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The Path to Law School for First-Generation Students

By /

Jorge GarcíaJorge García is the Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at the California Western School of Law, where he oversees admissions strategy and financial aid initiatives that support student recruitment and access to legal education. With 23 years of law school admissions experience, he has also spent 33 years administering financial aid to undergraduate and law school students. Before joining the California Western School of Law, Jorge served as the Director and Assistant Dean of Admissions, Financial Aid, and Diversity Initiatives at the University of San Diego School of Law.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • [4:45] How a work-study job in financial aid started Jorge García’s 30-plus-year career in higher education
  • [6:00] Jorge’s transition from financial aid counselor to law school admissions leader
  • [8:35] Why community college can be a strong pathway to a four-year university
  • [13:43] Efforts to increase diversity and representation in law school admissions
  • [20:02] The barriers first-generation students face when preparing for the LSAT
  • [22:04] Advice for aspiring law students on GPA, information sources, and persistence
  • [31:36] Growing interest in law among students of color motivated by community advocacy
  • [43:21] How representation in the legal profession inspires future Latino lawyers

In this episode…

The path to becoming a lawyer can feel confusing, especially for students who are the first in their families to navigate higher education. Between financial barriers, admissions tests, and limited guidance, many talented students never recognize the opportunities available to them. How can aspiring law students gain access to information to kickstart their education?

Higher education admissions leader Jorge García maintains that aspiring lawyers should focus on building strong academic foundations, seeking reliable guidance directly from admissions advisors, and understanding the multiple pathways to a successful career — including starting at community college. Jorge also encourages students who must work during school to highlight their work ethic and leadership in applications, reminding them that perseverance and grit often matter just as much as test scores.

In this episode of The Lawtino™, John Gomez and David Arreguin sit down with Jorge García, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at the California Western School of Law, to discuss pathways into law school for first-generation students. Jorge shares his journey from community college to higher education leadership, how admissions teams evaluate LSAT scores and life experience, and why law school applications are rising as more students pursue legal careers to advocate for their communities.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments:

  • “34 years later, I’m still doing the same type of work, working with students, helping them reach their… goals.”
  • “You may have to go to a community college, but the goal is to get to the… end point.”
  • “You just don’t run numbers and pick numbers; you have to find the person.”
  • “You want to look for people who are not going to quit, who are going to work hard.”
  • “You need to get like valid, reliable information.”

Action Steps:

  1. Seek accurate admissions information early: Reach out directly to law school admissions offices or advisors instead of relying on forums or hearsay. Getting reliable guidance early helps students understand requirements, timelines, and financial aid opportunities.
  2. Focus on maintaining a strong GPA: Academic performance remains one of the most important factors in law school admissions and scholarship opportunities. A higher GPA can significantly reduce the cost of law school through merit-based aid.
  3. Use community college as a strategic pathway: Starting at a community college can provide an affordable and flexible way to begin a college education. It also allows students to build strong academic habits before transferring to a four-year university.
  4. Highlight work experience and resilience in applications: Many students work while attending school, which demonstrates responsibility and perseverance. Admissions committees often value real-world work ethic and leadership just as much as extracurricular activities.
  5. Build a clear purpose for pursuing law: Admissions committees look for applicants who have a meaningful reason for entering the legal profession. Connecting personal experiences or community needs to a legal career shows motivation, direction, and long-term commitment.

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/.

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