Ana Sofia Wacker is a third-year law student at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law with a background in data analytics. She plans to begin her legal career at Jones Day, focusing on cybersecurity and data privacy.
ElianNE del Campo is a second-year law student at George Washington University Law School with a background in education and an interest in consumer protection and employment law.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [02:36] Meet Ana Sofia Wacker, a third-year law student at The Ohio State University, and discover why she joined the Hispanic National Bar Association.
- [03:18] Elianne del Campo shares her journey from Mexico City and Madrid to George Washington University Law School.
- [04:51] Ana discusses her plans to pursue cybersecurity and data privacy law at Jones Day.
- [06:39] How Elianne discovered her interest in consumer protection and employment law while exploring different legal fields.
- [08:18] Why law students should embrace career changes and enjoy the journey of discovering their professional interests.
- [09:29] How Latino Law Student Associations help build community and professional connections at law schools.
- [12:39] The growing importance of Spanish-language skills in serving clients and navigating the legal profession.
- [14:20] How bilingual and bicultural skills can create opportunities in international corporate law.
- [16:00] Why HNBA conferences provide valuable mentorship and networking opportunities for first-generation law students.
- [16:55] How overcoming pride and learning to ask for help can open doors to professional growth.
- [19:13] Why trusting your own path, avoiding comparison, and celebrating accomplishments are essential to success.
- [20:36] The guests’ closing messages about taking action and believing that success is possible.
In this episode…
In the final installment of Lawtino Podcast’s special series from the Hispanic National Bar Association Annual Convention in Washington, D.C., John Gomez and David Arreguin welcome Ana Sofia Wacker and Elianne del Campo, two aspiring Latina attorneys navigating law school, professional opportunities, and the importance of community.
Ana, a third-year student at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, shares her journey from Texas to Ohio and her plans to begin her legal career at Jones Day, focusing on cybersecurity and data privacy. Elianne, a second-year student at George Washington University Law School, discusses her background in education, her growing interest in consumer protection and employment law, and the challenges of finding a Latino community in law school.
Together, they explore the importance of mentorship, bilingual legal skills, professional networking, and learning to ask for help. Their conversation highlights the unique challenges facing first-generation Latino law students while offering encouragement to anyone discovering their own professional path.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Gomez Trial Attorneys: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
- John Gomez on LinkedIn
- David Arreguin on LinkedIn
- Martha C. Gómez
- Ana Sofia Wacker on LinkedIn
- Elian del Campo on LinkedIn
Quotable moments
- “I came to the HNBA conference because I was really missing my Latino community.”
- “I wanted to create that community here.”
- “Diversity is still something that we’re working on for Latino lawyers.”
- “Everyone is so open and willing to help law students.”
- “Sometimes that prevents us from asking for help.”
- “There’s nothing wrong with using that to help your community and to help build your career.”
- “Not comparing yourself and just continuing to trust your own process.”
- “Celebrating what you’ve already accomplished and using celebration to fuel the next step.”
- “Time is gonna pass no matter what, so we might as well do something good with it and start now.”
- “Sí se puede.”
Action steps
- Get involved in professional organizations early. Join groups like the HNBA and your school’s Latino Law Students Association to build relationships and access professional opportunities.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Reach out to professors, practicing attorneys, and mentors who can provide guidance throughout your legal education.
- Explore different areas of law. Take classes, pursue internships, and speak with professionals before deciding on a legal specialty.
- Use your cultural and language skills. Develop professional Spanish-language proficiency to better serve clients and expand your career opportunities.
- Build meaningful professional connections. Attend conferences, participate in networking events, and maintain relationships with people you meet.
- Avoid comparing your journey to others. Recognize that every law student develops interests, skills, and career opportunities at a different pace.
- Celebrate your achievements. Acknowledge your progress and use past accomplishments as motivation for future goals.
- Give back to the next generation. Share your experiences and help other Latino law students navigate professional challenges.
- Take action now. Don’t wait for the perfect moment to pursue opportunities, build relationships, or work toward your goals.
Sponsor for this episode…
This episode is brought to you by Gomez Trial Attorneys, a personal injury law firm based in San Diego.
Award-winning attorney John Gomez developed a nationally recognized legal team that goes above and beyond for injured clients.
With numerous designations, distinctions, and top-notch resources, we have what it takes to fight and win against major corporations.
For a free case evaluation, visit https://www.thegomezfirm.com/contact/.