Daniella Cardinale-Weinberg

Brief Background:

I was raised in the Nisene Marks redwood preserve in Northern California. The week I turned 16, my parents moved to Orlando, Florida, and a year later I moved to Miami for my bachelor’s degree. My parents come from a mixed cultural background and I was raised to be a polyglot both out of necessity and from the pure enjoyment of learning new languages. Many of my heroes growing up were humanitarians from around the globe which led to my strong interest in the field of international relations. I ended up thoroughly enjoying the legal classes I took while obtaining my bachelor’s degree which led me to pursuing a legal education. Before law school, I was working at a small boutique law firm in Florida specializing in consumer protections.

What made you want to go to law school?

I was initially heading toward the state department to put my language skills toward becoming a diplomat. I found extra challenges in my way in achieving this position due to my dual citizenship and an uncertain political climate encompassing the global stage. At the suggestion of a classmate, as an undergraduate student, I took one pre-law class in constitutional law. It felt like everything clicked into place. I knew I enjoyed the law, but I also went on to work at a law firm for a few years to ensure this is what I wanted to do; lo and behold, it was!

Why did you choose Lewis & Clark?

While trying to decide where to attend law school, I learned that Lewis & Clark has ample opportunities for students to participate in community outreach programs where I would not only get to learn valuable legal skills, but also get the chance to help real people in my community. I didn’t even have to wait until I was an upperclassman and was able to partake in programs in my first semester of law school.

What’s your favorite class? Why?

My favorite class so far has been International Human Rights Law with Professor Maloney. From a very young age, I looked up to those who fought for the rights of people they had no connection to. I was always very inspired by individuals such as Chiune Sugihara, Norman Borlaug, and Nelson Mandela. International human rights has been a topic I hold near and dear to my heart for as long as I can remember, so being able to study its application to the law has been so exciting and eye-opening. Professor Maloney is also an incredible instructor who makes every class unique and encourages her students to succeed in every way she can.

Tell us about your involvement and leadership with the International Law Society. How does this work complement your academic experience?

I am the vice president and treasurer of the International Law Society. One of the main perks of this role is that I get to build relationships with professors focusing on international law as I work with them to participate in events for the International Law Society. As a 2L, there are only so many classes I have been able to take, so getting to know these professors before I have even been one of their students has been invaluable. I also have been able to network with professionals working in international law and get the opportunity to have them visit Lewis & Clark to share insight on their careers. Finally, I of course get to learn more about international law alongside all the other members that come to our events through the events we put on.

How did your financial aid package influence your decision to attend Lewis & Clark?

I was given a very generous financial aid package. I have seen the crippling effects of debt and student loans, and I did not want that for my future. I feel confident in my ability to pay off the loans I still will need to take out, but thanks to the scholarship I have received, I am not scared of the financial instability I know others will unfortunately have to face as a result of the cost of their own legal education.

List up to three activities (school-related or not) that you are involved in. Pick the ones that are most important to you and tell us why.

As someone with an interest in international law, I chose to start learning French after Professor Maloney detailed all the reasons it could be useful to know as the official languages of several international courts are English and French. I am also just generally very interested in learning other languages. I spend a decent amount of time outside of class maintaining my Portuguese and my Mandarin through the use of various online programs. I’m also very passionate about powerlifting. Before law school, I used to spend five days a week at the gym. I now only have time and energy to go two to three times a week, but I think maintaining your physical health throughout law school is just as important as maintaining your mental health. (If you’re one of my friends reading this, please ignore my terrible dietary choices.) Finally, I love painting and continue to do so whenever I have free time, although admittedly, it is not very often. I have boxes and boxes of watercolor palettes, brushes, and sketchbooks. I think it’s a fun way to turn my mind off after a stressful day.

Did you visit campus before deciding to come to L&C? How did your visit influence your decision to attend?

I visited a few other law schools where I was viewed as nothing more than an application number. The staff at Lewis & Clark actually knew our names and remembered details from our application materials. The campus being absolutely gorgeous also certainly helped.

Do you have any advice for students making their final law school choices?

If you’re ever given a scholarship that is dependent on a certain grade, make sure that grade is not above your law school’s curve. This is a predatory scholarship, and it is designed for the school to make money and not for the school to help you. Lewis & Clark does not have a predatory scholarship system.

What externships or clinics have you participated in and what was your favorite part of the externship/clinic?

I have participated in an asylum clinic where students learned how to fill out applications for asylum seekers attempting to obtain refugee status in America. I am currently externing at The Common Law Center’s Tenant Eviction Defense Clinic. I go to court one to two times a week and help a team of lawyers provide free tenant eviction defense. I’m very glad to be able to help others before I even finish obtaining my law degree. It’s hard work and can be emotionally draining, but it’s also satisfying work. I’m getting real experience in the legal system and I’m bettering my abilities to communicate with clients, which makes me feel more confident in my abilities to be an effective lawyer in the future.

Who is your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor?

Without a doubt, Ashlee Henry. She was originally the teaching assistant to my pod’s Foundations class, and she would always offer to help us out in any way she could. Even after foundations ended, she was (and is) always available to help anyone out in any way she can. She has helped prepare me for job interviews, she has helped me reach out to professors for help with choosing my capstone topic, and she has even helped me network with other attorneys. Law schools by nature can breed competitive behavior, but she is always generous with her time and knowledge because she knows she’s a valuable asset anywhere she goes and isn’t intimidated away from sharing her resources with other.