Where did you go to undergrad? What did you major in?

I went to NYU for undergrad. I majored in Latino Studies (with a Pre-Med concentration).

Where did you go to law school?

I went to Pace Law (White Plains, NY) for my 1L year. I transferred/graduated from Georgetown Law — cum laude. (I completed my 2L + 3L year at Georgetown).

Do you have other degrees?

Yes, I have a Master’s in Education from Johns Hopkins University and a Master’s in Bioethics from Columbia University.

Did you have another career before law school?

Yes, I was a high school math teacher in Miami, FL for two years. I was also an elementary math teacher in the Bronx for a year. I became a teacher through the Teach for America program (2013 cohort).

Why did you become a lawyer?

I became a lawyer for many reasons — but probably the #1 reason was because I felt there was some sort of power in holding a JD or MD as a minority. I saw how my classmates were treated differently when their parents held those degrees and so I set my sights on obtaining one of them, ultimately choosing to become a lawyer. I do think I am treated differently (in some respects) because of this, but not all respects. I also wanted to understand the law and my rights. I could have done a simple Google search, but I spent thousands of dollars instead — but hey, I think it was worth it.

Does law school rankings matter when it comes to getting a job?

It depends. Do you want to do biglaw? Then, yes, it will matter even if people try to tell you that it won’t. However — my general advice is to study hard, earn excellent grades and develop close knit relationships with professors. Doors will be a tad bit easier to open.

Do law firm rankings matter — meaning — should I consider this before choosing one?

I would say no. First, most biglaw firms pay the same salary. Second, pick a place where you will be happy. Where you can learn. Where you are supported. You will be spending a lot of hours there and around the people, so keep that in mind.

Should I take a LSAT prep course?

I have a video about this here.

What should I major in to prepare for law school?

Major in whatever you’re passionate about and will do well in! You’ll learn everything you need to in law school. (The same goes for preparing for a job in biglaw. You will learn everything you need to know at that job! Just do well in your studies.)

Any study tips for the LSAT?

Everyone has a different method. I think consistency is key if you want to see your score increase. So, treat LSAT prep like a 9-5 job for a few months.

What bar prep course did you use?

Themis - and I passed on the first try.

What bar prep course did you use for the MPRE?

Themis. Also passed on my first try.

What kind of law do you practice?

I practice corporate law at a biglaw firm.

Did you always want to practice corporate law?

No. I was interested in criminal law and family law, but found both to be too emotionally taxing. I still do tons of probono projects within those fields though through my law firm!

What was your LSAT score and Undergrad GPA?

I don’t tell anyone my scores. It’s just a personal choice (shoot, my parents don’t even know). I want to emphasize that while LSAT and GPA are important factors, you can also shine on your application in other ways: personal statement, work experience, extracurricular, etc.

Do you feel like your Master’s degrees served as a plus on your application?

I think it gave me like 1/10 of a brownie point. Please don’t get Master’s degrees just because you think your resume will look better. I actually think Master’s degrees are a waste of money unless you use them (can you tell I regret getting my Master’s degrees?). I got them because they seemed like the next step in education, but looking back… I wish I talked to other people about their journeys because what you start to see is people reaching the same destinations — and taking completely different paths to do so. And that is totally okay!

Does your LSAT score or Undergrad GPA matter if you transfer to a different law school?

No! LSAT and Undegrad GPA (and Master’s Degrees too) no longer affect your school’s rankings when you apply as a transfer student. In other words, excel in your first year and doors will open for you, even the doors of T14s.

Why did you go to Georgetown?

I applied early action in February 2018. UChicago was the only other T14 that had early action, but I was not crazy about Chicago weather. I knew that I got in to Georgetown in April 2018, right before 1L finals. I didn’t want to spend any more time or money applying to other T14s. I felt like Georgetown was the perfect place for law school — it’s in the political capital of the world! I am glad I decided to go there!

Can you at least say what your 1L GPA was your first semester? — because you ended up at a T14.

I was in the top 10% — so I had something like a 3.6 or 3.7? I don’t remember, but you don’t forget the top 10% title lol.

How do you balance being a lawyer/podcaster/content creator?

Time management has been my saving grace. It is certainly not easy, but I enjoy doing all three and give all three my 100%. My word of advice is never bite off more than you can chew!

Are you a first generation student?

I sure am! I am the first in my family to have Master’s Degrees and a Professional Degree (JD). Being first-gen made it 100x harder because you have to teach yourself the ropes — for example, I had to figure out how to fill out a college application and FAFSA.

You were an older law student. Are there advantages to taking gap year(s)?

I started law school when I was 26 — and just three months shy of turning 27. I don’t think it’s ever too late to follow your dreams (in this case, going to law school). You may be thinking — “Oh no! If I start now, I’ll be done at 40!” -— but you’re gonna turn 40 either way, right? Taking gap years definitely gave me an advantage. I had a ton of work experience. My writing skills were superb (thanks to the two Master’s Degrees program). I had more “time” to take the LSAT. I didn’t know what I wanted at 22. I had a better idea at 26 so yes, I am glad I waited.

What did you do during your 1L summer?

I landed a biglaw job in NYC via a program that only minorities with top grades could apply to. I had to go through rounds of interviews to snag the job. I also worked in biglaw during my 2L summer. I got that job via OCI. However, I had a ton of friends who did a judicial internship during their 1L summer and go on to work in biglaw. It’s not really common to work in big law as a 1L summer!

What can I do to land a 1L or 2L summer job — whether in corporate law or elsewhere?

Mass mail recruitment at biglaw firms (or wherever you are trying to go). Attend networking events because yes, connections really are everything chile. Participate in OCI after 1L year. Those are just a few ways.

Did you clerk for a federal judge?

I mean technically… I did a federal judicial internship during my last semester of law school with a Federal District Court judge in DC. I did everything a clerk would normally do — but just did it over a semester versus an entire year or two. I don’t regret avoiding the clerking route post law school.

I have a question that you didn’t answer here. What should I do?

Check my posts to see if I’ve addressed it. If not, drop me a note here.