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Isabel, Law Student at Stanford Law School : Advize Career Interview
A Stanford Law student's journey, beginning with undergraduate studies in psychology and American studies, reveals a passion for law's societal impact.
Two years with Teach for America and launching a charter school shaped their commitment to community service, culminating in Stanford Law.
The daily grind involves rigorous coursework, legal writing, and exam preparation, balanced with extracurricular activities.
Success, this individual emphasizes, hinges on strong reading comprehension and writing skills, along with initiative, networking, and optimism—skills developed through both academic pursuits and prior experiences.
The legal field's versatility and the power to help others are highlighted, while imposter syndrome and the importance of mentorship are acknowledged.
Advice to undergraduates includes pursuing genuine interests and building a compelling narrative, showcasing authenticity and healthy boundaries.
This individual's story underscores the importance of optimism, networking, and self-awareness in navigating a challenging yet rewarding legal career.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Isabel Mendiola
Law Student
Stanford Law School
Claremont McKenna College 2018
Stanford Law School (JD Forthcoming)
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Psychology
Law
Legal
Honors Student, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
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Career Path Of A Law Student At Stanford Law School
Isabel's undergraduate studies in psychology and American studies sparked an interest in law's societal impact, leading to two years with Teach for America in San Antonio—an experience "most informed" their current path. This was followed by helping launch a charter school, before applying to Stanford Law School to further explore the connection between law and policy, demonstrating a commitment to community service and a dedication to bridging theory with practical experience.
Main Responsibilities of a Law Student at Stanford Law School
Isabel's main responsibilities as a Stanford Law student primarily involve "going to class and doing the readings," with additional time dedicated to legal writing assignments and preparing for final exams; extracurricular activities also play a role, but academic coursework dominates their schedule.
A Day In The Life Of A Law Student At Stanford Law School
A typical day for this Stanford Law student involves early classes ("8:30 AM on Wednesdays"), followed by substantial reading and outlining for upcoming "Doctor finals," a process that often extends into the evening. Balancing academic demands with social life and extracurricular activities, like attending talks and studying with friends, is a key part of their experience.
Most Important Skills For A Law Student At Stanford Law School
Isabel, a Stanford Law School student, identifies "reading comprehension" and "writing" as crucial hard skills, noting that legal writing differs significantly from other academic writing styles. Further, the development of soft skills like "taking initiative," "reaching out to people," and maintaining optimism despite challenges are equally vital for success in law school and, by implication, a legal career.
Favorite Parts of Being a Law Student at Stanford Law School
Isabel, a Stanford Law student, most enjoys "understanding how our world works" through studying subjects like the Voting Rights Act and seeing how law both creates and remedies societal injustices. The inspiring classmates and professors, offering diverse perspectives and mentorship opportunities, further enrich their experience.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Law Student At Stanford Law School
Isabel, a Stanford Law student with four years of prior work experience, identifies the "sheer amount of work" and the tendency to compare oneself to peers as major challenges. This highlights the need for strong self-boundary setting, a skill Isabel finds valuable despite the difficulty of balancing academic rigor with personal life, as "it takes a lot of kind of boundary setting with yourself".
Favorite Parts of Working in the Legal Industry As a Law Student
Isabel, a Stanford Law student, most enjoys the legal field's versatility, stating, "there's just so much you can do with it," from nonprofit work to high-paying law firms, while also appreciating the "superpower" of a legal degree, enabling its holder to readily assist others in need, as seen in the aftermath of the Uvalde school shooting.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Legal Industry, According To A Stanford Law Student
Isabel, a Stanford Law student, highlights the diverse nature of the legal field, stating there's "no one particular type of person who thrives." Success, however, hinges on key attributes: the ability to "take feedback," show initiative, demonstrate "meticulous" attention to detail, and be "authentic" to build client relationships.
What A Law Student At Stanford Law Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Legal Industry
Isabel, a Stanford Law student, shared two key insights: the pervasive nature of imposter syndrome, especially for women and people of color in the field ("it feels really real when you feel it"), and the unexpected value of networking, highlighting how a past babysitting job led to a summer position – emphasizing that "you just never know who you're gonna meet."
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Law Students
Isabel, a Stanford Law student, advises undergraduates considering law to pursue "what you're interested in," whether it's education, cryptocurrency, or paralegal work, emphasizing authenticity in showcasing career choices. The application process benefits from a compelling narrative explaining one's academic and professional journey, even if a chosen path proves unfulfilling.
Significant Career Lesson From a Law Student At Stanford Law School
Isabel, a high school teacher and current Stanford Law student, identifies unwavering optimism as a crucial career lesson, noting that "really just having this on feeling optimism that like you can do it" was key to success in teaching and continues to be valuable in law school, even amidst discouragement. This positive outlook, initially perceived as a reason people mistook their teaching level, proved unexpectedly powerful in achieving goals.
College Experiences That Helped A Stanford Law Student Succeed
To achieve success, Isabel prioritized pursuing authentic academic interests ("psychology and American studies"), even if unconventional, which ultimately clarified career goals and fueled motivation. Furthermore, the development of healthy boundaries and a strong mentorship relationship with a professor, significantly contributing to a successful law school application, despite less-than-average GPA and LSAT scores, underscore the importance of self-care and networking in undergraduate success.
How Identity Has Influenced A Law Student's Career At Stanford Law School
Isabel, a Stanford Law student, notes the lack of diversity in the legal field, highlighting the importance of mentorship and support networks among women of color. This experience, coupled with feelings of imposter syndrome, underscores the need for self-awareness and actively rejecting feelings of inadequacy—"it is not helpful, it's not true,"—while emphasizing the power of connection and reaching out for support within the profession.
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