Ryan Balaoing
3L; Admissions Ambassador
Hometown:
Milpitas, CA
Professional Interests:
Civil Rights; Criminal Law; Immigration Law; Public Interest
Student Organizations and Extracurricular Activities:
Student Bar Association (Director of Professional Identity and Development, 2024-2025; 1L Appropriations Committee Representative, 2023-2024)); Public Interest Law Fund (Executive Board Member, 2024-2025); UCI Law Mock Trial; Asian Pacific American Law Student Association; First Generation Professionals; Mock Trial
Clinic:
Defending Democracy; Immigrant and Racial Justice Solidarity
Housing:
On-Campus
Pro Bono Projects:
Orange County Public Defender’s Office; Community Legal Aid SoCal’s Clean Slate Clinic; 22nd Judicial District, LA Public Defender’s Office; Mississippi Center for Legal Services; Elder Law & Disability Rights Center; Public Law Center’s DACA Clinic; Decarcerate OC
Meet Ryan:
Hi, my name is Ryan and I’m a third-year at UC Irvine Law. Coming from an immigrant family and being a first-generation law student, I know how daunting the law school application process can feel and how difficult it can be to choose the right school. When I was applying for schools, UC Irvine Law quickly became my top choice because of its strong commitment to public interest, innovative clinical and pro bono programs, and collaborative culture.
As someone pursuing a legal education to advocate for underserved communities, I have found UC Irvine Law to be an incredibly supportive space that empowers students seeking to advance social justice. Since starting at UC Irvine Law, I have been heavily involved in the school’s pro bono program through projects such as Community Legal Aid SoCal’s Clean Slate Clinic. I have also been fortunate to travel to Louisiana and Mississippi as part of UC Irvine Law’s Alternative Spring Break program to volunteer with local organizations serving communities that have struggled with issues such as systemic racism.
During my 1L summer, I worked with the Orange County Public Defender’s Office, where I gained a deeper understanding of the challenges that indigent clients face within our criminal justice system. This summer, I am continuing that work with the Santa Clara County Public Defender’s Office and, after law school, I hope to continue working in indigent criminal defense.
Outside of law school, I serve as a commissioned officer in the Army Reserves. And although I am originally from California's Bay Area, I have enjoyed exploring Orange County’s beaches and coffee shops and can provide recommendations for places to check out. If you have any questions or need advice, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to help, and I'll be wishing you the best on your law school journey!