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.
Career Exploration, Networking, Resilience, Overcoming Challenges, Motivational Stories
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Rachel Cala
Alternate Public Defender
Los Angeles County
University at Buffalo
Pepperdine Law -- Juris Doctorate
English
Government & Public Sector, Law
Legal
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Gain life experience through work and study abroad
2. Seek advice from experienced professionals and listen to their guidance
3. Apply yourself diligently to standardized tests like the LSAT
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set up for success in your career?
Honestly, I have life experience. I studied abroad and worked. I really applied myself to my studies, but I still had fun.
I asked people questions. I listened to the advice of older lawyers that I knew to see how they liked their careers and what they thought I should do, or where I'd be a good fit. I actually listened.
I went to therapy, soul-searched, and took the LSAT. I took it twice because I needed to get a better grade on the second one. I really applied myself to that test the second time I took it, and that was the beginning of my legal career.
Advizer Personal Links
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