3L set to begin her career as a transactional attorney at IX Legal in New York City
Sophia Chiotis JD '25 was drawn to problem-solving at a young age. By middle school, she began to see the world through the lens of systems—what worked, what didn't, and what needed fixing.
"I always loved puzzles," Chiotis said. "In a lot of ways, the law is a giant puzzle. You're trying to find the missing pieces in a fragmented system and make sense of how society works—or how it should work."
That sense of curiosity and purpose to solve problems brought her to UMass Law. After graduating, it'll take her to Wall Street, where she'll begin her legal career as a transactional attorney at IX Legal in New York City.
Choosing UMass Law
For Chiotis, a New Jersey native, UMass Law checked all the boxes that mattered most. With generous, non-conditional scholarships, it was the most affordable option—even as an out-of-state student.
"With UMass Law's scholarship package, I knew I'd graduate with less debt than anywhere else," said Chiotis. "The location was also perfect for me. I wanted to experience a new setting, but still be close enough to return home when needed. I also really appreciate being by the water. Law school is difficult, and things can get overwhelming, but I was always able to find resolve by driving down to Horseneck Beach to clear my head."
Transactional law
Chiotis came to law school with an open mind for what area of law she'd like to pursue. At her core, she wanted to help people, particularly small businesses, like her father's diner.
Transactional law focuses on the creation, negotiation, and execution of business agreements, primarily before legal issues arise, ensuring everything is properly structured from the start, rather than resolving disputes in court. Chiotis saw this as an opportunity to help the development of small businesses and learn how to protect the interests of business owners.
Carefully crafted contract language is essential for preventing conflict and protecting an organization—skills that form a strong foundation for a young attorney and translate well to other fields she's is interested in, like employment and entertainment law.
"Transactional law is exciting because each deal is different and brings a new sense of problem-solving to each case. There's a lot of power in being able to advocate for small businesses through contracts and negotiations," said Chiotis. "I like the structure, the type of research, and the chance to build something behind the scenes. It's applicable to any industry, and a perfect place to begin my career."
Faculty mentorship
Chiotis credits UMass Law's small class sizes and close-knit faculty for helping her find confidence in her goals—especially in a highly competitive field like corporate and transactional law.
"You're not just a number here," she said. "Professors like Vaughn Thomas and Jeremiah Ho went out of their way to help me navigate unique challenges I was having and pushed me when I needed it most. Professor Ho happened to be passing through New York in the summer and met me at my job for lunch just to catch up and keep in touch.
"UMass Law faculty aren't just here to grade your papers. They invest their time and effort into your success. That kind of support gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities I may have otherwise thought were out of reach."
Opportunities in the private sector
Though UMass Law is renowned for sending its students to public interest and government attorney roles, Chiotis has found several opportunities available to students who'd rather pursue careers in corporate settings or business-focused legal work.
"Classes like Business Finance and Transactional Drafting showed me that I can still help 'the little guy' in the private sector," she said. "Our professors have had prior careers in all types of industries, so picking their brains is invaluable for understanding how to carve out your own path."
As treasurer of the Business Law Society, Chiotis made it a priority to share opportunities and create community for other students interested in the private sector. She encourages students to seek experience early—whether through internships, externships, or informational interviews.
"You'll figure out pretty quickly whether you like being in a courtroom or in an office," she said. "Once you find your strengths, lean into them. And always stay in touch with the people you meet. Connections can make all the difference."
Advice to other students
"Utilize your professors and their networks, and dive into what makes you unique to tap into your own network. All it takes is one person to help you find an opportunity to thrive. I'm Greek, so I made it a point to attend any networking events held by the Hellenic Lawyers Association and the Greek American Chamber of Commerce to put myself out there. Through those connections, I received an academic scholarship and secured my internship opportunity at IX Legal, where I'll begin working full-time after graduating."
Ready to make an impact
Chiotis, a first-generation college and law student, is excited to start working to see her dreams of becoming an attorney come to fruition after all her hard work and support from her family.
"My parents were born in America but were sent to Greece to be raised. Their childhoods weren't easy," she explains. "Eventually, they decided to return to America to build a better life. My dad had to work three jobs for most of my childhood. I owe it to them to make the most out of their sacrifices and try to help next generation small-business owners, like my dad."