Valeria serves is a Senior Law Clerk at Payne Law Firm, where she assists the attorneys by reviewing and organizing discovery, conducting legal research, drafting motions, and helping seal clients’ records. As the firm’s first line of contact for Spanish-speaking clients, she ensures they feel understood, supported, and empowered throughout the legal process.

​

Valeria earned her Bachelor of Arts in History and Anthropology from the University of Arkansas and is currently pursuing her Juris Doctor at the University of Arkansas School of Law, with an expected graduation date of May 2026. Before joining Payne Law Firm, she interned with Canopy NWA, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting refugee resettlement. Her work there strengthened her commitment to serving people facing unfamiliar and often overwhelming systems.

​

Drawn to the legal field by her determination and natural perseverance, Valeria sees the law as a place where her resolve can be put to meaningful use. She approaches every case with patience and respect, making it a priority that clients feel heard and cared for, especially those navigating language barriers or unfamiliar legal processes.

​

Raised in Fayetteville, Valeria still calls the area home. Outside of work, she enjoys going on walks, reading horror fiction, and watching scary movies. She lives with her two dogs, Bean and Toast.

​

Valeria loves the environment at Payne Law Firm, where teammates feel more like friends than coworkers. She is motivated by the opportunity to help people through difficult times, offering them a steady, reassuring presence when they need it most.