A political science and English major, Avery Friedman dreamt about law school. She'd daydream about a future in law while an undergraduate student at Pennsylvania State University. Now, her dreams are reality.
During her time at PSU, she was an active member of Zeta Tau Alpha, where she served in multiple leadership positions, most notably as judicial chairperson and then as chapter president.
She was hesitant to enter law school because of its difficulty. Though some of her favorite memories are seeing her father in action as a criminal defense attorney, she was nervous.
Friedman later interned at a law firm during her sophomore year to see if law was her destiny. After that experience, she never doubted again.
Friedman also knew she wanted to attend law school in a big city. "Being in a city would allow me to expand my learning," Friedman said.
The University of Miami School of Law was the perfect choice for her. Miami Law is located in the heart of one of the largest American cities, and it checked off Friedman's law school necessities list.
Friedman landed in Miami and got to work. Since beginning her law school career, she attended dean's fellow sessions and faculty office hours to get any academic tips she could get her hands on.
"I am so appreciative of how accessible all of the professors, dean's fellows, and career advisors are," Friedman said. "Coming from such a large university, I felt I never had the opportunity to become a familiar face or have one-on-one support."
The University's strong alumni network helped her get a job in her first year. She developed an interest in aviation law early on. She joined Kreindler & Kreindler in their New York office as a 2024 summer associate, where she conducted research and developed her legal writing skills.
Currently, Friedman serves as a junior staff editor at the University of Miami Law Review, is vice president of Phi Alpha Delta, and a member of various student organizations, including Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Society, Miami Law Women, and the Miami alumnae chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha. She is also externing with the Miami-Dade Public Defender's Office this semester.
Friedman will be joining Carlton Fields as a summer associate in 2025.
"My time at UM has brought me all of the opportunities I had dreamt of," Friedman said.
Read more about Miami Law's student organizations.
