Monica was a single parent who thought law school might be a step in the right direction for herself and her daughter. Then David Moeck (‘98) opened her eyes to the need for qualified attorneys in the southern San Joaquin Valley. During law school she clerked for the Tulare Public Defender’s Office, ultimately working on two death penalty cases. Upon graduation, she stayed with the Public Defender briefly then worked for five years with David Torres in a private criminal defense practice. Three years ago, the Law Office of Monica L. Bermudez opened, handling DUI to murder cases, along with cases involving drug transactions, gang allegations, possession of fire arms, and juvenile delinquency. “I love my criminal law practice! However, Bakersfield is in desperate need of criminal defense attorneys.” Monica is very involved in local bar association efforts. She is currently managing the criminal defense conflicts panel, pending the hire of a new manager. As to law school, “I remember the friends who were crucial to my making it through.”