David “Didi” Malka started his college career as a frightened, first-generation freshman with an undeclared major in a sea of 70,000 students at the University of Central Florida. Now, as a 2L at the University of Miami School of Law, he's standing out and showing his family what chasing your dreams looks like.
In 2018, Malka had no one in his family to turn to for college advice. He learned to deal with college pressure and final exam stress by discovering a campus community that helped him realize his true passion.
"I learned the hard way how to navigate difficult problems and develop true discipline on my own," Malka said. "When you don't have anyone to turn to for help, you eventually learn to figure it out."
He found a sanctuary in politics. To immerse himself, Malka joined UCF's most prominent political organization. He became the organization's president and realized he had a home in debate. He enjoyed uniting opposing sides by helping members lower their guard and listen to different perspectives.
Malka knew he could take his talents to the nation's political capital. In his junior year in 2021, Malka externed in Washington, D.C., with the American Conservative Union. He helped plan the ACU's Conservative Political Action Conference and managed ticket accounts while speaking with sponsors.
A mentor at UCF then told him to consider law school. Malka was hesitant at first. But after one-and-a-half years here, he says going to Miami Law was one of the best decisions of his life.
He joined the school's numerous acclaimed law organizations, like the Yvette Ostolaza Mock Trial Team and Charles C.. Papy, Jr. Moot Court Board. Malka is grateful Miami Law gave him the chance to explore his legal path while making an impact on campus.
His relentless drive led him to send applications to judges and law firms during his second semester. Being ignored or not getting callbacks never stopped his hunt. Eventually, Malka landed an externship with Judge Bronwyn Miller at the Third District Court of Appeals. He valued sitting in on oral arguments and seeing litigation firsthand.
Malka's experience taught him that learning can happen outside the classroom. He's continuously exposed to real-world scenarios as a research assistant to Professors John Newman and Tamara Lave. Newman knows Malka sees every challenge as a new learning opportunity.
"He was always well-prepared and on time to every class of the semester, and he often volunteered with great answers," Newman said. "I could tell that he was highly engaged and wanted to not just learn, but really master, the skills needed to be a great lawyer."
For the rest of his time at the U, Malka aims to continue building a community of friends and mentors. Working with Winston & Strawn as a summer associate will let him do both and inspire his four younger siblings to follow in his footsteps.
"I'm so thankful and honored to be a part of this community, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds," Malka said. "I would also love to continue working with UM and give back to the school which gave me so much in the first place."
Read more about Miami Law’s experiential learning opportunities.
