Meet the Class: Keyana Banisadre, ’26
After Studying Applied Ethics in AI, Biotech, and Space Industries, One Member of the Class of 2026 Would Like to Help Start-Ups Navigate the Law
A native of El Dorado Hills, California, Keyana Banisadre, ’26, holds a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from California Polytechnic State University- San Luis Obispo. Becoming a lawyer was her childhood dream, and she comes to the Law School with some practical legal training under her belt, having performed legal support work in both the pharmaceutical and entertainment industries.
Please describe your background and professional path.
My undergraduate studies and research experiences focused primarily on applied ethics within AI, biotechnology, financial technology, and outer space industries. Upon graduation I shifted to gaining more practical lawyering experience, interning in North American business affairs at a pharmaceutical company then moving to Los Angeles to work in entertainment law.
What motivates your decision to go to law school?
From the first grade, I started telling people I was going to be a lawyer when I grew up. Since then, I have found genuine passion in studying the law and I never looked back.
Why did you select the University of Chicago Law School?
This institution has an illustrious history which shows a trend in valuing academic curiosity and experiential thinking. That, coupled with the law school’s emphasis on a philosophical take on the law, made this school incredible enticing.
What do you plan to do with your legal education?
As of now, I aim to focus my studies on business and intellectual property law specifically for tech and biologics companies, with a position in-house in mind. Eventually, I would like to shift towards practicing start-up law, aiming to serve as general counsel for a tech/bio start-up.
What are you looking forward to about being a law student?
After having a full-time job, I am incredibly eager to be a student again. I look forward to spending time learning while surrounded by intelligent, diverse peers. And hopefully all of us 1Ls have some fun nights too!
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
I love to be in the water, especially surfing or snorkeling, and I am an obsessive backgammon player.
What is a “fun fact” about you?
Halloween is my favorite holiday.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Thank you UChicago Law and I’m excited to get to know everyone!