My time at McGeorge School of Law’s Elder and Health Law Clinic was a defining experience in my legal education and career. It allowed me to build on my foundation of service from my time in the Marine Corps while deepening my dedication to serving vulnerable populations with compassion and diligence.
In the Marine Corps, I served on the military honor guard, providing funeral honors for fallen marines. Working alongside retired marines gave me insight into the challenges aging individuals face. I had always viewed the marines of the past as strong and invincible, but I came to see how aging made them vulnerable. This experience instilled in me a commitment to advocate for the elderly — a commitment I carried into my work at the Elder and Health Law Clinic.
During my second year of law school, I took on a leadership role at the clinic, representing clients under the supervision of a licensed attorney in Elder Abuse Restraining Orders and complex elder abuse litigation. One significant case involved an elderly couple who transferred the title of their home to family members, believing they retained a life estate. They were later served with an unlawful detainer and a restraining order that barred one client from returning home. I filed a civil complaint alleging fraud and answered the unlawful detainer action. I also filed a motion to consolidate the cases, which was hotly contested. Successfully arguing the motion, while negotiating a stay on the restraining order, was a pivotal moment in my development as a legal advocate. It taught me the importance of preparation, thorough research, and strategic thinking.
In addition to managing my caseload, I mentored newer students in the clinic, helping them navigate complex cases and build their legal skills. This mentorship role deepened my understanding of teamwork and leadership and reinforced the value of collaboration in legal practice.
The skills I developed at the Elder and Health Law Clinic — working with vulnerable clients, thorough case preparation, and courtroom advocacy — have had a lasting impact on my work today as a Deputy District Attorney for the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office. I now prosecute serious and violent felonies, often working with crime victims who are under immense stress. My time at the clinic taught me how to establish trust, listen actively, and communicate legal concepts clearly — skills that are essential in working with victims and their families. The clinic’s emphasis on detailed case preparation also laid the foundation for my ability to handle high-stakes felony cases with confidence and care.
The Elder and Health Law Clinic gave me critical legal tools while reinforcing the importance of empathy and advocacy. It also allowed me to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals, something that remains central to my career today. For any student seeking a transformative experience, I wholeheartedly recommend it. It’s an opportunity to hone your legal skills while deepening your understanding of the law’s potential to uplift those in need.