For Kierra Giarrusso, a member of the Class of 2026, the decision to pursue a legal career was rooted in a lifelong passion for justice. Inspired by her mother, an attorney who balanced fierce advocacy with genuine empathy, Kierra knew from an early age that law was her calling. “Watching my mom balance zealous advocacy with genuine empathy for her clients showed me that legal work can be powerful and life-changing,” she shared. “Pursuing a legal career feels like the best way to use my passion for justice to aid others.”
When it came time to choose a law school, Catholic Law stood out for its strong sense of community. “From the moment I stepped on campus for a tour, I felt a genuine connection between students, faculty, and staff that set Catholic apart from other schools,” Kierra explained. Though she initially planned to return to her New England roots after earning her undergraduate degree in Washington, D.C., a visit to Catholic Law changed her trajectory. “On a whim, I decided to apply to and tour Catholic Law, and it ended up being one of the best decisions I have ever made.”
Kierra was particularly impressed by the faculty’s dedication to the school and its students. “Many faculty and staff members are alumni themselves, and their genuine investment in both the school and its students creates a supportive environment,” she noted. The rigorous curriculum, designed to prepare students for the bar exam, and the school’s ideal location in D.C.’s Brookland neighborhood further solidified her choice.
During her time at Catholic Law, Kierra gained invaluable hands-on experience through two clinics: the Families and the Law Clinic (FALC) and the Law and Entrepreneurship Clinic (LEC). In FALC, she worked directly with clients navigating complex family law matters, honing her ability to communicate empathetically while developing practical litigation skills. In contrast, her work with the LEC exposed her to transactional law, assisting entrepreneurs with legal issues related to business formation and maintenance. “Together, these experiences helped me develop a well-rounded foundation and the confidence to transition from doctrinal classes to real-world practice,” she said.
Beyond academics, Kierra cherished the traditions and community spirit of Catholic Law. “One of my favorite nights of the year is Awards Night,” she shared. “Seeing our community come together to celebrate students, faculty, and staff is such a special experience.” In addition to participating in these traditions, Kierra took an active role in shaping the student experience. Alongside her classmate Taylor Talley, she co-founded the Family Law Society, a student organization dedicated to fostering interest and engagement in family law. She also valued the opportunity to connect with the school’s impressive alumni network through speaker events.
Looking ahead, Kierra plans to return to her home state of Rhode Island to take the bar exam. She will begin a clerkship with the Rhode Island Trial Court before serving as a clerk for Justice Erin Lynch Prata, a fellow Catholic Law alum, on the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Ultimately, she hopes to pursue a career in family law.
Reflecting on her time at Catholic Law, Kierra emphasized the importance of the school’s supportive community. “What initially drew me here was the sense of connection, but what has stayed with me is how consistently that support shows up in meaningful ways,” she said. “Catholic Law stands out because it strikes a rare balance between pushing you to grow while also providing the support needed to succeed. That combination is what makes it such a rewarding place to study law.”