Rising second-year day JD Day student Erin Guevara ’27 brings a strong interest in public service and education equity to her role as a summer law clerk with the Youth Justice Education Clinic (YJEC). From researching education policy to advocating for students in disciplinary proceedings, Guevara is deepening her legal skills while making direct impact on clients’ lives. She will continue to work with the clinic this academic year. Elsewhere, she serves as a Student Ambassador, providing tours and other Admissions support, and volunteers with the Young Lawyers Program, where she provides advocacy training for high school students participating in a mock trial before real judges.
1. How did you land your summer job?
When I interviewed for YJEC for the school year, Director Vivian Wong and the team invited me to apply for the summer clerk position. After submitting my cover letter and resume and following the conversation we had for my initial YJEC interview, they offered me the position for the summer to work with the clinic.
2. What was/is the most interesting part of your job?
Learning the intricacies of education law and working on research for current education policy issues are the most interesting parts of my job.
3. What has been your most challenging assignment thus far?
My most challenging assignment thus far was creating a last-minute education history/timeline to prepare for a client's Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) meeting. The district provided short notice for the meeting, so I quickly looked through the client's records to see where the district was not supporting their education so we could appropriately advocate for the client during the meeting, which we did.
4. What new legal skill have you acquired during your summer job?
I have more honed raw legal skills I was introduced to during my first year rather than acquired new ones. I feel much more comfortable with legal research and oral advocacy after working with YJEC this summer because of the assignments I have worked on and clients we are supporting.
5. What bit of legal knowledge have you been able to display?
I have been able to display research and writing skills through drafting complaints and preparing policy handouts. As part of the Administrative Law Intensive, a program in partnership with Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles, I have also refined and worked weekly on my oral advocacy skills.
6. How has Loyola helped you map your career path?
Professors Gary Craig and Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs Jill Myers have been helpful in mapping my schedule as I balance dual interests of public interest law and entertainment law. Working with them to plan my academic courses for 2L and beyond has helped quell anxieties about preparing for two potentially different careers and remaining on track with bar courses and graduation requirements.