“This is the Best Part of My Job!”

Eight SVUDL Students from 5 different schools had the opportunity to work with professionals from the Berkeley Law School’s Alumni Association in preparation for their mock Pre Trial motions in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties! The students worked in small groups with the Berkeley alums, including both lawyers and a judge, sharing their opening statements and fielding practice questions meant to help them focus their arguments and get into the mindset necessary to be at their best.

Freshmen student Jimena Resendiz-Carrillo from Eastside College Preparatory Academy noted that they began the session feeling nervous about answering questions from their assigned alumni “judge.” “By the end of the session, I was confident that I knew the material,” they said, beaming. While it was Jimena’s first time giving a closing argument to a live audience, they walked away having the confidence to do it again.

Afterwards, the Berkeley alum took questions from the students about their daily life in the legal profession. Justin Nguyen, a student from Yerba Buena, had one of the most memorable questions of the afternoon, “Why do you love the law?” Judge Cynthia Lie was eloquent in her response, noting that the rule of law is the basis for mutual respect and shared responsibility in a democratic society.” David G. Smith spoke on behalf of the Alumni Association, noting they were “very proud with how the day evolved and of the positivity shared by alumni and students alike,” and concluding, “This is the best part of my job!”

Thank you to all the volunteers from the Berkeley Law School Alumni Association for supporting our students in preparation for their upcoming Moot Court competitions!