Isabel Zagazeta is a 3L J.D. candidate and Dean’s Fellow at Cooley Law School in Tampa, Florida. Originally from Canada, she earned her undergraduate degree at Wilfrid Laurier University before moving to Florida to study law at Cooley. She has earned book awards, served on Law Review, mentored incoming students, and was part of Cooley’s Moot Court team that recently won first place at the 2026 Robert Orseck Moot Court Competition. With a passion for legal writing and healthcare compliance, Isabel is building a strong foundation for a future in law at Cooley.
What made you decide to go to law school, and what made you decide to go to Cooley?
Law felt like a practical path. It combines critical thinking with the ability to improve the systems people rely on, and I was drawn to that balance.
Moving to Florida for school was a big step. I came here on my own, and I knew I needed a place where I could grow and get involved. What stood out about Cooley was how active the students were. They were leading organizations, publishing, mentoring, and competing. It felt like a place where, if you worked hard, you could build something meaningful. That mattered to me.
What’s your favorite class at Cooley?
I really enjoyed Evidence. It was difficult, but I liked the structure of it. There is something satisfying about working through a rule carefully and applying it step by step.
Dean G. played a huge role in that. She is incredibly passionate about her students and makes even the most technical material feel accessible. Her classes are interactive, clear, and demanding in the best way. You can tell she truly cares about whether we understand, not just whether we memorize.
How do you balance law school with work, family, or other responsibilities?
I am still learning.
I moved to Florida on my own to attend law school. I did not have family nearby or a built-in support system. That experience forced me to grow quickly. It taught me independence and how to build community from scratch.
I have been fortunate to earn book awards in writing courses, serve on Law Review, mentor incoming students, serve as a teaching assistant, work in the library, and take on leadership roles across campus. None of that happened overnight. It came from small, consistent effort.
I am still growing, but I have learned that steady effort matters more than anything else.
The friendships.
Law school can feel intense, but having someone who understands the pressure and shares the same work ethic makes a difference. It has made law school not just manageable, but memorable.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about law school?
Be honest with yourself about why you want to go.
Law school is challenging, and it will stretch you in ways you do not expect. If you are doing it because you think you “should,” it will feel heavy. If you are doing it because you are curious, disciplined, and willing to grow, it becomes something different.
Also, understand that being smart is not enough. Law school rewards consistency. Show up every day. Stay organized. Ask questions. Protect your time. And do not isolate yourself. The people around you matter more than you realize.
Finally, give yourself grace. You will have weeks where you feel behind. You will have classes that humble you. That does not mean you do not belong. It means you are learning.