia Law: Earned her master’s degree at night while working full time as a marketing director for a law firm in Tempe, Arizona

At Columbia Law School: President, Student Senate; managing editor, Columbia Law Review; staff editor, Columbia Journal of Gender and Law; Criminal Defense Clinic; teaching assistant, including for Richard Briffault, Joseph P. Chamberlain Professor of Legislation, and Jane C. Ginsburg, Morton L. Janklow Professor of Literary and Artistic Property Law; research assistant to Lee C. Bollinger, President Emeritus and Seth Low Professor of the University

What’s Next: Morote will clerk for a federal judge in the Central District of California.

Why did you want to go to law school?

I’ve wanted to be a lawyer for a long time, in part relating to the fact that my family came to the United States when I was young. Through my own family’s immigration story, I developed a sense that the legal system felt navigable by laypeople in name only. It made me want to be the sort of person that could help others find their way in a legal world that often feels arcane—someone that people could turn to in a time of crisis.

What’s a class or experience you’ve really enjoyed?

I was a TA for Professor Jane C. Ginsburg’s J-term class, which was different and exciting. It’s a simulation class where students step into the roles of legislators, administrative agencies, and judges tasked with interpretation. It’s very hands-on relative to other law school classes, and it’s tons of fun; in addition to being learners, you get to be doers, drafters, and writers. It facilitates tremendous growth.

At Columbia Law, you serve as Student Senate president. What have you tried to accomplish in that role?

It’s been such an honor. We plan many of the Law School’s social events, fund hundreds of student organizations, and work closely with the Law School and university to represent student needs and priorities. It’s all work done in hopes of improving the student experience. I’ve really appreciated the Senate’s unification around trying to strengthen the culture at the Law School—to build true camaraderie and not just professional courtesy. 

You participated in mock trial in high school and college. Now you’re a finalist in the Harlan Fiske Stone Moot Court Competition. What do you enjoy about mooting?

I was an English learner and grew up with insecurity around how I talked. I joined public speaking activities as a way to cope with that. I have never thought of myself as a natural, but I fell in love with the idea that this was learnable. I also love how sharp it makes me feel. The need to be on and responding to the judges, not just to the questions they’re asking but what they’re thinking: What’s concerning you about this? Are you worried about setting a precedent or the policy that undergirds this? It’s trying to answer the real question and not just the one in front of you.

What’s been your favorite part of the Harlan Fiske Stone Moot Court Competition?

It’s been a privilege working with my friend and teammate, Akesh Shah, since the preliminary stage—that’s made me a much stronger writer, speaker, and advocate. And it’s been such a joy to see the cleverness and creativity of my fellow competitors! The pace and style of moot court call for a different skill set than most other components of law school, and I’ve really enjoyed navigating this new space alongside them.

What do you like to do in New York City?

One of my favorite things to do is take the 1 train up to 225th Street and walk as far down Broadway as I can. I try to get to South Ferry by the end of the day, with spontaneous stops to ensure I’m seeing the world beyond Morningside Heights.