Why did you choose to attend South Texas Law?
During my senior year of college, I was introduced to South Texas College of Law Houston through its Pipeline Program offered by the Agosto Justice Center for Leadership and Empowerment. The program gave me an inside look at the law school and, more importantly, the opportunity to connect with its students and staff. Every interaction left me feeling welcomed and supported. That experience made me realize that South Texas Law was a community where I could thrive. It felt like the right next step in my career, and I am grateful every day for the people who make this law school so special.
What legal opportunities are you participating in?
I spent this past summer as a law clerk with Avalos Family Trial Attorneys, founded by South Texas Law alumna Gianni Avalos ’21, and I am continuing in the role this fall.
How did that opportunity open up for you?
I came to law school knowing I wanted to practice family law and help families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Early on, I began researching family law firms and knew I wanted to gain experience at Avalos Family Trial Attorneys, PLLC (AFTA) because of its commitment to serving families. I worked closely with my Career Resource Center (CRC) counselor throughout my first year to understand how I could position myself for an opportunity in family law. I attended CRC events, sought out networking opportunities, and prepared myself to make meaningful connections with practitioners in the field.
That opportunity came when the First-Generation Law Student Association hosted a panel featuring attorneys and alumni, including the founder of AFTA. I introduced myself, continued building that connection, and later followed up with the firm. With guidance from the CRC on interviewing and cold-emailing, I reached out during the spring semester of my 1L year. That outreach ultimately led to a summer internship with the firm, followed by an offer to return as a law clerk. Today, I continue to learn and grow in the role.
How did the CRC help you successfully navigate the recruitment process?
The CRC played a huge part in making my 1L recruitment experience exciting and meaningful. My counselor, Marie Garcia, is someone I always feel comfortable going to for guidance. The events the CRC hosted throughout the recruitment process, from D.I.N.E. with a J.D. to “Day in the Life” events, gave me the opportunity to explore different areas of law and helped me solidify the path I want to pursue.
The CRC also helped me tailor my resume, prepare for interviews, and approach recruitment with confidence. There were so many opportunities to explore, and having that support made the experience feel exciting rather than overwhelming.
What are your career goals for the future?
My goal is to build a career in family law focused on serving and advocating for the Houston community. I hope to use my legal education to help people navigate difficult moments while continuing to give back through community service. This summer, I had the opportunity to participate in AFTA’s Back-to-School Drive, where more than 700 backpacks were distributed to children in the community. Being able to experience firsthand the impact of serving was incredibly meaningful to me, and I hope to have many more opportunities of this kind throughout my career. Ultimately, I want my career to be rooted in service and making a meaningful difference in my community.
What advice would you give future law students going through recruitment?
Enjoy the process but be intentional about it. Recruitment is an exciting opportunity to learn more about yourself, the legal profession, and the many paths you can take. Stay true to your interests while giving yourself the freedom to explore and broaden your horizons. Talk to people, attend events, ask questions, and put yourself in rooms where you can learn something new. The right opportunity may not come when or how you expect it, but if you show up and do the work, you will be ready when it does.
Who has been influential to you and your career path?
Professor John Tyler from my alma mater Houston Christian University had a significant influence on my path to law school. He believed in my ability to pursue a legal career and encouraged me to seek out opportunities like the STCL Houston Pipeline Program. What stood out to me most was how much he cared about his students. His commitment to mentorship made a lasting impression on me.
At South Texas Law, Professor Moore has been a mentor to me since my first visit to STCL Houston. She is someone who celebrates every one of my wins, both big and small. She embodies the kind of respect and professionalism that I think matters so much in this profession.
Professor Vukadin, my Legal Research and Writing professor, made an unfamiliar subject feel approachable. I always looked forward to her class because she created an environment where I felt comfortable learning, asking questions, and finding my footing in legal writing. Her passion for teaching is evident in everything she does.
What student organizations have you been involved with?
I have been involved with the First-Generation Law Student Association and the Women’s Law Society. Both have been a great way to meet other students and find community at South Texas Law.
How has the law school community supported your growth?
The South Texas Law community has played a meaningful role in my growth by making sure I never feel like I’m navigating this experience alone. That support has come from so many places — from upperclassmen and alumni, to professors and staff, to the many resources available to students. The alumni community has been especially welcoming and always willing to share their experiences and advice. I have also found support in the everyday moments throughout law school, whether it’s a professor taking the time to answer a question, a friend offering encouragement, or a security guard greeting you when you walk in. It is those small, everyday interactions that have made the biggest impact.
What is something unique about you that doesn’t appear on your resume?
When I was 15, I competed in Univision’s nationally televised Quinceañera: Un Sueño Cumplido. I grew up watching Univision with my family every morning before school, so being on the other side of the screen and knowing thousands of families were watching was both surreal and terrifying. The experience pushed me far outside my comfort zone. I was challenged to deliver a message of peace at the United Nations in New York and had the opportunity to shadow attorney César Vargas. Seeing someone who looked like me use his education and legal skills to give back to his community was incredibly inspiring. It reinforced my desire to use my own education to do the same.
I was also paired with John Couch, the former vice president of education at Apple and a longtime advocate for education, who continues to be a mentor to me today. My community rallied around my journey, creating #DefensoraDeFamilias (“Advocate for Families”) in support of my goal of becoming an attorney. Through the competition, I was fortunate to earn a college scholarship.
It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life, and it all started because I applied! You miss the chances you don’t take. Looking back, it’s pretty special to watch those videos and see that the goal I talked about at 15 is the same one I am pursuing today.
