Bianca Hayles '27: Giving Back, Moving Forward

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Long before she arrived at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Bianca Hayles ’27 knew she wanted to use the law to create meaningful change in her community.

For Bianca Hayles, becoming a lawyer has never been just about building a career—it has always been about creating opportunities for others. As a first-generation college student, she earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice before gaining professional experience as a paralegal and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) professional. Now, as a full-time JD candidate at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, she is building on that foundation with a clear goal: to become a powerful advocate and problem solver for those who need it most. “I want to be an amplifier, advocate, and problem solver within my community—using the law as a tool to create meaningful change,” she shares.

“Growing up in South Jamaica, Queens, alongside my mother and my autistic brother, has shaped my perspective and deepened my commitment to making a positive impact,” Bianca explains. These experiences instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility and passion for justice early on.

As a New York native who hopes to give back to the state where she grew up, and as someone who aspires to be a litigator, Bianca believes there is no better law school for her than Haub Law. “It has a nationally ranked advocacy program and professors who are making significant strides in the fight for access to justice,” she notes. “These reasons, along with the generous financial aid package I received, made Haub Law a perfect choice for me.”

Since starting at the Law School, Bianca has fully embraced both the academic and experiential opportunities available to her. She has gained hands-on experience through internships, externships, and at a private law firm. Reflecting on her journey, she emphasizes the value of exploring different paths within the legal field. “I can confidently say that I have had a rich experiential learning experience, which has allowed me to sharpen my existing skills, develop new ones, and gain clarity about the type of attorney I would like to be.”

I can confidently say that I have had a rich experiential learning experience, which has allowed me to sharpen my existing skills, develop new ones, and gain clarity about the type of attorney I would like to be.
—Bianca Hayles '27

Equally important to Bianca’s experience is the strong sense of community she has found at Haub Law. From faculty and staff to her peers, she describes an environment defined by support, connection, and genuine investment in student success. “There isn’t a day that goes by when I walk the halls of the Law School without feeling the love and support that surrounds me. I feel an overwhelming sense of connection. My peers bring me so much joy, laughter, and camaraderie, while my professors invest their time in getting to know me beyond the classroom. I wouldn’t trade my community here for anything.”

Prior to starting at Haub Law, Bianca participated in the Judicial Institute’s New York Legal Education Opportunity Program, which helps bridge the gap for students who may not have access to mentorship within the legal profession while also introducing foundational concepts for first-year coursework. It was through this program that Bianca found an invaluable mentor in Visiting Assistant Professor Salihah Denman. “Her unwavering support and guidance have been essential as I navigate the challenges of being a first-generation Black law student. I frequently turn to her for advice as I tackle the complexities of this journey,” she shares.

A dedicated student leader, Bianca has served as President of both the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) and the Public Interest Law Student Organization (PILSO), where she has worked to build community and create opportunities for her peers.

Looking ahead, Bianca aspires to become a litigator while also establishing a nonprofit dedicated to supporting vulnerable youth in her community. Grounded in her own experiences and driven by a commitment to service, she is determined not only to succeed, but to uplift others along the way.

“I have been fortunate to receive mentorship and kindness from individuals who recognized my potential, and I believe it’s my duty to give back and invest in the next generation.”