In-House Compliance Work at Visa Prepares 3L Nada Zohayr for Practice 

3L Nada Zohayr smiling while wearing a suit and glasses in front of a white background.

3L Nada Zohayr combines corporate legal experience at Visa with courtroom advocacy through the UC Law SF Trial Team, preparing to excel as a versatile attorney.

3L Nada Zohayr discusses her work with Visa’s Legal, Ethics & Compliance department through the UC Law SF Corporate Counsel Externship Program. 

 

  • Drafted compliance language and reviewed marketing materials, sharpening her ability to spot legal risk in business decisions. 
  • Researched IP and global regulations and presented findings to Visa’s legal team, building skill in translating complex law and applying it to business strategy. 
  • Combines corporate compliance work with Trial Team advocacy, preparing to handle both transactional and litigation matters. 

 

Q: What did you do in this corporate externship?

A: I worked within Visa’s Legal, Ethics & Compliance Department on a product counseling team. My work focused on reviewing marketing materials and content to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and internal policies. One of my primary duties was drafting compliance statements for marketing and content reviews. I also worked on projects involving intellectual property and global regulatory research and presented my work to members of the global products legal team.  

Q: What did you take away from this experience? 

I learned to appreciate the importance of the details. Legal work often requires careful analysis of language, whether in marketing materials, contracts, or case files. Approaching this work with curiosity helps uncover broader legal implications. 

Q: How does this experience support your career goals?  

As a first-generation law student and Arab American, I want to explore many areas of legal practice, whether transactional or litigation work. I have always imagined becoming the kind of lawyer who can draft agreements and defend them in court. Working at Visa strengthened my understanding of transactional and regulatory legal work. Competing with UC Law SF’s Trial Team has allowed me to continue building my litigation and advocacy skills. 

Q: Would you recommend UC Law SF and this externship? 

I would recommend this to any current or prospective student who learns best through hands-on experience. The best part of attending UC Law SF is its location in the Bay Area, where students have access to innovative companies and evolving industries like fintech, which offer exciting legal opportunities.  

Q: What’s your favorite UC Law SF memory so far?   

Taking part in the Trial Team. I have represented the school in competitions across California, Texas, and Connecticut. We are competing in South Carolina this spring, and I’ve been learning a lot from incredible trial professors like Geoff Hansen, Emily Stover, and Nanci Clarence.  

The Evidence of Success series highlights UC Law SF students as they share how the College’s opportunities equip them with the experience, skills, and confidence to excel in the legal profession.