Why did you choose to attend South Texas Law?
I chose to attend South Texas Law because of its strong alumni network and connections within Houston’s legal community. All the alumni I have met spoke highly of how STCL Houston prepared them for their careers post-law school.
What legal opportunities are you participating in?
I will be joining Kirkland & Ellis as an associate attorney after graduation next year.
How did that opportunity open up for you?
During the fall of my 1L year, I applied for a summer associate position through both a resume drop on Symplicity and a direct application on Kirkland’s website. The next January, I interviewed with the firm and accepted an offer to join Kirkland as a summer associate for both summer 2025 and summer 2026. After two wonderful seasons with the firm, Kirkland extended a full-time offer to join its Houston office following graduation and passing the bar exam.
How did the Career Resource Center (CRC) help you navigate the recruitment process?
The CRC assisted by proofreading my resume and cover letter. I felt confident submitting my application materials due to their help. Additionally, I had the opportunity to practice interviewing skills with the staff and received feedback to improve my approach to answering interview questions. My CRC advisor also has served as my regular contact for providing updates regarding the recruiting process, and she gives me advice on how to best proceed in accordance with my goals.
What are your career goals for the future?
I will serve as someone that clients and co-workers can count on to complete tasks because I have a strong will to accomplish any goal I’ve set my eyes on. The tax field really interests me because the landscape is constantly changing. I’ll continually learn in my field so I may best serve my clients and team at the firm. I also strive to be a positive light for anyone I work with and hope they feel encouraged to do their best when working with me. I’m grateful for everyone who has mentored me and helped me get to this point in my life, so I hope to serve as a great mentor for those entering the profession behind me. My biggest goal for my career is to serve in the best position possible to support my future wife and family, for nothing is more important to me than them.
What advice would you give future law students going through recruitment?
The only person you’re destined to become is the person you choose to be. Refrain from worry or doubt, because STCL Houston accepted you due to your sound mind and ability to succeed in law school and in the legal community. It’s easy to think you’re not as capable as the person who understands a legal concept immediately. I felt this way upon entering law school and imposter syndrome hit me hard. I’m still someone who doesn’t grasp concepts quickly, and I must work relentlessly to understand legal concepts and how they apply to a set of facts. However, I think that determination is the key to achieving success and standing out to firms in the recruitment process. Communicate in your application materials, and in an interview, how you have allocated time and put yourself in the best position to accomplish your goals, what drives you to understand and apply the relevant law to fact patterns, and why your skills will add positive value to the workplace.
Who has been influential on you and your career path?
Professor Finegan has certainly made a positive impact on my law school experience. I’ve taken three different courses with her, and I currently serve as a Langdell Scholar for one of her courses. She has supported my law school journey since my very first semester, and I’m so grateful for her instruction and encouragement.
Professor Yamamoto gave me the confidence to pursue a career in tax law in the first place. He taught me the necessary skills to understand the Internal Revenue Code and its practical applications. I’m grateful for his thorough teaching method because the concepts he taught me a year ago refuse to leave my brain. Prof. Yamamoto’’s instruction has reassured me that what I learn will stick with me, something vital for my future career.
What student organizations have you been involved with?
I’m actively involved with Aggie Law Students Association, where I serve as alumni relations coordinator. I am also an active member in Oil & Gas Law Society, Tax Law Society, and STCL Golf Club.
How has the law school community supported your growth?
I love the STCL Houston community. Everyone is very genuine and supportive of each other’s goals and aspirations. I’ve enjoyed getting to know my classmates and faculty because everyone encourages each other to achieve their goals. Students always lend a hand to each other in preparing for lectures, reviewing class material, or practicing for an advocacy competition. All my professors have invested in my learning experience and take the time to help me understand their course subjects. My first-semester study group has made the most positive impact on my law school experience, and I’m thankful we continue to support each other’s interests and goals.
What is something unique about you that we can’t learn from your resume?
I’ve played piano for over 15 years. Growing up, I competed in competitions from first grade through high school. Now, I play for fun and to relieve stress.
