Paola Vela ’24 Working at Ernst & Young Before Starting LLM in Taxation

Home Law School News Paola Vela ’24 Working at Ernst & Young Before Starting LLM in Taxation

Meet Paola Vela ’24, and learn more about her story at South Texas Law in this Student Spotlight by the Career Resource Center. 

Why did you choose to attend South Texas College of Law Houston? 

I chose South Texas Law because of its spring start program and because I had heard great things from alumni. Additionally, the school’s location in Houston is ideal, as I know it offers a wealth of opportunities. 

What are you pursuing after graduation?

I graduated in May and plan to pursue an LLM in taxation this fall. This summer, I’ll be working in the Transactional Tax Advisory Group at Ernst & Young.

How did you secure that career opportunity?

Professor Yamamoto sent me the job posting and encouraged me to apply. After talking to the recruiter, I was given the opportunity to interview with the team. It was a long interview process, but I was immediately drawn to the people. I was sure this was a place where I could see myself working. 

How did the Career Resource Center (CRC) help you successfully navigate that application process and your career path? 

Marie has been an incredible support for me throughout my three years of law school. During my first semester, I felt overwhelmed and lost, thinking that landing a job could only happen through the on-campus process in the summer. When I completed the OCI interviews and didn’t get an offer, I was concerned — then I met Marie.

She has guided me regarding practical things like my resume, personal statements, interviews, emails, etc., and has built up my confidence. In the face of career uncertainty and rejection, she always took the time to sit down with me and remind me of my worth. She encouraged me to keep pushing forward, to continue applying, and most importantly, to believe in myself. There were plenty of times when I felt discouraged, but she always knew the right things to say to keep me going. Thanks to her, I never gave up, and I was able to navigate the uncertainty with a little more hope and a lot more resilience.

Donna at the CRC also has been a constant support for me. She has taken me under her wing and given me more positive words, encouragement, and support than I could ever ask for! I can’t express enough how much the Career Resource Center has meant to me. Not only have they helped me find a path that I am excited to be on, but they helped me find the confidence to walk it.

What are your career goals for the future?

I plan to pursue a career in tax law after receiving my LLM in taxation. While I am uncertain where the future will take me, I plan on utilizing every opportunity for growth and learning, with the goal of paying it forward and becoming the best in what I do.  

What piece of advice would you share with future students going through recruitment and/or pursuing post-graduate opportunities?

I would tell them not to be scared of two things: rejection and uncertainty. I think a common misconception is that you should come in to law school knowing exactly what area of law you want to practice. While that may be true for some, it’s not the case for most. Don’t worry if you’re not sure where you’ll end up, and don’t be discouraged by rejection. Embrace every opportunity to explore different areas of law and discover what truly interests you. The right place will come along. 

Most importantly, be kind to everyone you meet at school and in the work environment. Your grades will only take you so far, but the reputation you build and the relationships you form will be what truly sets you apart. You never know how those connections might open doors for you in the future.  

Which professors have influenced you and/or your career path the most? 

Prof. Yamamoto has been the most influential in shaping my career path. I remember the first day of our tax law class when he said, “It happens every semester. By the end of this class, one or two of you will want to pursue tax.” Little did I know, I would be one of those people. Prof. Yamamoto sent me job opportunities, urged me to apply for positions that felt beyond my reach, and always spoke highly of me to prospective employers. His unwavering support has been one of the main reasons I’ve continued to pursue a career in tax law, and why I never gave up on finding my place in the field.

Prof. Moore showed me how deeply professors care about their students. She went above and beyond to ensure my success, offering guidance, academic mentorship, and emotional support since my first day of law school.

Dean Rensberger helped me fall in love with the complexity of the law through his engaging lectures in Civil Procedure during my first year of law school. He made me realize I was capable of learning challenging material and that law school could actually be enjoyable.

Prof. Correa and Prof. Lewinbuk showed me that professors aren’t intimidating. They left a lasting impression on me because, through their actions, they showed me that law can be compassionate, humorous, and kind.

What student organizations have you been involved with?

My most significant involvement was with the Langdell Scholar program, where I served as a Federal Income Tax Scholar for five semesters and was honored to be named Senior Langdell during my final semester. I also was a member of the ACLU, Hispanic Law Society (HLSA), and Tax Society. 

How has the South Texas Law community supported your growth?

Over the past three years, I’ve been lucky enough to receive support and encouragement from so many incredible people here. South Texas Law has created an environment where everyone genuinely cares and is eager to help one another. All my professors have been incredible, but I have to give a special shout out to the staff, who have been a steady source of support. 

Thanks to Officer Watts and the rest of the security guards who were the first ones to greet me every morning with a smile, and who sent me off with kind words after every late-night study session. 

Thanks to Ron, Kiefer, and the CandyMan deli team that fueled me with great food and coffee and created a welcoming atmosphere where we all wanted to hang out. CandyMan was our home away from home, and that was all because of the kindness of Ron and his team.  

Thanks to the Student Support Office, especially Jazmine, who have truly been a lifeline these past couple of years. Jazmine and Lindsey have picked up every single call, email, or text, whether urgent or not, no matter the time. 

Thanks to the Office of Bar Readiness, including Lisa, Bryan and Tony, who have worked tirelessly to help us succeed. They work around the clock to make sure we have all the resources we need to be confident and prepared for the upcoming bar exam.

And last but certainly not least, my spring section and the friends I have been so lucky enough to experience this journey with. When I first started law school, I was told it was all a competition and that classmates would just be classmates. That couldn’t have been further from the truth, because my classmates quickly became a second family. I can’t even count all the times they have helped, supported, and celebrated my accomplishments with me. They’ve made every early morning, long night, and stressful moment worth it. 

What is something interesting about you we can’t learn from your resume? 

I am a Mexican immigrant, and English is my second language. My parents, who grew up in Mexico, gave my siblings and me the privilege of moving to this country in search of countless opportunities, like the ones I’ve found at this school. Their sacrifice and courage in giving me a better future have shaped the person I am today.

I feel it’s important to share this part of my story because some may view speaking English as a second language as a disadvantage when starting law school. But over time, I’ve realized that it’s one of my greatest strengths, allowing me to connect with twice as many people and bring a broader perspective to every conversation and opportunity. 

Through my background as an immigrant, I carry with me the support of generations who have paved the way I walk on and continue to inspire me to succeed. Their belief in my potential has been a constant source of motivation, reminding me daily of the importance of resilience and hard work.

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