Defying the Odds: My Journey to Becoming a Lawyer

Driven by faith, breaking barriers, and inspiring the next generation of Latina leaders in law. 

Growing up, I never imagined how far my dreams would take me.  All I knew was that I wanted to be a lawyer—something I decided at eight years old.  But becoming a lawyer wasn’t always a given.  As a proud Latina and first-generation college graduate, I faced many challenges, but with the support of my family and a lot of determination, I found a way to overcome them.

I moved to the United States from Costa Rica when I was just three years old.  Like many immigrant families, we navigated the challenges of adjusting to a new country and language while striving for success.  Despite these struggles, my parents instilled in me the importance of education.  Their support made all the difference in my journey.  I learned to tune out the naysayers and stay focused on my goal.  Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to attend the University of California, Riverside, where I earned my degree in Political Science with a focus on Law and Society.

After graduating, I jumped into the workforce, starting at a real estate boutique firm where I spent two years learning commercial property management.  I then worked as a paralegal at a private law firm for five years.  Despite my career growth, my dream of law school was elusive due to my immigration status, which prevented me from applying for loans at the time.  Thankfully, an unexpected opportunity finally allowed me to pursue my dream of attending law school.

Fast forward to today, and I’m a fourth-year evening student at my dream school, Loyola Law School, juggling schoolwork with my full-time job as a judicial assistant at the California Court of Appeal.  It hasn’t been easy—balancing a full-time job with law school can feel like a never-ending challenge.  But I keep pushing forward, remembering the “why” behind my efforts.

I’m excited about the future—I’ve already secured a post-bar clerkship and an associate position at a well-regarded trial firm in Brentwood.  But beyond that, I want to inspire others to break down the barriers that might hold them back.  I want young Latinas to see that no dream is too big to achieve.

When I’m not working or studying, I love to unwind with long-distance running, hot yoga, and time at my local church.  These moments keep me grounded as I chase my dream of becoming a lawyer.  With hard work, determination, and the support of my family, I know I can continue to break barriers and inspire others to do the same.

TOPICS: 4E, Student Life