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By far the most rewarding experience during my post-bar clerkship with the PD’s office was the client interaction. It was a daily reminder of the reason I went to law school – to be a voice for those whose voices are muffled out by the systemic oppression in our society. I am so thankful for these experiences and the opportunity to gain valuable insight and training from talented Public Defenders. I am looking forward to joining the fight as a Deputy Public Defender in the near future.

I am a Latina first generation recently barred attorney. I spent my time at Loyola working at the Juvenile Justice Clinic where I represented youth in delinquency proceedings as a certified law clerk. I met with youth every week in juvenile halls throughout LA, I assisted in family issues such as finding family housing and therapy resources and advocated for our clients on the record. The most rewarding case I worked on while there was a competency case for over a year that resulted in a full dismissal of seven felony charges. While with the Public Defender's Office I shadowed an attorney in court, met with clients, prepared cross examinations, conducted legal research and writing, drafted motions to dismiss and motions to suppress evidence. My favorite work with the office was writing a very challenging motion to dismiss a homicide case for a 16-year pre accusation delay.

Prior to going to law school, I knew I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to be an advocate and voice for vulnerable communities. Working at the LA Public Defender's Office has thus been an amazing experience all around. Clerking with the office has allowed me to work alongside a large group of attorneys that are committed to doing the same and that are driven with such passion. My time in the office has only refueled my passion for fighting against the many injustices the impoverished face. I am forever grateful to every attorney that I have had the pleasure of working with as I have learned so much.

I served as second chair on a trial from start to finish, including assisting in voir dire, helping prepare opening and closing statements and cross and direct examination. During trial, I drafted an original Hammon-Reber motion to obtain privileged psychiatric medical records of a prosecution witness and the jury returned not guilty verdicts on all the most serious charges. I also worked to prepare preliminary hearings, by reviewing arraignment packets, drafting evidentiary requests, and conducting client interviews.

I would like people to know that working at the Public Defender's Office was an amazing experience. I was able to advocate for indigent defendants by drafting motions and ensuring that their rights were not violated. Growing up in a low-income neighborhood, I understand the struggles that several of these defendants face; thus, making my experience that much more valuable.

I was welcomed at all of the new hire trainings, trials, and learned critical skills for trial and voir dire. I was assigned to dedicated attorneys who took the time to train me how to manage cases, invited me to join expert calls, client visits, and write motions. I was always treated as part of the team. Even during the pandemic, there was never an idled day. Thank you, Los Angeles Public Defenders for your investment in my growth!