From Tech to IP, Fabiola Pardo Garcia ‘25 Explores Legal Frontiers

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"I’m interested in international law and policy, tech law, civil litigation, IP. I’m grateful that I can explore these different paths at USF.” 

As an undergraduate student at UC Berkeley pursuing a degree in political science, Fabiola spent considerable time studying foreign policy and international affairs. She says this coursework served as the catalyst for her to consider a career in law; she began researching law schools soon after graduation. 

USF Law stood out from other institutions because of its “solid reputation and the community that USF offers.” After being accepted into the Academic Support Program (ASP), Fabiola arrived on campus in summer 2022 for ASP orientation. The two-week session provides an introduction to law school with hands-on exercises and exam rehearsals. “There’s a lot of training about what it actually means to become a law student and a lot of support from my peers.” She recognized then she had made the right choice.

Throughout her first two years, she dove into a range of opportunities inside and outside the classroom and her initial focus on international law began to evolve. “Copyright law is actually the course that introduced me to the technology space. We looked at art, music, [online] brands…and all of these intangible digital products that can lead to a dispute because people have copied them over time. We also have AI intersecting with trademark issues.” And despite not seeing herself as “a business and tech person” initially, her blockchain law and business association classes have inspired her to reconsider. 

This spring, she will get a further opportunity to dig into these passion points when she begins an in-house legal externship at Mercedes-Benz in their research and development arm. Professor Michele Neitz, founder of USF’s Center for Law Tech and Social Good, notes, “Fabiola's outstanding final paper in our Blockchain Law course integrated blockchain law, supply chain challenges, sustainability, and the international hospitality industry--a creative and difficult endeavor! I am impressed with Fabiola's disciplined approach to her work, as well as her willingness to go above and beyond what is required. I can't wait to see what she does next.”