Entering the world of law as a female is no easy task. Jessica Liu, age 24, is a prime example of a strong woman who uses her voice to motivate and empower others. As a former Florida State Seminole, Jessica took her ambition to the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. She is a recent 2020 J.D. graduate who will use her degree to practice commercial litigation. Hoping to inspire other women to pursue a law degree, Jessica talks about all things law school.
Her Campus (HC): What advice would you give to an undergraduate looking to pursue a legal career?
Jessica Liu (JL): My advice for an undergraduate pursuing a legal career would be to keep an open mind and try different things. It might surprise you what you end up finding an interest in and go on to practice. Also, I think it’s important for people pursuing a legal career to maintain their interests and passions they accumulated before going to law school and try to incorporate that into their careers somehow.
HC: What prepared you the most for law school?
JL: Honestly, nothing prepared me for law school because it was truly such a unique experience. I would say that there is nothing you can do to prepare for it besides being in a good headspace and remembering to always prioritize your mental health. It’s important to remember that your law school experience is individualized and not to compare it to anyone else’s journey.
HC: Why did you decide to attend the University of Pittsburgh School of Law?
JL: I decided to attend the University of Pittsburgh School of Law because I got an amazing opportunity to be a part of a Diversity Fellowship with a local law firm that partnered with the law school. The fellowship allowed me to attend law school with a scholarship which was important to me given how expensive law school can be. I think finances and geographical location are huge factors for choosing which school to attend.
HC: What was the most rewarding part of law school?
JL: The most rewarding part of law school for me was my experience with the Immigration Law Clinic, where I got to represent clients pro bono in their immigration and asylum proceedings. I came from a family of immigrants, so being able to help families with the process of safely settling in the United States after escaping persecution in other countries was extremely rewarding.
HC: What is the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome as a woman pursuing law?
JL: The biggest obstacle I had to overcome as a woman pursuing law is quite literally getting a degree and entering the legal field as a woman of color. I can’t pinpoint one specific obstacle I have overcome, because I am overcoming obstacles daily and continue to face them. I think people don’t realize how prevalent sexism still is today, especially sexism towards women of color in the legal profession. However, I feel like I am doing my part by entering this field so I can serve as a role model for future female attorneys.
HC: Is there anyone who inspired you to become an attorney?
JL: Truthfully, no one really inspired me to be an attorney because I didn’t even know I wanted to be an attorney until I was practically taking the LSAT and applying to law school. Even throughout law school, I was unsure if I actually wanted to be an attorney. As I started to meet new people and be exposed to different practices, I discovered that this was the right path for me. The individuals that have taught me the skills of a good lawyer serve as role models to me and they are the ones that continue to inspire me to be meet my goals as an attorney.
HC: Did you go into law school knowing what you wanted to practice?
JL: I didn’t go into law school knowing exactly what I wanted to practice, but I had an idea that I wanted to do something with immigration law or international human rights. I’m currently practicing commercial litigation at a law firm, which is not what I expected, but the reality is, sometimes you end up taking whatever job with the highest pay you are offered. Nothing really changed my mind, and I do hope to go into Immigration Law in the future, but I am fortunate that I will be able to do pro bono immigration work at my law firm.
HC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
JL: I can’t say for certain where I see myself in 10 years, but I do hope that I will still be practicing law and using my degree to help people. I entered this field so I could help people and advocate for their rights, so hopefully in 10 years, I will have established myself as a successful attorney capable of using my knowledge and skills for the benefit of BIPOC and women.
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