Natalie Lara, a first-generation Mexican American and the first in her extended family to attend college and law school, has built her career on a passion for climate justice. Growing up in South Florida, she witnessed firsthand the impact of hurricanes and climate change on her community. Originally interested in becoming a climate researcher, Lara shifted her focus after an environmental policy course introduced her to environmental law.
“Environmental law really stood out to me, because my professor had explained it as a way to bridge science, policy, and people,” said Lara. “I knew I liked working with people, but I also wanted to advocate for better environmental conditions. Furthermore, growing up in South Florida, hurricanes were a common occurrence. I saw how climate change was affecting my community and other communities like mine, and I realized that I wanted to use the law to advocate for a sustainable future for all.”
During her time at Pace University’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lara participated in several initiatives including the Land Use Law Center legal externship and helped develop the Climate Resilient Development workshop series. She held leadership roles as president of the Environmental Law Society, secretary of the Latin American Law Students Association, and Hospitality Vice-Chair for the National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition.
“Pace Haub Law is very rooted in community,” said Lara. “There were opportunities for involvement and networking everywhere, which allowed me to develop my networking and communication skills. The community at Pace ultimately helped me develop confidence in my abilities.”
Lara credits much of her positive experience at Pace Haub Law to its faculty. “Every single professor was engaging and enthusiastic and all are willing to go beyond the classroom and act as mentors to help their students navigate their legal careers,” she shared. She highlighted Professor Smita Narula’s influence: “In addition to her impressive legal career and despite any injustices that she’s confronted throughout her life, Professor Narula is kind to everyone, and she reminds us to do the same. She reminds her students that it’s important to process emotions as we feel them, whether we have great wins or great losses. This has been invaluable to remember.”
Lara graduated in 2025 with an Advanced Certificate in Environmental Law. Her aim was always clear: “to end up at a firm full of people who are inspired by the law and continue to challenge themselves.” Now an associate at Kirkland & Ellis LLP pending bar admission, Lara says: “My studies at Pace Haub Law helped me gain the confidence and skills necessary to secure this position.” She previously worked as a summer associate with Kirkland & Ellis during law school.
She remains grateful for support from Pace Haub Law’s Career Center for Professional Development with interview preparation and application feedback. “I am looking forward to this next step in my legal journey and feel fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from top lawyers in the field and refine my legal practice skills.”
Outside of work, Lara enjoys reading and believes it is important for professionals to make time for themselves.
