Hello! My name is Karina, and I am a rising 2L at California Western School of law. Finishing 1L year was a huge accomplishment for my family and I. As a first-generation law student, I am the first in my family who has been privileged enough to endeavor on this journey towards a successful legal career. While it comes with much responsibility, it brings me joy knowing that after completing my 1L year, arguably the most challenging year of law school, I am one step closer to getting there.

When I was given the opportunity to work at POTENTE, I quite literally jumped for joy! I was excited for all the opportunities to grow and learn from great California Western alumni at the firm! It meant so much that POTENTE wanted to me to be a part of the team.

Naturally, I have felt a little nervous about transitioning from being a fulltime student to spending my summer working as a fulltime law clerk at a new law firm. However, when a firm is as welcoming and encouraging as POTENTE, you feel a sense of belonging that replaces the nervousness with gratification and excitement. During my first few days working at POTENTE, there has never been a moment where I felt like I could not ask for clarification or assistance on a project.  My 1L education allowed me to quickly understand assignments and navigate legal terminology that once felt like a foreign language to me. It is encouraging getting to work hands-on with the team and be entrusted with my own assignments.

In just a matter of days, I have learned so much about how the law works and how to best cater to our clients, while creating relationships with POTENTE team members.  I am excited to see what more I will be taking on and the memories I will create at POTENTE. I look forward to growing in my legal career and becoming the best attorney I can be.