Like many law students, Jesica Gonzalez (JD '22) went to law school to help make a positive impact in her community. Also, like others, she struggled with self-doubt and channeled it into working harder to prove that she could do it. As San Joaquin College of Law's 2022 Valedictorian, her hard work paid off.
Learn more about Jesica, including her advice for time management, how she planned her busy schedule, and why knowing what works best for you is the key to success in law school.
How Did Your Journey to Law School Start?
Unlike others, I didn't see myself attending law school from a young age. Throughout high school, I wanted to be a nurse. Next, I thought I would major in psychology–and then I almost went to fashion school! It took me a while to figure out my passion, what motivated me, and what ignited a fire in me.
After taking a few courses in college, I fell in love with subjects such as Criminology, Economics, and Political Science. I also always loved learning about the history of our country. I ultimately received my Bachelor's degree in Criminology at Fresno State.
In college, I'd considered attending law school. Ironically, during my second semester at Fresno State, I received a job offer from the Fresno County Superior Courthouse to work as a Judicial Assistant in the criminal department–and I thought it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. Although I would be working full-time and attending college, I knew it would give me an idea of what the legal field was like.
Various legal professionals I'd met during college advised me to work in a law firm or a place where I could connect with other attorneys before attending law school. By doing this, I could speak to other attorneys and see the type of work they did to see if that was what I wanted to do. Law school is a big challenge and sacrifice, so you want to be 100% confident it's a profession you will enjoy. As a result, I thought a job at the courthouse was a great opportunity to network with attorneys, judges, and other professionals in our local legal community.
As soon as I began working at the courthouse, I truly enjoyed learning about criminal procedures and seeing what occurs in a courtroom daily. It wasn't legal work per se because I wasn't working in a law firm, writing motions, or drafting pleadings, but I was working on the backend. I was able to have conversations with a few public defenders, attorneys, and judges as well. Simply hearing about their experiences and why they chose to become attorneys solidified why I wanted to go to law school.
Before attending law school, a close friend went through a child custody case. She would confide in me about her struggles, like not being able to afford an attorney or understanding the court procedures. This situation truly signified to me how important it is to have access to attorneys and to be aware of our rights because most people don't know how to navigate the legal system.
The ultimate reason I went to law school might be generic, but I wanted to make a positive impact in our community and help others. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor described her reason for becoming a lawyer in her memoir perfectly: "The law, I understood at a young age, was different in scope. Doctors and nurses, and teachers helped individuals one by one. But through the law, you could change the very structure of society and the way communities functioned. In this way, the law could help vast numbers of people at once."
That statement resonated with me. The impact we can make in our community as attorneys are tremendous. But, I also had a passion for the law and truly wanted to learn about the law. I believe it is important to be aware of your rights. I also know there is a sense of confidence that comes with achieving a higher education. I wholeheartedly believe I made the right decision.
What Was the School Culture at SJCL Like and How Was Your Experience With Professors and Students?
My experience with the professors and students at SCJL was great. From the very first moment I walked into SJCL, I quickly felt welcomed by everyone. The professors were always available in person, through email, or a phone call—which I believe is crucial in law school. At times, during my 1L year, I would call my Legal Methods professor between my lunch hour and discuss assignments with her. It is so important to be able to discuss concepts and ideas with your professors so easily, and I'm thankful we had that opportunity at SJCL.
Each student was also always willing to give guidance and advice and share their outlines to help me navigate this journey. Reading cases from the 1980s was not always the easiest, but learning how others would case brief helped out tremendously. Once I understood the cases, I began to enjoy the readings and learning how the law has progressed.
In my personal view, law school cannot and should not be done alone. But of course, everyone is different, and some can and prefer to go through the experience alone—which is completely fine! I found a study group during my first semester, which I am extremely grateful for. I give them so much credit because I could not have passed my first semester without them. It also helps to memorize together, and it makes the process much more enjoyable because it can be draining and difficult when you don't fully understand a concept. At times, it was easier to speak to other students about the concepts we were learning. However, I did reach out to professors when I did not agree with other students or needed further clarification on it.
I also met my boyfriend in law school; he became my study partner, so that was great. We were both extremely motivated when it came to studying and reading, and there was a little healthy competition, too (we're both very competitive!). It kept us on track, and we always wanted to do better than each other, which encouraged us not to fall behind. Plus, being in law school helped with time management because we were both on the same page, wanted the best for each other, and supported each other. We understood when we needed our own time to complete the readings and assignments or study for exams. He is also among the smartest people I know, and I admire him very much.
How Important Was Time Management While You Were in Law School and What Advice Do You Have for Incoming Students?
Time management is the key to success in law school. I developed time management skills early on because I began working at a young age. During my senior year of high school, I would work about 10-15 hours a week at a senior living facility, which ingrained in me the importance of learning how to successfully navigate work and school.
To be successful at time management, you have to have the motivation and passion for the things you're pursuing. Otherwise, you won't be motivated to study or plan assignments ahead of time as you should in law school. I struggled through the first year because I was working full-time (40 hours a week), but once I learned the ins and outs of law school, I started planning my readings before school even started. As soon as the syllabus became available, I would jot down all the assignments, exam dates, and major class milestones that I needed to know about in my calendar. I would then schedule the readings around those assignments to ensure I was able to stay on track with everything. At times, life does get the best of you, and you do get a little behind, but it's important to try and keep up with the readings and assignments as best as possible.
I believe a calendar is the best tool in law school—and even in life! I have one hung up by the door in my room that I look at every day. But, I would suggest to future students to use what works best for them. However, I would definitely encourage new students to try their best to start the readings the week before school starts—and brush up on the cases before class. The same goes for outlines. During my 1L year, I didn't create my outlines until about a month before the final exams. During my second year, I began creating my outlines during the first week of school and the first time professors provided us with rules. It may sound insane, but it helped tremendously because I was in the three-year program.
If you get ahead of the reading and outlines in the beginning, when life happens during the semester, you'll only have a little bit left since you were ahead. That's much more manageable than having a lot to catch up on in a shorter period of time because life happens to all of us. To me, it can also be more difficult and stressful to begin when you are behind. That's why a little planning ahead can go a long way.
That worked for me, but I know we all work differently. Others are good under time pressure and prefer to start late or finish tasks at once. I'm the opposite - instead of working 10 hours in one day, I'd rather split that into multiple days because I prefer to do things gradually. When it came to reading or doing the outlines, I would try to split it up throughout the week and do four to six hours every single day. I also knew by the end of the day, the concepts would not stick with me as well if I was exhausted. I also focus and do much better in the mornings. Overall, simply knowing what works best for you—and planning ahead—is a helpful way to start law school so you don't overwhelm yourself.
You have to stay sane in law school because it's not easy to do this continuously for three to four years straight. I tend to always remind myself of the reasons I decided to go to law school, which reminded me of how much I loved learning about the law and my passion for it. That has helped me stay on track.
How Did You Prepare Your Friends and Family for Your Law School Experience?
Before I began law school, I told my family and close friends that it was going to be difficult for me to attend birthday parties and holiday celebrations (exams were always near the holidays!)–-and that was tough. I love spending time with my family and friends, and it was extremely difficult to say no to certain gatherings.
Your family and friends may also not always understand what you're going through or the amount of work that law school requires unless they have gone through it. Law school requires many sacrifices, but that is also true for most things that are important in life. It can take up so much time to complete the readings, and writing assignments, comprehend and memorize the material, and study for exams. In the end, I accepted, knowing that not everyone in my life would completely understand, but I did what was best for me to accomplish my goals.
It was also difficult because even when I wasn't studying or had a day off, I wanted to spend that time catching up on rest or doing activities that I enjoyed. It can be the little things we take for granted before law school—such as watching a show or movie you enjoy, going for a run, going to the gym, or hiking—that can mean so much more to you once your time is limited.
Some common advice I heard before I went to law school—which I've found to be true since I graduated—is that the people who care about you will still be there when law school and the Bar are over. Those who truly care about you won't stop being your friend simply because you can't make a birthday party.
Law school is just for a short period, and eventually, your life will return to normal again. When you have free time during summer or winter breaks, make time for your friends and do activities you love and enjoy. That truly helps you stay motivated and passionate to help you through your law school experience.
What Was Your 1L Experience Like and Now That You've Graduated from Law School, What Would You Tell Your 1L Self?
My 1L experience was difficult because I was working full-time, and I began a new assignment at work. I was also learning new information at school, so it wasn't easy to manage both. I also was not getting enough sleep. But I pushed through it and went through the motions. The first semester was the hardest because it was new, but the second semester came a little easier. At times, I am in awe of myself for accomplishing it.
I would tell my 1L self not to take myself so seriously or be so harsh on myself—to enjoy the process and be honest if a concept is difficult to understand. I was extremely fearful of being cold-called my first year—and of course, I did not want to come across as "dumb." In reality, we are all simply trying to learn the same concepts and material. It's easy to think other students know or understand the material more than you do, but we are all on the same level.
I would also tell myself to reach out to other students more when I did not comprehend a case or concept. I have learned that each student I've come across during my time at SJCL genuinely wants the best for each other and wants to help each other succeed.
Lastly, I would have also loved to have attended SJCL's Mock Law Classes—which were not available when I started law school—and I would've looked into other resources to get familiar with the law school setting and legal terminology.
How Important is it to Network and Make Connections While You're in Law School?
It's essential to network and make connections because the faculty and your peers will possibly be your coworker, co-counsel, or even your courtroom judge one day. Your professors and peers can recommend you to a potential client or employer, be great job references, or write you a letter of recommendation. Your reputation goes a long way both here and in the legal profession in general, and it's important to be mindful of that. These relationships can also lead to lifelong friendships after you graduate law school—and I'm sure it helps to have colleagues in the legal community to vent to once we are attorneys.
You also gain a lot of knowledge, not only from jobs and internships but from your fellow law students and faculty. You can gain so much wisdom from what they've been through—some of them are retired attorneys, some of them are judges, and some of them are currently working in the field they're teaching. I believe the knowledge you're able to gain from their experience, their insight about what's worked for them, and any advice they may have is invaluable.
I've learned so much from the judges I spoke to before I went to law school. One, in particular, told me she had a path planned out to pursue a certain type of law but ended up practicing a different type of law—that she enjoyed more! It is great to hear how other judges and attorneys found their careers, although it was not always planned out that way. The ability to see how others have managed their careers while learning more about the many opportunities a law degree can bring is a great resource for students.
How Do You Feel Knowing Your Juris Doctorate Degree Can Open Many Doors Throughout Your Career? What Would You Tell New Law Students About the Full Value of a Legal Education?
This was one of the main reasons why I wanted to pursue a law degree. I had so many different interests and loved the idea that I could pursue and practice many different types of law. I enjoy criminal law, constitutional law, wills and trusts, real estate, business law, and healthcare law. Criminal law has, by far, been the most interesting and rewarding for me personally—and it's the area of law that I have the most experience in. However, it's great to have that flexibility in your career.
I would tell new law students that legal education is by far the most rewarding. As attorneys, we can pick and choose different areas of law to practice rather than beginning a new career. But not only that, but we also have the opportunity to help others and make a positive impact in our communities—in any type of law you plan on pursuing.
What Advice Do You Have for Maintaining a Healthy School, Work and Life Balance?
Law school is difficult, and it can get the best of you. It's important to know what brings you happiness and joy—and to continue to do the activities you love and the activities that help you relax and decompress, even if it's only for 30 minutes a day or a week. I truly believe getting through the most difficult times in life requires doing the activities that make you feel fulfilled and accomplished—which is difficult for everyone. It can help you stay mentally strong and manage law school better.
I personally enjoy working out, hiking, traveling, reading, nature, fashion, and photography. I put many of my interests on the back burner during law school, especially my 1L year, which was difficult. I tried my best to make working out more of a priority during my 2L and 3L years, even if it was for 15 min a day. It may not sound like much, but it made a positive impact on my mental health.
But it's also important to take breaks when you need them—don't be afraid to ask for time off work and take a day off for yourself.
All of Your Hard Work Paid Off Because You Were San Joaquin College of Law's 2022 Valedictorian. How Proud Are You Of That Honor?
I am very proud of myself, but it was a little surreal to me. I worked extremely hard and sacrificed so much, but regardless, I continued to struggle with self-doubt and imposter syndrome. That self-doubt pushed me to work harder and prove to myself that I was capable. I am truly grateful that I was able to accomplish this incredible achievement. I have learned that as long as you try your best and give it everything you can, it will work out just as you hope.
I also have to thank my family and boyfriend for supporting me through this journey—a support system is so important.
How Does It Make You Feel Knowing You're a Role Model for Other Young Women of Color Who See You Achieving Your Goals and Graduating as Valedictorian?
First of all, I don't feel like a role model–but I feel extremely grateful and honored! I'm the first person in my immediate family to graduate from law school, so I don't come from a long line of attorneys. I hope it allows others to know it is possible to achieve this and it is not too far out of reach.
I also love helping other law students navigate through this journey—so anything I can do to help is great. I vividly recall beginning law school and not knowing how to navigate the readings, exams, and assignments. Other classmates helped me, but I still had so many questions—so I'm always willing to help other students because I want the process to be as smooth as possible for them.
After All The Time You've Spent on Bar Prep, What Study Tips and Advice Do You Have?
I would say stick to the same schedule and time management you had during law school, but be a little more strict with your family and friends. Make sure to let them know that just because you graduated, you still have to focus and study for the Bar.
I would also recommend not working during Bar prep if you can. I debated on whether I wanted to continue to work part-time, and I am thankful I didn't. Bar prep requires so much time and energy, and the time you aren't studying is the time you want to spend decompressing. As it got closer to the Bar, I also wanted to spend more hours studying, and I was grateful that I had the time to do so.
Bar prep has its ups and downs as well. I felt them, and I've heard from law school friends and colleagues that they also felt overwhelmed and had breakdown moments where it felt like it wasn't possible. There's just so much information, and at times, I would question if it was possible to do it. But I kept reminding myself that others had done it before me, and I was not aiming to get a perfect score. I'm aiming to pass. It was also helpful to have others to talk to who are in the same boat as you and struggling with the same feelings as you are to know you're not alone. Having at least one study partner also helped me stay on track.
Lastly, as law students begin their last year of law school, I would recommend reaching out to others who have passed—or even watch YouTube videos or TikTok stories—and get their experience. I reached out to others and listened to many others online to see what their study schedule was like, how they memorized the material, the resources they used, and their thoughts on whether it was useful or not. Of course, we all study differently, but I found it useful to know how others navigated the process. I took bits and pieces from each person that I felt would be most useful for me.
After You Pass the Bar, What's Next For You?
I am currently working as a Graduate Legal Assistant at the California Attorney General's (AG) Office in the Criminal Division. Once I pass the Bar, I will be promoted to Deputy Attorney General. I truly enjoy the impact and work the AG's office does, and I'm extremely grateful to have obtained this position. I always feel as if I'm working on meaningful matters.
Want to learn more about San Joaquin College of Law, attend a virtual forum or set up an appointment to discuss your law school future? Contact our Assistant Director of Admissions, Francisco "Javier" Rosas, or our Director of Admissions, Diane Steel, today!