Tell us about your community growing up. Looking back, how did it shape who you are now?

I grew up in a predominantly Dominican neighborhood in tha Bronx. I immigrated to this country at the age of two with my family, and because of that, I was brought up to be hardworking, resourceful, and resilient. My neighborhood was heavily policed, so we were made to feel it was not safe, but we all looked out for each other. Even though we were an under-resourced community, I attribute my hustle to being from NYC.

Describe your journey to law school. What motivated you to enroll?

I firmly believe that our criminal justice system needs to be radically reimagined, and my goal is to continue to equip myself with the skills necessary to be a part of the solutions. After graduating from Vassar in 2011, I moved to Los Angeles, in large part because I knew California had one of the largest prison systems in the country. For nearly a decade, I had the privilege of being an educator who supported countless underserved young people on their academic journeys, because I believe that education is the most effective means of avoiding incarceration. I attended Berkeley Law because I knew it would provide me with the training and education I’d need to become an excellent advocate for the rights of incarcerated people, who are disproportionately of color.

What did you most enjoy in law school?

At Berkeley Law, I sought out resources and support systems for myself and others when times got tough, which is why I joined La Alianza - Law Students of Latin American Descent, Law Students of African Descent, Native American Law Students Association, Women of Color Collective, and the La Raza Law Journal. My dedication to these groups and fostering inclusive spaces resulted in my election as Co-Chair of La Alianza and Submissions Editor for the La Raza Law Journal. Additionally, my most rewarding experience in law school was when I assisted a client sentenced to life in San Quentin prepare for his parole board hearings under the supervision of UnCommon Law. My client was repeatedly denied parole, and because of that, I was able to co-write a habeas petition — further exposing me to appellate practice. Thankfully, my client was just granted parole this month!

How did appellate work first get on your radar? What draws you to it?

I was first introduced to appellate work in my first-year writing course, which focused partially on persuasive writing. We were tasked to write a brief and participated in an oral argument. My interest for appellate litigation further grew in Federal Indian Law — a legal field constantly evolving and partially shaped by cases that make it to the highest courts of our land. I practiced appellate work while appealing my client’s parole denial, first to the parole board and then a federal district judge via a habeas corpus petition. As a summer associate at O’Melveny & Myers (OMM), I participated in an appellate advocacy program and had the privilege of drafting a motion in limine for a case pending appeal. Appellate practice is where the law either gets clarified or distorted, and I hope to continue to help clarify it as a Litigation Associate at OMM LA this fall.

As a Latina, do you personally feel it’s important to have diversity in the appellate field?

As a multiracial Latina immigrant raised in the Bronx, I have felt different, inferior, and not welcomed in various academic and professional settings. Because of this, I developed a passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and vow to help create inclusive spaces wherever I go so others experience these feelings of inferiority less. Regardless of the space, elevating the voices of colleagues who feel on the margin in effect benefits everyone. Diversity and DEI work is especially important in the highest courts because the law has far-reaching implications for all lives, particularly marginalized and vulnerable folks. It is imperative that these courts reflect the true diversity of this country so the law can adequately reflect and protect the needs of all its people.

What advice would you give to a future law student who aspires to be where you are now?

Handle one fire at a time. Law school is overwhelming because you are learning a new language and a way to think. I found my anxiety increasing when I thought about what I had to do for the week, so I started focusing on daily goals and creating realistic to-do lists. Also, lean into your support systems near and far — having a strong community reminds you of your why when you start to lose focus or become disheartened. Try to attend social events early on so you can start building that community. Last, ask for help and utilize the resources available at your school. —The law is all about collaborative work; you will be more successful if you have a team rooting for you and pushing you forward.

What’s one thing law schools and/or the appellate bar can do to ensure our highest courts are representative of all our communities?

Increasing exposure to the diversity of appellate careers in law school and beyond would ensure that our highest courts are representative of all our communities. Participating in mentorship programs like TAP and SEO exposed me to appellate practice early on and is the reason I vied for and secured a federal judicial clerkship. Furthermore, expanding our view of what makes an excellent appellate law clerk — outside of students who attend T-14s or participate in moot court/law review — could go a long way.