During law school, I had the privilege of participating in the Elder and Health Law Clinic, an experience that shaped not only my legal skills but also my confidence in practicing law. Like many law students, I went in eager to learn, but I left with something a textbook could never teach — firsthand experience that prepared me to open my own practice not long after passing the California Bar Exam.

What stood out the most about the clinic was how much real-world experience I gained, even beyond what I was getting at a law firm as an intern. I wasn’t just researching legal theories or drafting memos — I was in the trenches, working directly with clients, drafting discovery requests and responses, preparing trial binders, and engaging in meet and confer meetings with opposing counsel. I even gained valuable trial experience, something many law students don’t get until much later in their careers.

Although the clinic primarily focused on elder and health law, my supervising attorney worked closely with me to incorporate cases related to breach of contract matters and transactional work, aligning with my growing interest in contract and business law. By the end of my time in the clinic, I had practical experience that set me apart from many new attorneys. More importantly, I had confidence — the kind that only comes from doing the work, not just reading about it.

One of the biggest takeaways from the clinic was how much I valued the attorney-client relationship. Working directly with clients gave me a deep appreciation for the responsibility we have as lawyers. I saw how much they relied on me, and it made me determined to never be the kind of attorney who gives the profession a bad name. That experience instilled in me a work ethic and a commitment to fairness that still drives my practice today.

Looking back, I can say with certainty that the legal clinic is the reason I had the confidence and experience to open my own firm here in Sacramento. My primary focus now is ensuring that my clients — whether they’re business owners, individuals in contract disputes, or those facing legal uncertainty — are treated fairly and receive the justice they deserve. The skills I gained in the clinic continue to shape the way I advocate for my clients today.

For any law student considering clinic work, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s one of the best ways to bridge the gap between theory and practice, and for me, it was the foundation that made my legal career possible.

By McGeorge School of Law alumnus Bernadette Bet-Mashal, ’21.