Lauren Dwarika '16, is not the same person she was when she walked into Touro Law almost three years ago. As a first-generation immigrant and first person in her family to go to college, law school was unknown territory. Without any mentors, Lauren was alone in finding her way through law school.

Lauren describes herself as “very shy” before law school and thinks prospective students may be discouraged from applying because they are shy too. “Daily little steps outside my comfort zone such as raising my hand in class made me come out of my shell. It’s a learning process,” Lauren offers.

Eventually, Lauren made law school look easy. In addition to her position of Issue Editor on the Touro Law Review, Lauren helped students in their doctrinal studies as an Academic Fellow and LEAP Co-Director. With the help of the Office of Career Services, an externship at the prestigious Long Island firm of Cullen & Dykman turned into a Summer Associate position where she worked in the Trusts & Estates and Commercial Litigation departments.

Being more vocal and earning accolades is not the only thing that was different for Lauren. On the first day of Fall 2015 classes, Lauren and her husband, Arune, welcomed their daughter, Lorelai, into the world. Lauren continued her studies from home and came back to school full-time after just a few weeks and, once again, earned high marks in every class. “I have a great support system at home,” Lauren says in regards to her ability to balance law school and motherhood.

Lauren graduated from Touro Law Center in May 2016, in the top of her class. 

She credits her growth and success to taking advantage of all the opportunities available at Touro Law whether through programming, activities, or the people. “All the professors are wonderful and have so much to offer. Professor Seplowitz has become my mentor in law and life.”