Leila Barraza received her J.D. with a Certificate in Law, Science, and Technology from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law in 2008. She was a scholar in the Center for Law, Science & Innovation, and was a research assistant, conducting legal research on autism and vaccine-related litigation. Barraza was named Outstanding Law Student Volunteer for her work with the Arizona Attorney General Office’s Community Services Program Satellite Office. She completed externships with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, the Arizona Department of Health Services’ Office of Administrative Rules and Counsel, and the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One.            

Prior to attending law school, Barraza received a Master in Public Health from the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona. She also worked for the Center for Rural Health at the Zuckerman College of Public Health following the completion of her master’s degree. Barraza researched rural health issues and resources and shaped them into published documents, including the Arizona Rural Health Resource Manual and the Arizona Rural Health Clinic Designation Manual. Barraza provided technical assistance to rural and tribal hospitals and clinics regarding new medical designation opportunities, health practitioner recruitment, emergency medical services, and funding opportunities. 

Most recently, Barraza served as a law clerk for the Honorable Michael J. Brown and the Honorable John C. Gemmill at the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One.