YOU WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD.
BECOMING A LAWYER IS A POWERFUL WAY TO HAVE REAL IMPACT.
As a lawyer, you can work for justice. You can create change and right the wrongs you see in your community. You can help people who need a passionate and effective advocate. Truth is, lawyers can work in just about any field. You can have a career in politics, business, education, healthcare, environmental or criminal justice, sports, entertainment, or any combination.
In government, lawyers write laws as legislators or their staff, apply and enforce them in executive branch departments, and interpret them as judges. The possibilities are endless.
Think a law career is out of reach for you? IT IS NOT.
All sorts of people, from all walks of life, become lawyers. Undocumented immigrants. Rap musicians. Creative people. Passionate people. Lots of people just like you. Becoming a lawyer takes hard work and dedication, but it’s possible!
Worried about the cost? Don’t let that stop you.
Check around, there are lots of ways to become a lawyer, and many organizations offer financial support and resources to help students with the grit to study the law.
Okay, so what do lawyers actually do?
- Defend our rights to be treated fairly at work, to be free to assemble and protest peacefully, and against unlawful search and seizure
- Help people achieve U.S. citizenship
- Negotiate deals with musicians, actors, and athletes
- Protect our communities from pollution and keep them safe and strong
- Write or change the laws by running for office or working with an officeholder, or decide what the laws mean by becoming a judge or a research attorney
- Develop new businesses and create new opportunities for yourself and your community
- Help people stay in their homes and get public assistance when needed
- Fight to make sure everyone gets equal rights and the wages, benefits, and protections they deserve
- And more!
Meet some of California's inspirational lawyers
Patricia Guerrero
Chief Justice of California
Born and raised in California's Imperial Valley as the daughter of Mexican immigrants. Now the 1st Latina Chief Justice of California. Committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the judiciary, as well as technology that furthers access to justice for Californians. Passionate about civic education and increasing the provision of pro bono legal services to underserved communities.
David Kelly, Chief Business Officer Golden State Warriors
Born in Chicago. Attended Morehouse College and the University of Illinois College of Law. Before settling into a law career, was a rap musician and founder of a record label and music producer, releasing eight albums and touring internationally. Established a successful practice in corporate and sports law before joining the Warriors in 2012.
Lisa J. Cisneros, Magistrate Judge Northern District Federal Court San Francisco
Raised in Salinas. Grew up loving to read and play sports. Attended Brown University and UC Berkeley School of Law. Worked at California Rural Legal Assistance Inc., leading its LGBTQ Program, a model for similar programs nationwide. Appointed by Governor Brown to the Fair Employment and Housing Council. Joined the Civil Rights Enforcement Section in the California Office of the Attorney General in Feb. 2019. Appointed as federal magistrate judge in Nov. 2022.
Alicia Valencia, Esq. Senior Counsel Employer Defense Group
Born in Central America (El Salvador). Raised in the Bay Area. Firsthand experience of the immigrant struggle inspired study of law. Attended UCSB as an undocumented student. Went on to USF law. Internship in immigration and judicial externship in domestic violence before graduating and has since amassed extensive experience in all aspects of Workers Compensation litigation.
