Diversity Scholar Spotlight - Q&A with Andrew Nietes
Andrew Nietes has a true passion for music and it is that passion that led him to the study of law. He entered Fordham University School of Law in the Fall of 2017 with a particular interest in music copyright law but is now excited to explore other areas of law as well. Andrew is actively involved at Fordham where he currently serves on the Fordham Environmental Law Review and will be the Symposium Coordinator for the Media & Entertainment Law Society next year. This summer Andrew interned at New York Life Insurance where gained exposure to different areas of law.
Andrew strives to be a role model to young people who may be struggling with their identity to show them that if they work hard they can excel in life. In his spare time Andrew volunteers with Sing for Hope’s Summer Arts Intensive and music directs a semi-professional a cappella group.
PracticePro
Tell us about any leadership positions, student journals/organizations, or projects you're involved with in law school or in the community.
Andrew
For the upcoming school year, I’ll be the Symposium Coordinator for the Media & Entertainment Law Society, Co-Director of the Fordham Follies, and Treasurer for the OUTLaws. I also plan on participating in a journal (I’m currently on the Fordham Environmental Law Review) and competition team. Additionally, I get to interact with many aspiring law students as a Tour Guide.
PracticePro
Where do you to see yourself professionally in 5 or 10 years from now?
Andrew
I'd like to be at a firm practicing some sort of intellectual property litigation. With my background in music, I came to law school because I was very interested specifically in music copyright law. After spending a year, I realized there is such a wide range of areas that the law touches so I’d like to explore those but also stay close to my roots in intellectual property.
PracticePro
Where are you working this summer (Summer 2018) and what are you hoping to accomplish during your internship?
Andrew
I am interning at New York Life Insurance this summer. I really wanted an experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone. Essentially all of my experience has been in the music and entertainment industry, so I’m looking forward to expanding the breadth of my experience and learning as much as possible.
PracticePro
What do you do for fun? Tell us one fun or interesting non-law related thing about yourself.
Andrew
I currently music direct a semi-professional a cappella group during our competition season, creating a full set including arrangements and choreography, for which I received awards during my undergraduate career.
PracticePro
Tell us about a struggle or challenge you faced growing up, how you overcame it, and how it shaped who you are today.
Andrew
As a bisexual, Asian American in a largely Roman Catholic family in the predominantly white suburbs of Denver, I never knew it was okay to be completely who I was. I never felt at home in my own skin. I never saw myself reflected in prominent people or on TV. It took coming to New York to accept who I am. It has pushed me to become as successful as I can be so that someone in the future can look at me as an example. Another kid like me, who is afraid of being themselves can look up to someone who has really achieved in life, and know first of all that they are not alone and there is nothing wrong with them, and that they can excel in life if they put the work in.
PracticePro
Tell us a quote or saying by which you live your life or the best life advice you ever received.
Andrew
Don’t get complacent.
PracticePro
What is the one accomplishment you are most proud of?
Andrew
Graduating summa cum laude from NYU with a double major in instrumental performance and sociology.
PracticePro
What is one thing you wish you had known before law school? Do you have any advice or book recommendations to incoming 1Ls to help them succeed or better handle the rigors of law school?
Andrew
The first year of law school really piles on so it’s important to study smarter, not necessarily more. Every professor is different, which means every exam is different, so you have to approach every class differently. At the beginning of the semester, you should get in contact with someone who took the class with that professor and ask them what was most important. This way, you can focus on the parts of the reading and assignments that you need to and not waste your (very valuable, very limited) time on things that are likely not going to come up.
PracticePro
What was your favorite law school experience -- one you would suggest other students look into?
Andrew
I performed in Fordham Follies, where we sing silly songs about law school. Law school can be miserable if you can't laugh about it once in a while.
PracticePro
Tell us about a volunteer organization you are involved with and why it’s important to you
Andrew
I currently volunteer for Sing for Hope’s Summer Arts Intensive, where we put on an a cappella workshop for high school students from around New York who may not have the chance to pursue arts otherwise. It’s important to me because music and the arts are the reason I am where I am today. Even though I’m not going to be a professional musician, my grades started to pick up as soon as I started playing music and it has kept me driven throughout all of my years in school. Everyone should have the opportunity.