Natalie Solano ’26

Being a first-generation law student means I approach everything with intention, knowing my actions affect not just me, but my family too.

Natalie Solano did not arrive at law school by accident or privilege. She arrived through resilience, lived experience and a clear understanding of how deeply the law can shape, and fail, real communities.

Solano, a law student at Widener University Commonwealth Law School, grew up moving between cultures and cities. She spent her early childhood in the Dominican Republic before relocating to Philadelphia at age 7, later moving to Delaware for middle and high school, and attending Mount St. Mary’s in Maryland for college and later Harrisburg to attend law school. Each move added perspective and resilience, traits that now define her approach to legal education and leadership.

Her path to law school was not a straight line. Before enrolling, Solano participated in Widener Law Commonwealth’s six-week trial admission program, also known as TAP, designed to prepare and support students seeking admission to law school. The experience was challenging and transformative, giving her the academic foundation and confidence she needed to move forward.

“Getting here was hard-earned,” Solano said. “Each step of my journey shaped the perspective I bring with me as a law student today.”

Her interest in the law was sparked early, shaped by experiences she did not choose but could not ignore. Shortly after moving to Philadelphia as a child, she witnessed a shooting in her neighborhood, an event that left a lasting imprint. Growing up surrounded by injustice, both in the Dominican Republic and in urban Philadelphia, made her acutely aware of how systems can fail entire communities.

“Seeing injustice across different environments made me want to help create change on a broader level,” she said.

“Law became a way for me to understand the system and work within it to make a meaningful difference.”

At Widener Law Commonwealth, Solano found more than a law school. She found a community that invested in her potential early and consistently. Through TAP and beyond, faculty and staff offered access, mentorship, and support that made the profession feel attainable.

“What truly set Widener apart was the sense of access and community,” she said. “It doesn’t just admit students, it develops them.”

Several moments stand out from her time in law school, particularly the professors who helped shape her confidence. Professor Mary Kate Kearney, who taught Solano during the TAP program and again during her first year, played a pivotal role. Whether helping her master the material or manage stress, Kearney’s support helped lay the groundwork for her success.

Another defining moment came during her first cold call in the TAP program. Terrified, Solano was called on by Professor G. Randall Lee in product liability class. Instead of letting the moment overwhelm her, he guided her through the question with patience and encouragement.

“That experience taught me confidence,” she said. “It reminded me that learning is a process, not a test of perfection.”

As a first-generation law student, Solano approaches law school with a deep sense of responsibility. Her motivation is closely tied to her family’s story, particularly her mother’s journey. A physician who emigrated from the Dominican Republic, her mother rebuilt her career in the United States without speaking English, all while raising a family and starting a business in Philadelphia.

“Watching her succeed across countries and systems taught me resilience and adaptability,” Solano said. “She’s the reason I believe no transition is too big and no goal is out of reach.”

That perspective informs Solano’s leadership on campus. She serves as president of both the Business Law Society and Latin American Law Students Association, roles she approaches with intention and inclusivity.

Her interest in business law began during the TAP program, when she discovered a passion for contracts. That interest has grown into hands-on experience with mergers, intellectual property, compliance, and international legal issues through her in-house legal work. The Business Law Society allows her to explore those interests while helping other students understand how law operates in real-world business settings.

LALSA holds personal meaning. As a student from the Dominican Republic, Solano understands how important representation and community can be in law school. Through LALSA, she helps create spaces where Hispanic and Latino/a students feel supported, visible and empowered. At the same time, she is intentional about making clear that LALSA is open to all students, regardless of background.

“Community, culture, and advocacy are central to what we do,” she said. “It’s about supporting students academically, personally and professionally.”

One of the most rewarding parts of her leadership has been creating new programming. Solano organized a speed networking event that connected students and professors in a more approachable way, bridging gaps she once felt as a first-generation student unfamiliar with office hours and faculty engagement. She is also organizing immigration-focused events, helping launch Widener Law Commonwealth’s first career fair, and expanding opportunities that will outlast her time on campus.

Balancing those responsibilities has not always been easy. Leading two organizations requires careful time management and adaptability, but Solano views those challenges as growth opportunities that have strengthened her confidence and leadership skills.

For students considering involvement or leadership, her advice is simple and direct.

“Don’t wait until you feel completely ready,” she said. “Leadership is something you grow into by doing.”

Looking ahead, Solano plans to continue working in business and corporate law, particularly in in-house or compliance-focused roles where legal strategy intersects with responsible decision-making. Long term, she hopes to be a lawyer who clarifies complex issues, builds bridges and creates pathways for others who may not see a clear entry point into the profession.

Asked about her favorite part of law school, Solano smiles.

“My favorite part of law school is studying for finals and finally having that moment where everything clicks,” she said. “Being able to explain it to my fiancé and family, and watching it click for them too, has been just as rewarding as anything else.”

Interview was conducted in Winter 2026.