Gomez Trial Attorneys

Finding Purpose in Law School

Vanessa Felix CoronaVanessa Felix Corona is a Law Clerk at Gomez Trial Attorneys and a JD Candidate at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, where she also serves as President of the La Raza Law Students Association. As a first-generation Latina law student, she has five years of experience in the legal field. 

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [2:16] Vanessa Felix Corona talks about her upbringing in Phoenix, Arizona, and attending law school in San Diego
  • [4:47] Vanessa’s family heritage and its impact on her career aspirations
  • [10:48] How Vanessa became involved with the La Raza Law Students Association and met John Gomez
  • [17:22] The most rewarding aspect of interning with Gomez Trial Attorneys
  • [20:51] Vanessa discusses her law school experience and involvement with the San Diego legal community
  • [28:51] Networking tips for law students 
  • [34:07] What does the future hold for Vanessa?

In this episode…

Law school is challenging in itself, but Latino and other minority students may struggle to network and find community. How can Latino law students leverage their heritage to maximize their experiences?

Ambitious law student Vanessa Felix Corona became inspired to pursue a legal career after witnessing her mother’s many court proceedings to obtain US citizenship. After moving to San Diego to begin law school, Vanessa felt out of place until she joined the La Raza Law Students Association. There, she began networking with experienced Latino lawyers who support aspiring Latino lawyers, and they helped her identify an ideal career path. Vanessa encourages Latino law students to establish or join their school’s Latino law association and advocate for Latino participation and admission. 

In today’s episode of The Lawtino™, co-host Jessica Lujan invites Vanessa Felix Corona, Law Clerk at Gomez Trial Attorneys and a JD candidate, to share her journey through law school as a first-generation student. Vanessa talks about her upbringing in Phoenix, Arizona, her favorite part about interning with Gomez Trial Attorneys, and her involvement with the Latino legal community in San Diego.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments: 

  • “Family is my number one. I come from a bigger family, and we’re all super close in age.”
  • “I want to be an attorney to help families who aren’t super knowledgeable in the law.”
  • “It’s so cool to see where your future could be or what your future could look like.”
  • “I love coming to work because I know I’m going to learn something new.”
  • “I want to pass the bar exam the first time and work at Gomez Trial Attorneys.”

Action Steps: 

  1. Join relevant student organizations: Engaging with student associations like the National Association of Women Lawyers (NAWL) or La Raza Law Students Association can provide head-start opportunities such as mock interviews. These organizations often offer connections and resources that are crucial for networking and career growth in law.
  2. Attend community networking events: Participate in local networking events and galas hosted by organizations like La Raza or the J. Clifford Wallace Inn of Court. These events introduce you to established professionals and mentors who can offer valuable guidance and potential opportunities.
  3. Seek mentorship actively: Identify potential mentors in your field who can provide advice and support. Mentors can offer insights and encouragement to help navigate the law school journey and beyond.
  4. Engage in public speaking and presentations: Involvement in activities that require public speaking, such as giving presentations at community meetings, can improve communication skills and confidence. This experience can enhance your ability to articulate and advocate effectively, a vital skill in the legal profession.
  5. Utilize social media for professional growth: Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with legal professionals and stay informed about networking opportunities. Engaging with content from industry leaders and sharing your experiences can expand your professional network and visibility in the legal community.

Sponsor for this episode…

This episode is brought to you by Gomez Trial Attorneys, a personal injury law firm based in San Diego.
Award-winning attorney John Gomez developed a nationally recognized legal team that goes above and beyond for injured clients.
With numerous designations, distinctions, and top-notch resources, we have what it takes to fight and win against major corporations.
For a free case evaluation, visit https://www.thegomezfirm.com/contact/.

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