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.
Women of Color in Law, Imposter Syndrome, Networking in Law School, Mentorship, Navigating a Hierarchical Field
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Isabel Mendiola
Law Student
Stanford Law School
Claremont McKenna College 2018
Stanford Law School (JD Forthcoming)
Psychology
Law
Legal
Honors Student, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. The lack of diversity in the legal field and the importance of networking with other women of color.
2. The impact of imposter syndrome on women of color in the legal field and the importance of self-advocacy and community support.
3. The value of reaching out to professionals in the field for mentorship and guidance, acknowledging that while they may be busy, many are willing to assist
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a woman of color, how has that impacted how you navigate your career?
I think there are two different ways this has impacted my career. First, I want to say my dad is Mexican American and my mom is white. I definitely recognize that I have a lot of privilege when it comes to that aspect of my culture.
But that being said, the first way that has impacted my navigating this legal space is that I have been so incredibly inspired by women lawyers and professors at Stanford, or also just people I've messaged on LinkedIn and chatted with or interviewed with. Especially women of color.
The legal field is not diverse. It's very hierarchical and I would say regressive, which is really obviously a bummer. But there are definitely a lot of people trying to make moves in the legal field. Women of color in the legal field really want to help each other out and be that support that maybe they didn't feel from some of their other co-workers.
My advice to other women and women of color who want to get into the legal field is to please reach out. Reach out to me, reach out to alumni at your school, reach out to people who have interesting jobs you want to chat with. People might not always respond because they're busy, but when they do, they want to help you.
The second thing goes back to imposter syndrome. It can be difficult in ways that don't necessarily feel super salient to be in spaces or learn about people, histories, or whatever it is where you feel like you don't see anyone who looks like you or has had your experiences.
Even in law school, they are making huge efforts in diversity and inclusion, which is amazing. But there are still times where I feel like I can't really relate in certain ways. I think that really impacts my imposter syndrome in ways I don't even realize, making me feel inadequate. It's difficult to see that link.
Sometimes you just feel like you shouldn't be here, that you're inadequate, or XYZ. But it's so important to be aware of that feeling and just reject it. It is not helpful, it is not true.
Sticking together and reaching out to women professors or literally anybody is so important. Even expressing how you're feeling is so important.