Kiana Ghorbanzadeh

Kiana Ghorbanzadeh is an aspiring lawyer and judicial intern at the Superior Court, County of Santa Clara.2 She has a diverse background in law and philosophy, and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Law (J.D.) degree at Santa Clara University.

Educational Background

Kiana's journey towards a legal career began in high school when she took a criminology class taught by a lawyer at her local college. This experience sparked her interest in philosophy and law.1 She went on to study at De Anza College before transferring to UC Berkeley.1

Professional Experience

Kiana's professional experience includes:

• Judicial Intern at Superior Court, County of Santa Clara (starting May 2024)2
• Legal Secretary at Cooley LLP2
• Administrative Assistant & Legal Assistant2

Preparation for Law School

To prepare for law school, Kiana took several important steps:

• Participated in CLEO's Pre-Law Summer Institute1
• Attended CLEO's Achieving Success in the Application Process (ASAP) program in 20171
• Studied for the LSAT1
• Connected with law students and attorneys1

Involvement in Legal Organizations

Kiana has shown a commitment to the legal profession through her involvement in various organizations:

• Co-Chair of the National Advisory Committee for Equal Justice Works1
• Member of the New York State Bar Association's Task Force on the U.S. Territories1
• Incoming Summer Fellow for the Indigenous Peoples Unit at Pine Tree Legal Assistance1

Career Goals and Motivation

Kiana is motivated by the changing landscape of the legal profession and its potential to better serve all communities.1 After law school, she plans to use her skills to make a difference, whether through continued public service or private practice in an area of interest.1

Kiana's experiences in education and government have exposed her to systemic inequalities, particularly in the public education system. This has reinforced her belief in using law as a vehicle for positive change.1