For New Law Student, It’s Camden All the Way
Camden native and Rutgers–Camden alumnus is beginning law school—in Camden
Isaiah Rivera CCAS’25 has a relationship with the city of Camden that is as deep as it is meaningful. A lifelong resident, he chose Rutgers University–Camden for his undergraduate education in large part because of its location.
Additionally, as a student, Rivera worked at New Jersey’s 5th Legislative District office in Camden, and he now begins a new chapter of achievement as a member of this fall’s incoming class at Rutgers Law School’s Camden campus.
“Camden has always offered me what I needed, and now I am ready to start law school,” Rivera said at Camden’s go-to spot for conversation and coffee, Nuanced Café. “Becoming a lawyer has been a big goal for me, and now it’s happening.”
Rivera majored in political science with a minor in music and was a part-time project manager for the 5th Legislative District, but he is not entering law school with the aim of becoming a political operative; he is pursuing a career as an entertainment attorney.
“I love music, and I am a musician, but I am not that guy who enjoys the public performing part of it,” said Rivera, who has played the piano since he was 14. However, he does recognize the need for musicians to have reliable legal counsel. “A lot of musicians can’t read the fine print in contracts, and that’s why I would like to practice entertainment law,” Rivera added.
A first-generation student, Rivera said Rutgers–Camden was a choice he made after realizing, following his graduation from Camden’s Creative Arts High School, that he did not want to pursue music as a full-time performer. He had thought his way forward might lead to Whittier College in California.
“For a lot of reasons, Whittier was not the right fit for me, and after high school, I found myself coming to events on the Rutgers–Camden campus thanks to a music instructor there who taught me in high school.”
Rivera worked on Rutgers–Camden student shows and productions; faculty members encouraged him to apply to the university.
“My time as an undergraduate was great,” Rivera said. “And I felt enough support to pursue law school.”
Rivera is now taking part in the Minority Student Program at the Law School. “I can’t say enough good things about Assistant Dean Rhasheda Douglas for her belief in me,” Rivera said.
“I am starting law school in Camden, and I would like to stay local after I graduate. I do feel a commitment to the city of Camden.
“But right now, I’m stepping into a new adventure, and I feel more than ready to see what will happen.”