The present disclosure provides a magnetic memory element. The memory element includes a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) element and an electrode. The electrode includes a pinning layer, a pinned layer, and a non-magnetic conductive layer. In one embodiment, the MTJ element includes a first surface having a first surface area, and the electrode includes a second surface. In the embodiment, the second surface of the electrode is coupled to the first surface of the MTJ element such that an interface area is formed and the interface area is less than the first surface area.