Meet the Class of 2027: Victor Paz ’27

Victor Paz ’27 is originally from El Salvador, but was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. He majored in classical music performance and in addition to singing, enjoys learning languages. Having worked previously in asylum law, he chose Minnesota Law because of its strength in immigration and international law programs. “I am in awe of the bravery and courage exemplified by individuals who traverse oceans and continents in pursuit of safety and a better future.” Showing empathy to them as a lawyer, he feels, will be just as important as advocating for them with intelligence, eloquence, and creativity. In addition, he appreciates the atmosphere he’s already experienced in the Twin Cities, “I could see myself living here — everyone has been so nice and welcoming!”

We’d love to learn a little bit about you. Can you share a bit about yourself?

I was born in San Salvador, El Salvador, but was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. I went to The New School University in New York and majored in Classical Vocal Performance. I’m a first-generation college and law student. I love listening to classical music, learning about
cultures and languages, and reading (especially about topics in history and psychology).

What did you do before you came to the University of Minnesota Law School?

I worked at an immigration law firm since 2019, focusing mostly on humanitarian immigration
and asylum law. Our clients were truly some of the most courageous and inspiring individuals I
have ever met!

We’re so glad you’re here. Can you tell us why you chose Minnesota Law?

I chose Minnesota Law because of the strength of its immigration and international law programs. I also really enjoyed Minneapolis when I visited and could see myself living here — everyone has been so nice and welcoming so far!

What are you looking forward to the most about starting law school?

Refining my persuasive writing and oral advocacy skills. I am also looking forward to becoming a part of both the law school and the greater Twin Cities community!

Minnesota Law strives to embody a culture of equity, inclusiveness, and belonging in the classroom and our community. In your opinion, what are some of the most important aspects of creating a culture where all students feel like they belong?

Fundamentally, most people desire to be seen and respected. It can be as simple as a warm smile and a hello — acknowledging someone’s basic humanity can really go a long way in making someone feel like they belong!

Are you interested in practicing in a certain area of the law? Which one and why?

I’m most interested in international human rights law and immigration law. I am in awe of the bravery and courage exemplified by individuals who traverse entire oceans and continents in pursuit of safety and a better future. In many ways, I see our collective shared history as human beings — the story of who we are and how we got here — embodied in these brave individuals. I’m driven by a desire to see to it that people fleeing persecution are treated with dignity and respect, and that their basic human rights are acknowledged and respected.

Do you have a hobby or special interests? And/or what do you like to do during your freetime?

I enjoy singing and learning languages — opera singers must be able to sing in at least English, French, Italian and German, so I’m always working to improve my pronunciation in these languages. I also enjoy going to concerts, recitals and visiting museums!

Who inspires you and why?

Right now, it would have to be Simone Biles. I think that it’s often the pesky and annoying mistakes that we would rather forget — rather than the achievements that aggrandize us — that allow us to grow the most. And I think that Simone’s tenacity, as well as her remarkable bravery in publicly acknowledging her vulnerabilities and struggles, is something that I draw inspiration
from. Plus, she is truly the greatest of all time!

What’s the most recent book or podcast you’ve read or listened to?

The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel van der Kolk

Finally, what or who, in your opinion, makes a good lawyer?

Quite simply: Empathy. I think that in order to zealously advocate for a client requires more than mere intelligence, eloquence, and creativity. The best lawyers, in my opinion, are those that are able to put themselves in their client’s shoes and understand that, first and foremost, their clients are human beings. And that they, like all of are, are imperfect and are sometimes driven to make difficult choices by circumstances that are often outside of their control. That despite all this, they have basic rights and are entitled to a robust representation!