Why did you choose to attend South Texas Law?
I knew I wanted to live and work in Houston long term, and having a strong local network was extremely important to me. During the application process, I focused on how well graduates were prepared to enter the legal field and was impressed by South Texas Law’s commitment to developing well-rounded, practice-ready attorneys who can confidently hit the ground running.
What legal opportunities are you participating in?
I currently work at Toeppich & Associates, where I focus on oil and gas matters, and I will be continuing my work there this summer. I am also fortunate to have the opportunity to spend six weeks at Hunt Law Firm, where I will be gaining experience in family law.
How did that opportunity open up for you?
I obtained both positions through the Career Resource Center’s on-campus interview (OCI) sessions. I secured first-round interviews with each firm, which ultimately led to employment offers.
How did the Career Resource Center (CRC) help you successfully navigate the recruitment process?
I would not have had the same level of confidence during my interviews without the countless meetings and encouragement I received from my CRC counselor, Marie Garcia. I was coached on interview strategy, how to research firms, and practiced potential questions and responses so I could walk into each interview feeling fully prepared.
What are your career goals for the future?
I’m excited to build a career in a practice area that I am passionate about. It can be challenging to decide on a long-term focus, especially when you come into law school with varied interests. My law school experience exposed me to an array of practices, including criminal law, family law, and energy law. It is reassuring to be able to spend time working in each of my areas of interest and know that from there, I can pursue a career in a field I truly love.
What advice would you give future law students going through recruitment?
I can’t stress enough how important it is to start researching and preparing for the job search early. Our school offers a wealth of support systems to help students, but ultimately, you are responsible for pursuing and earning the opportunities you want.
Employers want to hire students who are hungry for the position, so be intentional and show your enthusiasm. Understanding what you are looking for in an employer and, just as importantly, what employers are looking for in you is key to positioning yourself for an opportunity where you can succeed and feel genuinely fulfilled.
Who has been influential during your time in law school?
Professor Yamamoto’s tax class was challenging, but it taught me how to lean into difficult subjects and embrace the discomfort of not mastering a subject right away. Those challenges are where discipline is built, and I think that lesson applies to the field of law regardless of your practice. He also deepened my appreciation for my laptop, since his classes are tech-free.
What student organizations have you been involved with?
I have been involved in the Oil and Gas Law Society and currently serve as chief articles editor for our Energy Newsletter. I am also the treasurer for Texas Exes (Hook ’em!).
How has the law school community supported your growth?
STCL Houston has given me the best group of friends I have ever had. There is something truly comforting about being surrounded by students who share a common goal. It has been extremely rewarding to celebrate my friends’ achievements while knowing they are cheering me on as well. We survived 1L together, celebrated birthdays and milestones, and supported each other through many challenges. I’ve found my lifelong friends in law school.
What is something unique about you that doesn’t appear on your resume?
I am pretty sure I hold my high school record for the slowest mile time ever recorded in a track and field meet.
