Meet Sarah Zepeda ’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?
Before law school, I worked as a paralegal for three years. Many of the attorneys I worked for and looked up to attended STCL Houston, and I wanted to follow in their footsteps.
What are you pursuing after graduation?
After graduation, I am moving to Washington D.C. to pursue my LL.M. in taxation law at Georgetown University Law Center.
How did you secure that opportunity?
I took advantage of all the upper-level tax courses South Texas Law offers and immersed myself in the tax community. I was involved with the Tax Law Society, volunteered with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Clinic at STCL Houston, and am a member of the Houston Bar Association Tax Practice Section. All these prepared me for the tax LL.M. application process earlier this year.
How did the Career Resource Center help you successfully navigate that application process and your career path?
My CRC advisor, Marie, was so supportive of my goal to pursue tax law. When it came to the LL.M. application process, she offered advice on my application materials such as my resume and personal statement.
What are your career goals for the future?
After Georgetown, I plan to return to Texas to practice corporate tax law and business tax planning.
What advice would you give future students going through recruitment and/or pursuing post-graduate opportunities?
Get involved in organizations related to the type of law you are interested in, build relationships with the professors who teach that subject, and connect with attorneys currently practicing in that area of the law. Building a network of people in the community you want to work in is just as important as earning good grades!
Which professors have influenced you and/or your career path the most?
Without a doubt, Professor McGovern has had the biggest impact on my path to a career in tax law. Outside of teaching my Federal Income Taxation and International Tax Courses, he is supervising my research for a substantial writing project on tax credits for clean vehicles under the Inflation Reduction Act. Outside of class, he’s been extremely supportive of my goal of pursuing a tax LL.M., sharing his experiences, offering advice, and writing letters of recommendation.
What student organizations have you been involved with?
I’ve been an active member of the Student Bar Association every year that I’ve attended STCL Houston. Also, I served as a 1L class representative and a mid-law senator, and I am currently the student body vice president. I am the secretary of the Tax Law Society and the communications director for the Real Estate and Construction Law Society.
Beyond the Career Resource Center, how has the South Texas Law community supported your growth?
Many of the STCL Houston professors, including Professor McGovern, Professor Vukadin, and Professor Gold, have been influential in my growth as a student. In addition, South Texas Law has an awesome network of alumni who are willing to mentor students and support their career goals.
What is something interesting about you we can’t learn from your resume?
I’m an avid gardener! I’m currently growing several fruits, vegetables, and herbs, including blueberries, rainbow chard, kale, tomatoes, peppers, cilantro, and dill.
