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Rachel, Alternate Public Defender at Los Angeles County : Advize Career Interview
A career as an Alternate Public Defender in Los Angeles County, as described by a seasoned professional, offers a deeply fulfilling yet challenging path.
The work involves managing a substantial caseload of juvenile clients, many involved in human trafficking, demanding resilience, strong communication skills, and unwavering dedication.
While the job requires navigating a "racist and broken system," the profound impact of fighting for those who often have no one else is incredibly rewarding.
Success in this field requires persistence, adaptability, and the ability to balance emotional investment with self-care.
A background in English, coupled with internships and clerkships, provides a strong foundation, but volunteer work and proactive networking are also highly recommended.
The interviewee's journey highlights the importance of perseverance, preparation, and a commitment to social justice.
The experience offers unique insights into the juvenile justice system and provides opportunities for significant personal and professional growth.
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Rachel Cala
Alternate Public Defender
Los Angeles County
University at Buffalo
Pepperdine Law -- Juris Doctorate
English
Law
Legal
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Student Athlete
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Career Path of an Alternate Public Defender at Los Angeles County
Rachel's undergraduate experience at the University of Buffalo, majoring in English, involved jobs unrelated to law, "just jobs to make money," although work for a news publication provided some communication experience. Legal-focused internships and clerkships began in law school, significantly influenced by Rachel's upbringing with a public defender as a parent, leading to their current role as an Alternate Public Defender in Los Angeles County.
Main Responsibilities Of An Alternate Public Defender At Los Angeles County
Rachel, an Alternate Public Defender in Los Angeles County, manages a substantial caseload of "40 to 60 juveniles," many of whom are minors involved in human trafficking cases through the STAR Court program. This highlights the diverse and challenging nature of their work within the juvenile justice system.
A Day in the Life of an Alternate Public Defender at Los Angeles County
A day for Rachel, an Alternate Public Defender, begins early, juggling family responsibilities before "talking to the families" and organizing a busy schedule. The work involves managing multiple cases simultaneously in different courtrooms, handling both expected and unexpected cases, aiming to complete "everything by noon" in a high-pressure environment described as "triage".
Most Important Skills For An Alternate Public Defender At Los Angeles County
Rachel, an Alternate Public Defender in Los Angeles County, emphasizes resilience as a crucial skill, stating that the job requires "lay[ing] your ego down and keep[ing] fighting" because "we don't win a lot." This demanding role necessitates self-care to maintain the "vigilance and diligence" needed to effectively represent clients.
Favorite Parts Of Being An Alternate Public Defender At Los Angeles County
Rachel, an Alternate Public Defender, finds the most rewarding aspect of the role to be "fight[ing] for somebody who oftentimes has never had someone fight for them," despite the challenging reality of working within a "racist and broken system." Building trust with clients and earning their trust is a deeply fulfilling aspect of the job.
Biggest Challenges Faced by an Alternate Public Defender at Los Angeles County
Rachel, an Alternate Public Defender, cites emotional investment in cases as the biggest challenge, acknowledging it as a "superpower" yet requiring careful balance. Maintaining self-care and a measured approach, "fighting the small battles to win the war," are crucial for both professional success and personal well-being.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Legal Industry as an Alternate Public Defender for Los Angeles County
Rachel, an Alternate Public Defender, finds the most rewarding aspect of the job is working with juvenile clients, describing their communication as "a pure form of communication." The unique challenges and rewards of connecting with teenagers, understanding their perspective, and building rapport are what Rachel most enjoys in her career.
What Type of Person Thrives in Public Defense, According to a Los Angeles County Alternate Public Defender
Success in public defense requires unwavering determination and the ability to "keep coming back with logic," even when facing constant rejection. Adaptability is key, as courtroom dynamics shift daily, demanding a measured and even-keeled demeanor while maintaining a commitment to client advocacy.
What an Alternate Public Defender at Los Angeles County Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Legal Industry
Rachel, a Los Angeles County Alternate Public Defender, wishes someone had prepared her for the "ugly" and deeply racist realities of the system, where the disproportionate incarceration of Black and brown people is shockingly pervasive. Despite the daily disheartening realities and the feeling of being "beat down," the commitment to fighting for change, even in small ways, motivates Rachel to continue.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Alternate Public Defenders Los Angeles
Los Angeles County Alternate Public Defender Rachel suggests that undergraduate students interested in this field consider "volunteer worker positions" at the public defender's office, a pathway she herself didn't take, but recommends as a way to gain experience before pursuing a graduate degree and a paid clerkship, which she describes as "a direct pipeline" to a public defender career.
Significant Career Lesson From an Alternate Public Defender at Los Angeles County
A significant career lesson for this Alternate Public Defender in Los Angeles County is that "showing up and being prepared" is paramount, even when "your best isn't always gonna feel good," because consistently representing clients is impactful, regardless of case outcomes. The work is demanding, and accepting that "you can't fix everything all the time" is crucial for maintaining well-being.
College Experiences That Helped an Alternate Public Defender at Los Angeles County Succeed
Rachel's path to becoming an Alternate Public Defender involved a blend of academic dedication ("applied myself to my studies"), valuable life experiences ("studied abroad, I worked"), and proactive career exploration ("asked people questions," "listened to advice of older lawyers"). The deliberate effort put into LSAT preparation, even retaking it for a better score, highlights the importance of perseverance in achieving legal career goals.
How Identity Influenced an Alternate Public Defender's Career at Los Angeles County
Rachel, an Alternate Public Defender, reflects on the significant progress made for women in the legal field, noting that while "women have to work a little bit harder to earn the same amount of respect," the courtroom now boasts strong female representation and a collaborative environment where colleagues daily impress.
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