How a First Loss Ignited a Lifelong Mission 👩🏽‍⚖️

This week, I’m excited to share a bit about my journey as an immigration lawyer and cofounder of Notice to All. From my early days in law school to my very first case—one that didn’t go as planned—each step has shaped my passion for advocacy and my commitment to helping others. Here’s a glimpse into what drives me.

My Path to Immigration Law

🛣 The Road Less Traveled: Many law students enter with big plans—corporate law, criminal law, constitutional law—but often end up somewhere unexpected. Not me. From the start, I had my sights set on immigration law. The reason was deeply personal—I wanted to help people like my parents. (I’ll save their story for a future issue.)

📝 Hands-On Impact: Everything crystallized during my second year when I landed a spot in my school’s immigration clinic—a rare and highly sought-after experience. Here, the work was no longer theoretical. We renewed work permits, helped immigrants navigate complex citizenship applications, and met people whose lives would be transformed. For the first time, I saw the real-world stakes of our legal work. It wasn’t just about mastering rules. It was about changing lives.

👩🏽‍⚖️ Witnessing Justice Up Close: Then came a pivotal day. Our professor took a small group of us to watch an in-person hearing before an immigration judge. The courtroom was charged with energy—lives were on the line as the attorney commanded the room with unwavering resolve. Seeing that process firsthand lit a fire within me. It wasn’t about abstract legal theories or debating amendments in the classroom anymore. It was about people, justice, and a system that held their future in its hands.

🏹 No Doubts, No Turning Back: While others around me mulled over career paths, I knew where I wanted to take my career as an attorney. Immigration law wasn’t just a job; it was where I could make a difference: one case, one story, one life at a time. From that first hearing, there was no question—I was exactly where I needed to be.

💼 Final Thought: Get exposure if you’re in law school and still unsure what you want to practice. Seek out clinics, externships, and any hands-on experiences you can find. You can find experiences through your law school. Network until you introduce yourself to an attorney doing the job you want. You might end up in a different field than you imagined—or exactly where you’re meant to be.

My First Fight for Asylum

Introducing Ana: My first day presenting a case alone in immigration court would shape me in ways I never imagined. I stood beside Ana, a courageous woman from Guatemala, facing a judge who held her future in his hands. Ana belonged to a marginalized indigenous group, living in a remote town isolated from law enforcement. When her mother passed and her father disappeared, she was left alone with her two older brothers—the men who would turn her life into a nightmare. For years, she endured unspeakable abuse and was treated as a slave in every sense. Seeking asylum in the U.S. was her last hope for freedom

The Uphill Battle: In 2019, winning asylum was almost impossible. The law demanded high levels of proof—often unattainable for trauma survivors. I explained it to Ana: “This will be a battle we may not win.” But she pressed on, and so did I. Together, we prepped every detail, rehearsing her testimony until her voice carried strength despite the pain.

The Day of Reckoning: The day finally came. Ana’s voice shook as she recounted her story but didn’t back down. After hours of testimony, the judge looked at her with empathy. But then came the words that shattered months of work: “Though I am empathetic to the horrid living conditions you endured, I will be denying your asylum case.”

The Lesson I’ll Never Forget: I was crushed. My first court case was a loss, despite my wholehearted effort and dedication. It was an uphill battle, as in these types of proceedings, the burden of proof falls on the defendant (referred to as the Respondent) to substantiate their claims. Ultimately, the lack of evidence proved to be our undoing. But as we stepped out of the courthouse, Ana turned to me and said, “Thank you for helping me.” At that moment, I realized this work is not just about winning. It’s about standing beside those who have no one. It’s about giving a voice to those silenced by circumstance. Even when the system feels unmovable, the fight to be heard means everything.

And We Come to a Close

Connect with me at my LinkedIn account and follow Notice to All’s X (previously Twitter) account!

I hope this week’s issue is a reminder to you all that even in loss, there’s growth.

My early struggles shaped me into the passionate advocate that I am today, and this same dedication drives Notice to All. Thank you for joining us.

Until next time!