Alumni Spotlight Dana Ortiz-Tulla '23

From "Why?" to AI: Dana Ortiz-Tulla Charts an Unexpected Path in Law and Technology

Dana Ortiz-Tulla's journey to becoming the Lead AI Trainer for the New Jersey Judiciary is a testament to resilience, curiosity, and the power of seizing the right moment. A 2023 graduate of Touro Law's FlexTime JD program, Dana pursued her legal education while navigating significant personal challenges, including a cancer diagnosis that crystallized her determination to attend law school. Today, she stands at the cutting edge of legal innovation, helping judges and court staff responsibly integrate artificial intelligence into the justice system. Her evolution—from overcoming personal adversity to earning her law degree to pioneering AI policy work  —exemplifies the unexpected but rewarding career trajectories that Dean Citron once described to her as a student. Dana's story reminds us that flexibility, hands-on experience, and a willingness to embrace the unknown can lead to extraordinary opportunities in law.

How did you decide to pursue a career in law?
From a young age, I was told I was pretty headstrong. Whenever my parents set a rule, my first instinct was to ask, “Why?” I was not satisfied with “because I said so,” I wanted to understand the reasoning behind authority. That stubbornness grew into a genuine curiosity about rules, fairness, and problem-solving. Once I realized there was a profession where you could actually get paid to argue, I was hooked. Over time, that same instinct to ask questions and challenge assumptions became the foundation for my legal career. It still drives me today as I work at the intersection of law, policy, and technology.

Why did you decide on Touro Law?
I chose Touro because its FlexTime program made law school possible at a point in my life when I thought it might never happen. After being delayed for years by life circumstances and ultimately facing a cancer diagnosis, I realized it was now or never. Touro gave me the flexibility to manage my responsibilities during the week while attending classes on the weekends. Touro paired that flexibility with a strong academic program and opportunities to engage with courts and communities from the very start.

Did you have any professors or mentors throughout law school who were particularly instrumental?
I was fortunate to have many wonderful professors, but three stand out: Dean Myra Berman, Dean Michelle Zakarin, and Dean Rodger Citron. Dean Berman was my rock. She always listened when I had challenges and worked with me to find solutions. Dean Zakarin was my motivator. She pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and kept me focused when I felt overwhelmed. Dean Citron was my sounding board. He guided me through some difficult career decisions that have shaped the path I am on today.

Did you have any internships or externships that you can say contributed to your training and made a difference?
One of the things I loved most about Touro was the emphasis on hands-on experience. With the support of Margarett Williams, I was able to take three externships during the pandemic. My first was with the New York State Division of Human Rights, which confirmed for me how deeply I want to help people through the law. The other two externships gave me the opportunity to hone my skills while seeing the law from both the plaintiff’s and the defendant’s perspectives, as well as in both the public and private sectors.

Were you involved in student activities? If so, which and how did that shape your time at Touro Law?
I was actively involved in several student activities, including Law Review, TAPS, JRGE, and the Unemployment Action Center, among others. These experiences not only gave me the chance to sharpen my legal skills but also allowed me to build lasting friendships and a strong sense of community during my time at Touro.

What is your current job, and what job are you about to begin?
Currently, I am an attorney and the Lead AI trainer in the Administrative Director’s Office of the New Jersey Judiciary. In this role, I work with an outstanding team focused on integrating artificial intelligence responsibly into court operations. My responsibilities include developing training programs for judges, law clerks, and staff; shaping policies that uphold the court’s independence, integrity, fairness, and quality service; and monitoring emerging technologies to ensure they are used ethically and effectively to improve access to justice.

Can you tell us a little about your career path?
I remember attending an informational event at Touro where Dean Citron spoke about his career path. He explained that it had not turned out the way he expected, but that unpredictability made it exciting. After law school, I was faced with tough choices, including taking a significant pay cut to pursue a judicial clerkship. Looking back, it was the best decision I ever made. My clerkship opened doors I never even knew existed, and it ultimately led me to become a Deputy Attorney General, and, eventually, to return to the court system where I serve today.

How did you become interested in and well-versed in AI?
I have always been drawn to technology, and when AI tools began to emerge, I recognized their potential to transform the way we work. I immersed myself in learning about the technology, volunteering to test early systems, and dedicating significant time to exploring how they could be used effectively and responsibly. Over time, that commitment positioned me as an early adopter and resource for others, and I now serve as the Lead AI Trainer for the New Jersey Judiciary, helping judges, law clerks, and staff integrate AI in ways that align with our values of independence, integrity, fairness, and quality service.

What advice would you give to a current law student?
Stay flexible because your career path may lead to places you never expected. Do not burn yourself out by focusing only on studying. While classes and the bar are important, it is equally vital to explore whether you truly love the law. The best way to find that out is by getting involved and gaining experiences beyond the classroom.