Sharmila Iyer
2L; Admissions Ambassador
Hometown:
San Diego, CA
Professional Interests:
Big Law; Intellectual Property
Student Organizations:
Women's Law Society - 1L Representative (2025-2026); Technology Law Society - Artificial Intelligence Chair (2025-2026); Middle Eastern and South Asian Law Student Association - Vice President (2026-2027); Intellectual Property Law Society, Pro Bono, Community Fellow, Admissions Ambassador
Clinic:
Community Violence Intervention
Pro Bono:
Human Trafficking Vacatur - Survivor Protection Project; ACLU Gender, Sexuality, Reproductive Justice Team; Reproductive Rights Media Research
Housing:
On Campus
Meet Sharmila:
Hi! I’m Sharmila, a current 2L at UC Irvine School of Law and a San Diego native. My path to law school was definitely not a straight line. I studied biomedical engineering, spent several years working in healthcare technology in Boston and New York, and eventually realized that I wanted to combine my interest in technology with my interest in law. After living on the East Coast for several years, coming back to Southern California for law school felt especially meaningful.
I chose UC Irvine Law because of the people. From my first interactions with students and faculty, I felt like people genuinely wanted to help me succeed and were excited to get to know me. That sense of community has continued to be one of my favorite things about UC Irvine. Law school can be intimidating, especially when you’re coming from a different background or career, and I’ve really appreciated being surrounded by people who make the experience feel a little less overwhelming and a lot more fun.
I wanted to become an Admissions Ambassador because I remember how much I relied on current students when I was deciding where to go to law school. I hope to be that same approachable and honest resource for prospective students—especially anyone wondering whether they belong in law school. I’d love to help you see not only what UC Irvine Law has to offer, but what it actually feels like to be a student here.
Outside of law school, I love traveling, skiing, baking, pilates, and pottery. I’m always happy to chat about anything related to UC Irvine Law, changing careers, moving across the country, or where to find the best food in Orange County!