Tracy Owens already has a post-graduation law job waiting for her, thanks to a summer stint at a law firm.
The 24-year-old law student grew up in Palm Springs, CA, but decided to enter law school in Northern California.
"[I] chose McGeorge due to a wonderful scholarship opportunity, as well as the location in Sacramento," she explains. Her decision was also due to the government job opportunities and internships available to her in the city.
Thanks to her location, she has made good use of the resources available. Between her first and second years of law school, she worked for the California Department of Justice's Office of the Attorney General in Sacramento. She worked in the litigation support unit, where she learned more about litigation software and trial preparation.
Owens is now in her third year at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.
"It's unique in that the law school is separate from the main campus, so we have the whole place to ourselves," she says. "I think it's also one of the friendliest law schools, which was apparent from the very first time I visited the campus."
Owens enjoys her civil procedure and evidence courses the most, but she says it is the way law makes her think that really moves her.
"I enjoy the challenge, as well as its broad application to so many areas of everyday life," she says. "I view almost everything through the filter of my legal training now, whether it's something on the news or helping a friend or family member with a problem."
Owens did not take a direct path to law school. At 16, "bored and frustrated" with high school, she tested out early and started going to community college and working full-time. She then transferred to California State University, San Bernardino, where she obtained her B.A. in Human Services.
"It was probably the best decision I've ever made," she says.
Owens has also made an effort to get involved at her school.
"I am currently the editor-in-chief of the Pacific McGeorge Global Business & Development Law Journal," she says. "Last year I was a staff writer for the journal, and I look forward to seeing my comment on China's WTO compliance published this fall."
Q. What do you do for fun?
A. Working out/running, shopping, cooking, and going to the beach.
Q. What CD is in your CD player right now, or what was the last song you heard?
A.OK Go.
Q. What is the last magazine you read?
A. Unfortunately, not a lot of time for magazines lately!
Q. What is your favorite TV show?
A.Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Q. Who is your role model?
A. I would have to say that everyone in my life is a role model in some way. My family and friends each have unique traits and strengths that I strive to develop in myself.
Q. What is something most people don't know about you?
A. I am really clumsy and hurt myself all the time!
Getting involved in university activities has taught Owens a great deal about time management and friendships.
"[Organizations help build] leadership skills and relationships that will last well beyond law school," she says, but she also recommends making proper use of your time. "It's important not to stretch yourself too thin. School should definitely come first, but if you have time to really commit to one or two things, you should."
Having already established a relationship with civil law firm Gresham, Savage, Nolan & Tilden, for which she worked this past summer in the Inland Empire, Owens is ready to get her career started.
"I will devote the first part of my career to private practice. But the best thing about getting a J.D. is that you are not limited to any specific thing," she says. "Later in life, I would love to be a judge or law professor and eventually be a full-time writer or legal correspondent."
Owens hopes to graduate in May 2008 and says that prospective students should go to law school for the right reasons.
"Realize that law school will change you in so many ways. The key is to go for a reason that you are truly passionate about, because this is the only thing that gets you through…you have to want it more than anything," she says. "There's no guarantee that you will still have the same ideals and goals three years later, but that's okay too."
On The Net
University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law www.mcgeorge.edu
California State University, San Bernardino www.csusb.edu
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