Meet the Class of 2026: Paul Leon

Incoming 1L Paul Leon ’26, is from the Twin Cities originally. After graduating from  the University of Minnesota, he joined the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and worked with people with developmental disabilities. He met his wife and then traveled around Europe before they settled in Chicago where he taught and was a volunteer coordinator. They recently moved back to Minnesota to be closer to family.

Welcome to Minnesota Law! Can you tell us why you chose the University of Minnesota Law School?

I’m a proud native of Minnesota and a double Gopher, so I’m excited to be back on campus and staying local. Regardless of locale, though, the U of M Law School’s reputation speaks for itself and I’ve enjoyed all my interactions with the community so far.

What are you looking forward to the most about starting law school?

I’m excited about the start of a new career and charting a different path forward. Similarly, I’m looking forward to a new community.

Minnesota Law strives to embody a culture of equity, inclusiveness, and belonging in the classroom and in our community. What are some of the most important aspects of creating a culture where all students feel like they belong?

I think it’s important to provide context for building meaningful relationships.

Are you interested in practicing in a certain area of the law? Which one and why?

I’m open to a lot of possibilities, but I do have some preliminary interest in business law.

Do you have a hobby or special interests? And/or what do you like to do during your free time?

Being back in Minnesota, I really love all there is to do outdoors. Lately, I’ve been fishing, golfing, paddle boarding, and hiking some of the nearby state parks. I also like to cook and read sci-fi.

Who inspires you and why?

I’m a big fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger. He wasn’t perfect, but he turned each new vision of himself into an impressive reality. Pursuing a new career myself, I’m inspired by his enthusiasm and dedication.

What’s the most recent book or podcast you’ve read or listened to?

I’m about 100 pages into a biography of Teddy Roosevelt, and I just read how he got married, climbed the Matterhorn, published a naval history, and was elected to state office, all while he was in law school. So I may give it a rest.

Finally, what or who makes a good lawyer?

My dad and brother both act out a strong dedication to the practice of law as an intrinsically interesting and meaningful pursuit and that is one thing that makes them great lawyers.