Communities
Linda Reyes '99
Attorney for City of New York's Business Law Unit
"I like the challenges legal problems present, the more complex the better," says Linda, an attorney for the City of New York. "Attorneys have to be able to analyze problems, facts-everything. You cannot problem-solve if you are unable to think things through clearly and logically. That is Marlboro 101."
Linda was always interested in law, but while at Marlboro she became hooked on international law and its relationship to human rights. Through Marlboro's World Studies Program, she did an internship working with human rights organizations in Chile, including one group of lawyers who had defended victims of oppression during the Pinochet dictatorship.
"Talk about life-changing," says Linda. "While I was in Chile, Pinochet was arrested in London. It was amazing to be involved at such a historic time. My experience was the bridge that brought me to where I am and what I do today."
Linda went to law school and clerked with several judges before getting her present job with the City of New York's Business Law Unit. She works on behalf of New York's citizens, drafting and negotiating agreements for social programs like the new Youth Financial Empowerment Program. This program helps young people who grew up in foster care gain the training and employment they need to be productive citizens.
"We have partnered with several leaders in the business community to open bank accounts for these kids and get them internships, jobs and financial education as well as mentors," she says. "The best part of problem-solving is coming up with the solutions."