Administrator Spotlight: Maddie Montes De Oca 

Programs Manager, Public Interest Law Center

Maddie Montes De Oca

Tell us the story of how you came to work at NYU Law? Were you always in your current position?

I actually started in the Office of Career Services (OCS) as the senior placement assistant for recruitment in 2018. I was looking for work when a friend working at Sullivan & Cromwell forwarded me an email from OCS describing the position. I stayed in OCS for about 3 years and then a programs manager job opened up in the Public Interest Law Center (PILC), and I felt like PILC’s mission aligned more with my personal interests and goals. I landed the job and I’ve been here since 2021. 

What’s a typical day for you like?

A large portion of my role involves managing the Root-Tilden-Kern (RTK) Scholarship Program and scholars. On any given day, I could be chairing an RTK student committee, organizing one of our monthly dinners, and generally connecting with our scholars to make sure they are supported. If it’s Spring semester, I’m most likely spending most of my days managing the selections process for RTK applicants.

Another large portion of my role involves managing PILC’s operations. For that portion of my job, I could be organizing events for the larger public interest community at NYU Law, aggregating data on our public interest student employment rates, and generally developing and supporting PILC’s infrastructure.

What’s the most challenging thing about what you do? And what’s the most rewarding?

The most challenging thing is balancing the needs of students from different backgrounds and identities, but that’s also rewarding as I get to interact with and learn about many of our amazing public interest students.

I also LOVE working with and for the Root-Tilden-Kern Scholars. Every year I’m impressed and inspired by their dedication and commitment to public service, and I feel honored to be included in their community.  

What do you wish you’d known about the Law School on your first day of working here?

I wish I knew how friendly and willing to help everyone was. It was easy to see that in my own office, but over my time here, I’ve seen how other departments are also welcoming and willing to help. I think knowing that earlier on in my career here could’ve been useful.

What is your favorite spot on campus, and why?

My favorite spot on campus has to be the ninth floor of Furman Hall. It has a beautiful view of Washington Square Park, the arch, and Fifth Avenue. Ironically, towering over that bustling area always brings me a sense of calm, and I find myself taking breaks up there during the busiest times of the year.

Posted April 18, 2024