Graduating from law school and preparing for the bar exam this summer is the culmination of years of perseverance, resilience, and faith.  This journey has not been easy, but it has been one of growth, determination, and unwavering support from those who have stood by me.

Reflecting on this moment, I am incredibly grateful for the people who have helped me along the way.  My family’s sacrifices, unconditional love, and steadfast belief in me have been the foundation upon which I built this dream.  The road here was filled with long nights of studying, balancing responsibilities, and overcoming obstacles that often seemed insurmountable.

Law school was not just an academic endeavor—it tested me in ways I never expected.  There were moments of doubt, challenges that felt overwhelming, and times when I questioned whether I could keep going.  But I did not face these struggles alone.  I leaned on the support of my family, friends, and mentors, and I found strength in my faith.  Without them, I would not have made it through.  Law school was more than just learning legal doctrines; it was about developing the ability to think critically, adapt, and persist even when the path was uncertain.

Now, as I prepare for the bar exam, I am stepping into another intense season of discipline and focus.  Passing the bar requires total commitment, and to give it my all, I will be leaving my full-time job so that my primary focus can be preparing for this challenge.  While this transition is daunting, I know it is necessary to take the next step in my legal career.

As I look ahead, I think about the lessons this journey has taught me.  Law school has shown me that life, much like the law, is unpredictable—full of complex cases, unexpected rulings, and difficult negotiations.  But I have already proven that I can navigate challenges, and I know I will carry that resilience with me into this next chapter.

There will undoubtedly be moments of uncertainty—times when the road ahead is unclear.  But none of us walk this path alone.  I am blessed to have built a network of mentors, colleagues, and friends who will continue to support me.  And if you, like me, believe in something greater than yourself, take comfort in knowing that even when we cannot see the plan, it is still unfolding.

True success is not measured by the titles we earn or the cases we win, but by the impact we make, the integrity we uphold, and the people we uplift along the way.  The influence we hold as legal professionals carries a profound responsibility to use it for good, to make a meaningful impact, and to pursue justice with purpose and integrity.

To those who have walked this journey with me, thank you.  To my fellow graduates, congratulations!  We have made it, and now we step forward into what comes next.

Networking in law school can feel awkward.  You know it’s important, but reaching out to busy judges and lawyers, professors, or alumni can seem intimidating.  If you’re shy or worry about being a nuisance, you’re not alone.  The good news?  Networking isn’t about schmoozing—it’s about building real connections.  And you can do it.

The first step is shifting your mindset.  Instead of thinking, I’m bothering them, remind yourself: people love helping students.  Lawyers, judges, and professors were once in your shoes, and many want to pay it forward.  A respectful email or message isn’t an intrusion—it’s an opportunity for them to share wisdom.  And if they don’t respond?  No harm done!

If you’re shy, start small.  Attend office hours, join student organizations, and connect with classmates—networking isn’t just with attorneys; your peers will be colleagues one day.  Once you build confidence in these settings, reaching out to professionals will feel much more natural.

Loyola has provided numerous opportunities to connect with professionals and explore different areas of law.  From panel discussions to guest speaker lectures, these events have been invaluable in gaining insight into the profession.  Attending networking receptions, career fairs, and student organization events has allowed me to meet attorneys in my field of interest and establish connections that will undoubtedly benefit my career.  One of the most memorable experiences was attending the Latina Lawyers Bar Association Scholarship and Installation Dinner, where I met Chief Justice Guerrero and connected with Loyola alumni.  Another incredible opportunity was attending the Los Angeles County Bar Association Bench Meets Bar event for young lawyers, where I had the chance to meet United States District Judge Birotte.  He invited me and another young attorney I met at the event to sit in on hearings and visit his chambers, an experience that reinforced just how important it is to take initiative.  While Loyola offers great networking opportunities, the most meaningful connections come from stepping outside of your comfort zone.  Don’t wait for opportunities—seek them out.  Reach out to attorneys you admire, attend events on your own, and pave your own path.  The more you put yourself out there, the more doors you will open.

Networking isn’t about perfecting small talk or collecting business cards—it’s about showing up, being curious, and building relationships that will shape your career.  Every conversation, every event, every email you send is a step toward your future.  You never know which opportunity will change your path, so take the leap, bet on yourself, and embrace the journey.  The connections you make today could be the ones that open doors tomorrow.  You got this.

 

Law school teaches the law, but real-world experience is where it all comes together.  One of the best decisions I made was taking the Judicial Field Placement class over the summer, which led to an externship at the Court of Appeal.  Even though I worked as a judicial assistant, this was my first time stepping into the role of a research attorney, and it completely changed how I see appellate law.

I had the opportunity to dive into legal research and writing at a much deeper level.  I analyzed appellate briefs, researched legal issues, and drafted a memorandum opinion that the panel of justices signed off on.  Seeing my work contribute to an actual appellate decision was both surreal and rewarding, reinforcing my passion for legal analysis and advocacy.

One of the best parts of this experience was learning by doing—with guidance.  Mistakes happen, but having mentors help me course-correct was invaluable.  I improved my legal writing, developed case strategy skills, and gained insight into how judges think, all in an environment that encouraged growth.  It’s much better to make and fix mistakes now rather than as a new attorney facing real clients and cases.

Beyond research and writing, my externship opened doors to experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise.  I visited the superior court, observed civil and criminal hearings, and spoke with judges and attorneys.  Seeing how trial and appellate courts interact gave me a better understanding of litigation as a whole.  And as a cherry on top, during my externship, I secured my post-bar clerkship, setting me on my career path.

If you’re in law school and considering a judicial field placement, go for it.  It’s a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience, connect with mentors, and build relationships that can shape your career.  Whether you see yourself in trial work, appellate law, or even on the bench someday, this kind of experience is truly invaluable.  Looking back, I can confidently say this externship was one of the most impactful parts of my legal education.

 

As a law student, one of the best parts of my experience at Loyola Law School has been the incredible faculty.  It’s not just that they know their stuff—they genuinely love what they teach, and that passion makes all the difference.  The professors here don’t just lecture from textbooks; they bring their real-world experiences, enthusiasm, and commitment to helping us become the best lawyers we can be.

What’s especially amazing about Loyola’s professors is how invested they are in our success.  One professor who truly stands out is Judge Lawrence Riff, who taught my Trial Advocacy class.  From day one, it was clear that Judge Riff wasn’t just focused on teaching us trial techniques; he was passionate about helping us become strong, effective advocates.  His energy for trial law was infectious.  It wasn’t just about learning how to cross-examine a witness or craft an opening statement—it was about owning the courtroom, standing up for your client, and believing in your argument.

Judge Riff’s class made me think differently about my future as a lawyer.  He didn’t just teach us the “how” of trial work—he showed us the “why.”  His belief in the power of a passionate advocate pushed me to pursue trial work, where I now aspire to make a real impact in the courtroom, just like he did as a civil defense trial attorney.

One piece of advice from Judge Riff that really stuck with me was: “Take any case you can to trial.  When no one else wants to try the dog of a case because it’s a loser, raise your hand.  And then give it a go.  You just never know what will happen in trial in the hands of an impassioned trial lawyer.”  This advice helped me realize that it’s not just the technical skills that matter—it’s the mindset.  Confidence, determination, and a willingness to take risks can make all the difference, even when the odds are against you.

Thanks to Judge Riff and the passionate faculty at Loyola, I don’t just feel prepared to practice law—I feel inspired.  They’ve shown me what it means to be more than just a law student; they’ve shown me what it means to be a lawyer with purpose.  And for that, I’m incredibly grateful.  Their passion is truly transformative.

Attending Loyola Law School has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.  It’s not just the top-notch academics or the challenging coursework that make Loyola stand out—it’s the sense of community, the incredible alumni network, and the doors it has opened for me.

One of the biggest perks of Loyola is its location in the heart of Los Angeles.  LA is a city full of legal opportunities, and being in the middle of it all gives Loyola law students a distinct edge when it comes to internships, externships, and job opportunities.  Whether you’re interested in corporate law, entertainment, or public interest, Loyola’s location makes it all possible—and it’s one of the main reasons I chose to study here.

But beyond the location, what really makes Loyola special is the people.  The alumni network is one of the most supportive and tight-knit communities I’ve encountered.  From the moment I started at Loyola, I could tell how much pride alumni take in their school—and how eager they are to help each other succeed.

For me, this support started even before I was accepted.  While I worked as a paralegal, the partners at my firm, almost all Loyola alumni, encouraged me to apply to the school.  They were all extremely supportive throughout my LSAT prep and the application process.  It was a game-changer for me and played a huge role in my decision to attend Loyola.

Once I was admitted, that same sense of support from alumni kept showing up.  While working and externing at the Court of Appeal, a California Appellate Justice who graduated from Loyola took it upon herself to mentor me, preparing me to one day become an excellent trial advocate.  Another Loyola alum, now a partner at a trial firm, hired me for a post-bar clerkship and offered me a spot as an associate once I pass the bar.  The fact that these alumni were so willing to open doors for me speaks volumes about the strong, lasting connections within the Loyola community.  It’s not just about earning a degree—Loyola is about building relationships that last long after graduation.

Loyola is so much more than just a law school—it’s a family.  A family that has your back, offers guidance, and helps you get where you want to go.  I’m beyond grateful for everything Loyola has given me, and I can’t wait to pay it forward to the next generation of students.