Gabriella Alexa Leccese
East Williston, New York

• Juris Doctor
• Louisiana Law Review Vol. 85 Production Editor
• Academic Tutor (Legal Research Writing I & II)
• Research Assistant (Professor John Lovett)
• Undergraduate: Ohio State University; Bachelor of Arts in History

Tell us about the student organizations you were involved in at LSU Law, as well as any special events at LSU Law that you may have worked on.

I was a member of Louisiana Law Review, serving as a Junior Associate for Vol. 84 and as a Production Editor for Vol. 85. I also was an Academic Tutor for Legal Research Writing I & II for Professor (Grace) Barry and a Research Assistant for Professor (John) Lovett. I was involved with the Student Bar Association’s Academics Committee throughout my time at the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center; first as a member, then as Vice Chair, and as Chair most recently. I helped coordinate SBA’s Mentor Program and refreshed our Outline Bank! I was also on the Women Law Students Association’s Executive Board as the 1L representative and as the Vice President of Administration the following year. 

Tell us about the awards and/or academic honors you’ve received during your time at LSU Law that you’re most proud of. 

I graduated magna cum laude and earned either Paul M. Hebert Scholar or Dean’s Scholar awards each semester, as well as several CALI awards. My Comment “Can Commentary Command Courtroom Clout?: The Court’s Deference to Commentary to the United States Sentencing Guidelines in a Post-Kisor World” was selected for publication in Volume 85 of Louisiana Law Review. I participated in a few internal advocacy competitions and was a Semi-Finalist and Best Individual Advocate in the 2025 Spring Transactional Negotiation Competition and a Semi-Finalist in the 2025 Client Legal Interviewing & Counseling Competition, alongside my partner Tyler Brewster. 

What are your fondest memories of your LSU Law experience?  

Some of my fondest memories are from the most stressful times, but I believe the stress forged genuine friendships. During my 1L spring semester, I studied for finals with a group of Section 1 students in the same room for what felt like weeks. As a 3L I was still studying with some of them, even when we weren’t in the same classes. Having friends that know you well—like when you need to take a walk around the Law Center with flashcards before you start questioning everything you thought you learned, a box of Cheez-Its and a coffee, or to hear that you’ll be fine because it’s just law school—made all the difference. 

What are your immediate career plans after taking the bar exam?  

I am joining Holland & Knight in Houston, Texas as a real estate associate. 

What are your long-term career ambitions?  

I would love to teach courses related to property law at some point in my career. 

What advice do you have for current law students who aspire to graduate as a member of the Order of the Coif?  

Doing your best doesn’t look the same every day. Your life doesn’t have to be all studying and classes, and it’s okay to try something new and “fail” at it. The law requires a unique approach to thinking and learning, and there is so much to be gained from experiences outside the classroom. Growth comes from being uncomfortable, and that growth will lead you to personal and academic success.