Diana Waligora ’25: From Corporate to Courtroom

For Diana Waligora ’25, pursuing a law degree wasn’t just a career change, it was a bold new chapter. After 15 years in the corporate world, she made the decision to step away from a promising path toward corporate partnership and into the halls of Albany Law School.

“I decided that if not now, when?” Waligora said. “Some people thought I was crazy for leaving, but they also encouraged me at the same time, and I knew it was the right move.”

One of the defining moments of Waligora’s Albany Law experience came before her first class even began: she was awarded the James N. Benedict ’74 Scholarship. Established by alumnus James Benedict ‘74, the scholarship is awarded to students in good academic standing with financial need, and for Waligora, it was far more than just financial assistance.

“It was a vote of confidence,” she said. “To me, getting that scholarship was Mr. Benedict saying, ‘I believe in you. I believe in your success.’ I look forward to meeting Mr. Benedict to personally thank him.”

As a third-year student, Waligora participated in the New York Pro Bono Scholars Program, through the Edward P. Swyer Justice Center at Albany Law School. The program allowed her to swap the classroom for the courtroom during her final semester, completing over 500 hours of hands-on legal work at the Albany County District Attorney’s Office in the Restorative Justice Bureau.

“My Pro Bono Scholars Program experience has been eye-opening. I am learning so much about the need for, and impact of, alternatives to incarceration. I would unwaveringly advocate for upcoming Albany Law School students to participate in this incredible, unique opportunity,” she said. “Not only do you get to take the bar exam earlier—and hopefully pass earlier—but you are giving back to the community in such an important way."

Through the program, Waligora sat for the New York State bar exam in February 2025, before graduation, and passed.

Throughout her time at Albany Law, Waligora found a true sense of belonging among the community of non-traditional students. One of her most meaningful memories is helping to establish the Non-Traditional Law Students Association (NLSA), a student-led support network created by and for those who, like her, came to law school with unique life and career experiences. 

“I am incredibly proud that I was part of the inaugural Non-Traditional Law Students Association e-board. I trust that the organization will continue on in the coming years to be a formal support network for what already exists here at Albany Law,” she said.

Waligora also immersed herself in co-curricular life through the Albany Law Review and Women’s Law Caucus, all of which she credits to her overall experience at Albany Law.

“Whether it was the Non-Traditional Law Students Association or Albany Law Review, which I loved being a part of, or the Women's Law Caucus,” she said. “There are so many organizations that are really central to the Albany Law School experience that I would say to make sure to get involved in, because you'll not only gain, but you will give as part of that experience.”

Waligora will soon be joining the business and corporate department at Bond, Schoeneck & King. To others considering law school later in life, her advice is simple: “I would say do not hesitate. I love Albany Law School. I honestly only considered really going to Albany Law School.”

As her time as a student at Albany Law School comes to an end, Waligora said her relationship with the school and community will last a lifetime.

“I have been phenomenally impressed by my time at Albany Law, and that's one of the reasons that I will make sure that I also, just like Mr. Benedict, give forward to students of future generations,” she said. “I would love to keep good talent in the Capital Region, as somebody who's from here, and I'd love to see more talent going to Albany Law School as the school continues onward and upward.”