Fall 2021 Semester
I decided to come to law school because I knew I wanted to make a difference in the world, and specifically use my position as a lawyer to advocate and work with my community back at home. I chose Seattle University School of Law specifically because I felt that the school’s mission and curriculum aligned well with my values and what I hope to bring to the legal field.
While law school is known for being competitive, my experience with the campus culture at SU has been very community centered. In fact, my favorite part of Seattle U Law has been meeting new people. I have been able to build meaningful friendships with my classmates through creating study groups in my section and attending various clubs and org meetings. I have also found that 2Ls and 3Ls here are eager to send outlines and provide advice to 1Ls which has been incredibly helpful. Additionally, I feel like the faculty and staff at the law school genuinely care about their students, so when you feel overwhelmed, they will be there to support you.
During my first semester, the transition to law school was challenging. Adapting to the workload and classroom learning style took me some time to get used to. However, I found that law school got much better once I adjusted to the fast-paced environment, and I also found that building friendships with my classmates helped me feel connected to the law school community.
The class I enjoy most so far is legal writing. I am someone who enjoys receiving feedback, so that I know whether I am on the right track or not. Thus, I discovered that legal writing quickly became my favorite class because of how accessible office hours were and how quickly I could get advice on my memos.
I recently competed in the 1L ADR Client Counseling and Negotiation Competition and placed second overall. I was very nervous going into the competition, because I didn’t have a whole lot of experience with either client counseling or negotiation, however it was such a fun experience and I felt like I gained a ton of practical skills. After the competition, I decided to apply for the ADR Board, and was offered a membership position, where I will be able to help put on more competitions and connect with a larger network of attorneys in the Seattle area.
I was also a witness for the first-place team in the 1L Mock Trial Competition which was a lot of fun. I hadn’t had a lot of experience with mock trial prior to law school, so it was a nice way to participate and learn more about the process without having the pressure of competing. Overall, I highly recommend participating in either of the 1L Competitions. It is a wonderful opportunity to try something new and grow during your first year when there’s not a lot of pressure.
I think my best advice to soon-to-be law students would be to expect the unexpected. Attending law school during a pandemic has been an interesting time to say the least, and I think it is important to remain flexible and patient whenever possible. I also think it is important to enjoy the experience. Law school is difficult, but I hope you take time to participate in extracurricular activities and meet new people along the way.
March 2022
The month of March was very busy and moved so quickly. After weeks of job applications and interviews, I officially accepted a summer internship position. I applied through Washington’s LEAD program and will be working with Seattle Children’s Hospital for 10 weeks this summer. I am very excited to learn about a wide variety of legal work, and network with other legal professionals in the Seattle Area. Additionally, I applied and was accepted to both the ADR Board and the Moot Court Board. I am very excited to participate in both of these organizations and gain as many skills and networking connections as possible.
Halfway through the month, we had Spring Break. I spent my time visiting family and getting some much-needed rest. Of course, I spent some time reviewing notes and outlining, but I really enjoyed the opportunity to relax for a few days and spend quality time with people I care about. Finally, we also had our annual Barristers Ball. Barrister’s Ball is an end of year celebration of academic success, and an opportunity for students to have fun outside of the Law School Environment. It was a wonderful time make memories and relax before we begin to crack down on our studies before finals.
April 2022
The month of April has been quite a whirlwind. We had two major legal writing assignments due, one being a collaborative memo with an outside organization, and the other being our final memo. Though it was a journey, I am excited to say I have officially completed Legal Writing I. Reflecting back on the past year and looking at my writing from my first memo to my last, I can truly see the growth and improvement in both my writing, and my analysis. I am excited for Legal Writing II, but will enjoy these next few months, legal writing free.
I have also been buckling down on my studies in preparation for finals. While I do feel a more confident walking into finals this semester, having one round of finals already under my belt, the truth is finals never get easier. Reviewing all the material from the semester and creating strategies of how I will tackle the different exams can be overwhelming at times. However, I don’t think there has ever been a time, prior to this in my life, where I have learned so much in the span of 8 months. So, while the actual testing part is not fun, I really do feel like I have learned so much about the law, but also how to think critically, how to speak confidently, and how to persevere through stressful times.
It is truly crazy to think that my first year of law school is nearly complete. I am very excited for summer break and to take time for some much-needed rest, but I am also incredibly proud of myself and my classmates for making it this far. While law school is a time that will push you to your limits, make sure you take some time to enjoy it, because it truly does fly by.
Summer 2022
It’s hard to believe that we’re already back, but we are nearing the end of the first week of school. It has been wonderful to see the incoming 1Ls settling into their classes and making friends! My friends and I also spent this past week catching up, sharing stories of our summer internships, and preparing ourselves for year two of law school. While I am not particularly thrilled to have to do homework again, I must admit, it’s nice to see everyone again and get back into the swing of things.
This summer I had the opportunity to be paired with Seattle Children’s Hospital through the LEAD-WA program. The LEAD-WA program goal is to foster inclusion and diversity in the practice of law by offering opportunities to law students from traditionally underrepresented groups to work in a variety of law firm and corporate law environments in the State of Washington. I got to work with an incredibly talented team of attorneys at Children’s, and I appreciated the chance to see the legal field through an in-house perspective.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Children’s as I was able to explore health care law from varying perspectives such as labor and employment, hospital operations, cancer research, other legal work relating to the medical field. I was involved in projects in which I drafted various contracts, created multiple FAQs to explain legal concepts in a more comprehensible manner, and drafted memos for the legal team. One thing I have great appreciation for, is the numerous experiential skills I gained from the attorneys at Children’s and the valuable relationships I have been able to cultivate with each of them.
I am currently in search of my 2L summer internship (yes, the grind truly never stops), and I am finally settling into my classes this semester. I am excited about the fact that I get to choose my classes now, and I am hoping to explore as many potential legal topics as possible in the next two years!
November 2022
Our fall semester is now in full swing. It is hard to believe we are only a few weeks away from starting finals, but the way time works in law school is a concept I have still yet to understand. This semester has had a lot of a great memories: I competed in both of ADR’s Client Counseling and Mediation competitions; I worked Moot Court’s Bond and Motions competitions; I participated in membership drives for both boards; I have submitted my final brief for Legal Writing (no more legal writing forever!); and I have been working with an outstanding committee to organize monthly community activities for the students of color at this school.
From my experience, 2L works you hard, but it is not as daunting as 1L. As I am approaching my halfway mark of law school, I realized I no longer struggle with imposter syndrome, because I recognize my worth and I have seen how much I have grown both academically and experientially these past few months.
This semester, I also made it a point to have a better work-life balance. In addition to law school and homework, I have attended a few concerts, I watched a few sporting games, and I was intentional in spending time with my friends outside of law school. I noticed how much happier I felt doing these simple things because I was able to restore and recharge parts of me that I didn’t even realize law school had depleted. While it may be difficult to step away from studying, I feel like it is extremely important to take time for yourself to prevent burnout.
Spring 2023
The start of this semester has been extra exciting because us 2Ls are finally “over the hump,” or over halfway through law school (yay!). Like every other semester, however, the school work picked up very quickly. I am currently taking Evidence and PR, which are both required courses, and I am taking Criminal Procedure, Con Law II, and Advanced Legal Research as elective courses. I am very happy that we have a little more freedom in selecting our classes, and I have been taking advantage of selecting classes that sound the most interesting to me. While PR is a required course, it is great with helping to prepare students for the MPRE. The MPRE is the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination, and it is required for admission to the bars of all but two US jurisdictions (Wisconsin and Puerto Rico). The MPRE is typically administered three times throughout the calendar year, so there is a lot of flexibility on when to take PR as a class, and when you want to take the MPRE.
I also had the privilege of competing in our Tausend competition. SU has one of the best Legal Writing programs in the nation. During your Legal Writing I, you will focus mainly on writing memo’s and learning how to do legal research. However, during Legal Writing II, you move to writing trial and appellate briefs and presenting your oral arguments to real attorneys acting as judges. Additionally, if you score a B+ or higher on your final appellate brief in Legal Writing II, you qualify to compete in the Tausend (Spring) or Bond (Fall) Oral Argument Competitions, where you argue both sides of the topic you worked on during Legal Writing II. Though I did not move very far in the competition, it was a wonderful opportunity to push myself to do something I’m typically not comfortable with, and it was a great way to network with attorneys in the area!
I think my best advice to future students is to take advantage of every opportunity you can in law school. It is much better to figure out what you enjoy (or don’t enjoy) and make mistakes now, while you’re still in school, than five years into your careers. If you see something sparks your interest, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and try!
April 2023
We have about a month left before we are done with the school year, and I am super excited for summer break, while also a bit terrified for finals. Aside from Tausend, I have also competed in the ADR Negotiations competition, and the 2L/3L Mock Trial competition. Most of my competition experience has been with the ADR board, so it was exciting to try to do a mock trial competition for the first time.
I was very excited to go home to Hawai‘i during spring break and attend my cousin’s wedding. A lot of prospective students ask what it is like balancing law school with your social life and family, and I will be honest it is not necessarily easy. The most important thing I learned is to be intentional with how you spend your time. This can be spending a weekend at home where you can really focus on family and friends or communicating with your loved ones when you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed and need to focus on studying. It is super important to do things that will recharge your social battery while also balancing your studies, and I felt that my spring break was the perfect balance for me.
I wasn’t super stoked to leave the beaches back home and return to 30-degree weather, but now that it was warmed up a bit, it is so nice to see students hanging out or studying outdoors. I personally feel way more productive when I am in the sunshine, so I have been able to enjoy being outside while also memorizing all the rules of evidence (or at least trying my best to).
This summer I will be doing a Rule 9 internship at Blair & Kim, which is a small firm that was created by two SU Law alumni. I look forward to taking a little break from reading massive textbooks, and I am also excited to work side by side with two incredible alumni who I hope to gain a ton of knowledge from. I am also looking forward to spending time at parks, reading for fun (it's not the easiest hobby to keep up with in law school, as you can imagine), going to the movies and concerts, and of course spending time with my family and friends who I haven’t seen too often during the school year. It is a little crazy to think that I am almost in my last year of law school, but I look forward to enjoying the memories and opportunities that come with 3L year!
Summer 2023
We are back at school for our final year, and summer sure flew by. This summer I was working as a Rule 9 intern at Blair & Kim, PLLC doing mainly criminal and civil defense. With my Rule 9 License, I was able to meet with clients, draft legal documents on their behalf, submit argumentative briefs to the court, and attend hearings on behalf of the client under attorney supervision. I have truly learned so much this summer and have gained a wealth of experience of doing the work that an actual attorney does.
This semester, I have opted for experiential learning as well, for both the experience, and the fact that I am tired of school (lol). Over the summer I applied to various judicial externships and am extremely excited and grateful to have the opportunity to work with the Honorable Judge Martinez at the Western District Court of Washington. I will be working closely with his law clerks and will have the opportunity to sit in various court proceedings as an observer. My main goal throughout my time at law school was to gain as much experience as possible, and I definitely feel like I am accomplishing that goal by taking advantage of as many opportunities as possible.
This year I am particularly excited to graduate and finally finishing law school, but I have to say I will sincerely miss my friends and colleagues who I have gotten close with these past few years. I hope to enjoy this last year as much as possible, and to make the most of these final months.
Fall 2023
It is surreal to reflect upon these past few months and to proceed to wrap up my final Fall semester in law school. This semester has been my favorite so far, for many reasons. First, I participated in my final ADR client counseling competition. I engaged with hypothetical clients, listened to their legal needs, and provided practical advice. I learned that effective lawyering isn’t just about knowing the law—it’s about understanding people and finding solutions.Zulen and I also had the privilege of competing at the regional level for negotiations, which was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Negotiation competitions demand finesse—a delicate balance between assertiveness and collaboration. Representing clients’ interests while seeking win-win outcomes taught me the art of persuasive negotiation. It’s a skill I’ll carry into my legal career, where compromise and advocacy often dance together.
This semester I had the privilege to extern at the Federal District Court in the Western District of Washington under the Honorable Ricardo S. Martinez. My time in Judge Martinez’s chambers was transformative to say the least. Witnessing federal proceedings up close and watching attorneys at work gave me unique insights. The weight of each ruling, the dynamics between attorneys, and the impact on real lives—it all left an indelible mark, and I am truly grateful for this firsthand experience. Additionally, drafting orders, opinions, and legal memoranda during my externship refined my research and writing abilities. Judge Martinez’s guidance bridged theory and practice. I learned that legal analysis isn’t just about citing cases; it’s about crafting compelling narratives that sway judges. Confidence in my writing grew, and I felt more prepared for the challenges ahead.
Aside from my externship, I am taking Criminal Motions, which primarily involves arguing hypothetical cases. For example, we would simulate courtroom scenarios where we argue motions to suppress evidence, setting bail, discovery requests, sentencings, and much more. These mock litigations pushed me to think on my feet, to advocate persuasively, and to adapt swiftly. The adrenaline of a well-constructed argument—the thrill of making a case—solidified my passion for criminal law. Working so closely in the Federal Court system and practicing my oral advocacy skills has truly allowed me to home in on my passions. Advocating for indigent clients, ensuring due process, and fighting for justice is more than a career choice—it’s a calling. As I apply for Public Defender jobs at both the state and Federal level, I hope to be the voice for those who can’t afford private attorneys, and in doing so, contribute to a fair legal system where everyone receives proper representation.
March 2024
As I approach the culmination of my law school journey, the weight of uncertainty seems to grow heavier with each passing day. Despite my relentless efforts, the elusive job offer remains a distant dream, casting a shadow of doubt over my post-graduation plans. The recent dent in my savings, courtesy of the hefty $600 bar application fee, serves as a stark reminder of the financial hurdles awaiting me beyond these hallowed halls.
However, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there are glimmers of respite and moments of joy. Serving as a judge for the 1L ADR competition provided a welcomed distraction, allowing me to immerse myself in the intricacies of alternative dispute resolution while relishing the opportunity to mentor aspiring legal minds. The prospect of judging the upcoming 1L mock trial competition fills me with a sense of excitement, offering a brief respite from the relentless grind of academia.
Despite the challenges that lie ahead, I find solace in the small victories and moments of camaraderie that punctuate this tumultuous journey. As I navigate the final stretch of my law school journey, I cling to the hope that perseverance and determination will ultimately pave the way toward a brighter future.
