ALUMNA SPOTLIGHT

How did you come to pursue your profession as a Public Defender?

While attending law school, I enjoyed constitutional law, and criminal procedure classes. As a result of reading case law, I began to see a pattern of indigent people being negatively affected by the rule of law. After my second year of law school, I worked at the Berkeley Community Law Center assisting indigent clients, who had contracted HIV and were suffering from AIDS, with obtaining Social Security Benefits, writing their wills, and drafting Power of Attorney documents. As I approached graduation, it was clear to me that I gravitated towards helping the indigent. This was based on my experiences in law school, and my Marymount education and religious instruction, which focused on forgiveness and treating others with kindness and compassion.

What advice would you give those wanting to follow in your professional footsteps?

I would advise them to work as hard as they possibly can in college and in law school. Being a lawyer requires long hours, continuing education, and dedication to clients. In addition, it is important to exercise self-care, have outside interests, and have a support network. Practicing law can be extremely stressful, and it is difficult to help others if you do not take care of yourself.

How has your Marymount education inspired you?

I credit my Marymount education with inspiring me to help others. I believe that as a public defender/trial lawyer I can have a positive effect on the judicial system. It is my job to ensure that my clients receive zealous advocacy, and that their constitutional rights are not violated.

What advice do you have for current students at Marymount and those just starting their college journeys?

The best advice I can give is to keep an open mind about what you want to do in the future. High school students should not be so quick to decide their majors or what their careers will be.

I would encourage them to think about what they are good at, what their real interests are, and to try, if possible, not to be swayed by what others think they should do. It is always good to get advice and consider the pros and cons of going down a particular path, but it is also important to live the life you want to live rather than how others want you to live it.

Has the Marymount Community impacted you in your postgrad life and, if so, how?

Recently, I have become re-engaged with the Marymount Community. During the pandemic, I participated in Zoom meetings regarding racial diversity, connected with current students and recent graduates of Marymount, and I was interviewed by a current 9th grader. It is wonderful to see that Marymount continues to produce very smart and accomplished young women who will work hard to make this planet a better place.

Is there a particular teacher or adviser at Marymount who inspired you?

Sister Charles was my favorite teacher. Sr. Charles was a very warm and kind person, whom I can still picture to this day. She was the teacher who instilled in me the desire to be kind and to do my utmost to ensure that all people, regardless of their circumstances, are treated with kindness, dignity, and respect.