Interview by Camila Rendon
Andrés Cruz graduated from Baylor University in 2019 with a degree in International Studies and a minor in French. He was heavily involved in Model UN during his undergraduate studies. Post graduation, Andrés took a gap year to teach English in France while preparing to apply to law school. After diligent work with ambitious desires, he was admitted to the University of Michigan Law School in 2021.
While attending University of Michigan Law School, Andrés gained transformative experience through his work endeavors. He worked as a Summer Associate at Chance Clifford in Frankfurt, Germany during the summer of 2022. The following summer (2023), he was a Summer Associate at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in New York. Additionally, during his final year of law school, he worked as an Investment Associate for the University of Michigan Ross Social Venture Fund.
Andrés currently works as a Law Clerk at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP. He described that there are 4 sub categories within the corporate law firm and that he has the opportunity to rotate between two. He is currently rotating in capital markets and thoroughly enjoys the combination of law and business that deal work provides. Although his work heavily depends on the client’s timeline and may include long, unpredictable hours, Andrés was greatly enthusiastic about his field of work. He says that corporate law is a very rewarding career and he loves having the opportunity to live in the city for his position.
He feels that his Baylor experience built a solid foundation for his career endeavors. He emphasized that his legal research and writing of briefs have come a long way throughout his education and experience, but could not have done so without Baylor.
immigration, and diplomacy.
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What an inspiring story! It’s fantastic to see how an International Studies degree from Baylor can be aLaunchpad to such a prestigious career like corporate law at Simpson Thacher in New York. Andrés’ journey, from Model UN to teaching English in France, and then onto law school and coveted Summer Associate positions, is a testament to the value of a well-rounded education and pursuing ambitious goals. I especially appreciate the detail about rotating through different sub-categories within the firm. It underscores the breadth of opportunity available in the field. Baylor’s strengths in critical thinking and a global awareness were evident with the subject’s passion. Knowing the IST program gave him what was needed and seeing such success is motivating for all prospective and current students. Thank you for sharing this – definitely food for thought for those of us considering different career paths with an international studies background.