Meet the Class of 2026: Ricky Bayon-Barrera
Incoming 1L Ricky Bayon-Barrera ’26, is originally from Toluca, Mexico, but moved to Houston when he was a child. He studied finance and economics at Texas A & M University. While there, he became the first minority and first Hispanic president of his fraternity. In this role he founded a philanthropic golf tournament to assist the American Diabetes Association. He also worked as a paralegal specializing in the preparation and execution of jury/bench trials of criminal cases.
Welcome to Minnesota Law! Can you tell us why you chose the University of Minnesota Law School?
Aside from its academic excellence and prestige, Minnesota Law fosters a vibrant intellectual environment of preeminence in all areas that, paired with its rich and vibrant history, offers an experience unmatched by any institution of legal academia.
For me, the deciding factor in choosing Minnesota Law was that I wanted an institution that values my background and experiences and is committed to me and my professional development.
What are you looking forward to the most about starting law school?
What I’m looking forward to the most about starting law school is taking a deep dive into jurisprudence and eventually joining a journal or working with a clinic. I am also looking forward to interacting and getting to know different people from all walks of life to share and learn about our backgrounds, experiences, and life outlook.
Minnesota Law strives to embody a culture of equity, inclusiveness, and belonging in the classroom and in our community. What are some of the most important aspects of creating a culture where all students feel like they belong?
I think the most important aspect of creating a culture where everyone feels welcome is being respectful and understanding that everyone has a different story and background and that not agreeing with everyone on everything is ok.
Are you interested in practicing in a certain area of the law? Which one and why?
I remain undecided but I’d like to be a civil litigation lawyer or immigration lawyer.
Do you have a hobby or special interests? And/or what do you like to do during your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy reading, running, playing tennis, and hanging out with my friends.
Who inspires you and why?
Someone that inspires me is my grandfather. My grandfather has an amazing life story, he was raised in extreme poverty and because of that was denied entry to university on multiple occasions. He never gave up and he was eventually admitted. My grandfather is a living testament to determination, vision, and perseverance.
What’s the most recent book or podcast you’ve read or listened to?
The most recent podcast I've listened to is Second Date Update from the radio show Brooke and Jeffrey in the Morning.
Finally, what or who makes a good lawyer?
The lawyer that I look up to the most and I believe embodies what makes a good lawyer is the second president of the U.S., John Adams. Throughout his legal career, Adams always fought for what he believed to be right even if that went against the status quo or popular sentiment. He was a living testament to incredible conviction. His dedication to justice despite huge societal pressure makes him an attorney to be applauded.
