Year: 2022-23

Cody J. Kent

Comal County Criminal District Attorney’s Office

How did you get your job? 

I was very fortunate to network with this office while I was employed as an Adult Probation Officer before entering law school. I applied for their legal internship program, was interviewed and started shortly after. I interned in this office in the Summer of 2021 and was eager to go back this summer.

What do/did you like most about your job? 

I love being able to do things in the courtroom with a Third Year Bar Card. Being able to get actual hands-on legal experience has been extremely valuable to the development of my advocacy skills, but I would not have felt nearly as confident going into it had I not been afforded the privilege of being on the National Mock Trial Team here at St. Mary’s.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at this job?

I believe the most valuable things I’ve learned here are trial advocacy skills specific to Texas courtrooms, the Texas Rules of Evidence in actual practice, as well as learning how to respond to a wide array of motions filed by defense counsel in a variety of felony-level offenses. The immersion in a prosecutor’s office truly is unmatched and provides such a well-rounded experience for law students seeking to learn as much as possible.

Christiana Segura

Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF)

How did you get your job?

I applied for a job at MALDEF through the University of Texas public service career fair that OCS invited us to participate in.

What was the most surprising thing you learned at your job?

The most surprising thing I learned at my job was the back and forth of litigation and the impact voting rights litigation has on me and my community.

What do/did you like most about your job?

I loved to use my organizational skills as a teacher and translate those skills into litigation. I enjoyed working on important causes that profoundly affect the Latino community.

How do you think this experience has helped you in your career path?

My experience at MALDEF will help me in my career path if I decide to go into litigation. I was lucky enough to sit in on depositions and even travel to New Orleans to watch my boss, Nina Perales, defend DACA in front of the Fifth Circuit.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at this job? ​

The most valuable thing I learned on this job is that I enjoy litigation and the value of allowing myself to be vulnerable and ask questions when I do not understand a concept or assignment.

Did your job change in a virtual workplace?  How did you interact with your co-workers?

My job was in person. All the other MALDEF-ians were able to work in the same room. It was a great opportunity to bond and learn from each other.

Carter Byrum

The Hon. Jason Pulliam – U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Texas

How did you get your job?

I found out about the opportunity through the Office of Career Strategy. I sent my cover letter, resume, and writing sample to one of Judge Pulliam’s law clerks and an internship offer was extended to me the following week.

What did you like most about your job?

The Hon. Pulliam was very generous with his time, and I really enjoyed getting to hear his thoughts on cases before the court. He would discuss upcoming hearings with the interns, we would observe the hearings, and afterward Judge Pulliam would share his thoughts on things like the strength of counsel’s arguments and the likelihood of the case settling before trial. Hearing directly from the judge on matters before the court was an incredible experience.

How do you think this experience helped you in your career path?

First, observing various civil and criminal hearings exposed me to things I had not been exposed to in my first year at St. Mary’s Law. I had no interest in being a trial attorney before the internship; however, I could now see myself potentially pursuing a career as a trial attorney. Second, Judge Pulliam and his law clerks were always willing to discuss my career path and the best way to pursue my goals. I think getting the advice of accomplished attorneys will help me as I navigate my legal career during and after law school. Third, the internship solidified my intention to clerk for a federal judge after law school.

Candice C. Contreras

Werner & Augsburger

How did you get your job? 

Networking.  My best friend worked at a law firm that was looking for an office assistant. I submitted my resume but was overqualified. A short time later the hiring manager at that firm shared my resume with the hiring manager at Werner & Augsburger when they were looking for a legal assistant. I was called in for an interview, offered the position and I’ve been there for five and a half years now.

What was the most surprising thing you learned at your job? 

I realized how much attorneys rely on their paralegals.  Having an organized, efficient, and detail-oriented paralegal is key.

What do/did you like most about your job? 

No two cases are the same. There is always some interesting new fact to consider. Also, I really enjoy working with clients and guiding them through the estate planning or probate process.

How do you think this experience has helped you in your career path?  

There is no substitute for hands-on experience. I’ve drafted wills, probate, advanced planning, company, and e-filed documents and requested personal service in Bexar County and other counties. I’ve had multiple conversations with clients from start to finish on many projects over the last five and a half years. I feel comfortable and knowledgeable in this field. I’ve also worked with and learned from great attorneys and paralegals, who have guided and supported me on this path.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at this job? ​

I’ve learned how to listen to prospective clients and ask appropriate questions to accommodate their wants and needs better.

Did your job change in a virtual workplace?  How did you interact with your co-workers? ​

Yes and no. I still complete the same legal tasks from home that I would in the office. However, communication with the attorneys and other staff is more complicated. In the office, I can walk down the hall to get an answer to a question. Now, I must send an email, pick up the phone, or use our online messaging service – and there’s no guarantee the other party will be at their desk. I currently work from home 3 days a week, and in office 2 days a week, so I try to get as much face-to-face interaction as possible during those 2 days.

Caitlyn Collins

The Hon. Rebeca Martinez, Texas Fourth Court of Appeals

How did you get your job? 

I applied for several federal judicial internships in the spring. I was not selected for any of them, however, one of the justices asked if he could pass my resume along to the Fourth Court of Appeals. He knew the Chief Justice was looking for a summer intern and thought I might be a good candidate for her. Luckily, he was right!

What do/did you like most about your job? 

I’ve really enjoyed honing my legal research and writing skills. Taking the knowledge I’ve gained so far and applying it to real-world situations has been interesting. I’ve also really enjoyed getting to know Chief Justice Martinez and her staff attorneys.  

How do you think this experience has helped you in your career path?

This experience has been wonderful for my career path! First, it’s helped me improve my research and writing skills. I’ve had the opportunity to work on several different topics, and each one has helped me improve. The feedback I’ve received for each task, and the questions I’ve been able to ask about how best to research and write, have been incredibly helpful.  Second, I’ve met numerous justices and attorneys this summer. It’s been helpful hearing about their legal careers as well as their advice for my own. I know I can reach out to many of them should I ever have questions or need advice in the future.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at this job? 

The most valuable thing I’ve learned is that there is no clear-cut path to a career in law. It’s important to say yes to the things that interest you and to learn as much as you can while in the midst of that particular experience.

Arianne Moore

Unite Us

How did you get your job? 

I found the job opportunity through LinkedIn. 

What was the most surprising thing you learned at your job? 

Unite Us is a tech company whose product is the only one in the market to connect clients by addressing their health and Social Determinants of Health through a technology platform. This technology platform is their product that has so much potential to change the lives of the underserved.

What do/did you like most about your job? 

I loved learning about the roles the Legal and Compliance department plays in securing deals with customers such as the government or community-based organizations who will be using Unite Us platform to better the lives of the underserved community.

How do you think this experience has helped you in your career path? 

Being in this internship has allowed me to gain experience in the In House and Corporate Law practice areas. Prior to this internship, I interned for a cybersecurity tech company which gave me the experience to qualify for this competitive internship. Working for a tech company has sparked a passion to continue on this path post-grad. I enjoy the tech company culture with diversity and inclusion at its forefront. It is truly interesting to work with the legal department of a tech company that is constantly striving for innovation and progress in the advancement of technology. The marriage of law and technology continues to fascinate me along with the interesting challenges an In-House counsel encounters and not every day is the same.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at this job? 

One of the most valuable things I learned at this job was that In-House Counsel for a technology company is a tight-knit community working not only with employees in the legal field but also being in a cross-functional environment with various stakeholders in the company. You learn from various departments and help with business decisions. I was able to work with Corporate and Compliance counsels and learn about the many hats they wear in supporting a tech company through a legal and business lens.

Did your job change in a virtual workplace?  How did you interact with your co-workers? 

My job is remote and Unite Us is a remote friendly workplace with employees from all over the country. I have one on one feedback every other day with my supervisor and weekly meetings with the legal department. Because this company is a remote-friendly workplace this resulted in stronger communication with my coworkers from one-on-one meetings to weekly team meetings.  As an intern, I was part of their 2022 Summer Internship program with 20 other interns from all over the country working in various departments of the company. Each week we would have online intern socials and we would also have weekly learning workshops with topics such as ‘How to Communicate Effectively’ or ‘How to Start a Business’. 

Julia Awad

The Ariel House — San Antonio

How did you get your job?

I checked CORE and saw the posting the day after it was posted by the employer. I sent in my resume that night and got a call the next day to go in for an interview. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten a job offer so quickly. Shout out to CORE.

What do you like the most about your job?

I’m getting a lot of valuable experience. My boss lets me take control of my projects, which has been the most beneficial part of this position. The real-world experience is unmatched.

How did your job change in a virtual workplace? How did you interact with your co-workers?

I’ve been working in person since day one. It’s nice to go to the office to work when almost every other experience over the last year has been online.

Warren Barreiro

Davies Sports & Entertainment Agency

How did you get your job?

Networking, networking, and more networking. I was able to connect with Keldon Johnson from the Spurs this past fall, and after meeting his management team, they loved the passion I have for the game of basketball. I mentioned that I want to pursue a career as a sports agent, and now, I work under four great agents and managers who yield years of experience in both the NFL and NBA. Together, we manage more than 18 athletes who play in the NCAA, NFL, and NBA. Huge shoutout to Cameron Davies, Question, Jack Sharf, and Terence Tarrer for taking a chance on me.

What was the most surprising thing you learned at your job?

I learned how precise contracts need to be. Until you work with contracts on a daily basis, you don’t realize how much one word matters until you have to re-send contracts to athletes because you forgot you include something. I also realized how important it is to know the athletes on a personal level because it helps with securing deals that fit their lifestyle. Also, this type of work never ends. There have been many times when I have had to take meetings on the weekends or take athletes to workouts in the mornings.

What do you like most about your job?

I have always wanted to work in the NBA or NFL, and this job has given me the best of both worlds. I have been able to connect with both NBA and NFL players and work with them in their contracts on a daily basis. I have also been very involved in NIL, and we manage basketball players at schools like Gonzaga, Texas, and North Carolina. I appreciate the amount of trust my superiors have in me to get jobs done, it has helped me grow and mature in this industry very quickly.

Ryen Maddox

Texas Humane Legislation Network

Why Animal Law?

I have always had an interest in the welfare of animals. It wasn’t until I took Animal Law at St. Mary’s with Professor Katz (who is phenomenal by the way) that. Once I realized that as a future attorney, I could make a difference in laws impacting animals in the State of Texas (not to mention their rights and voice in a courtroom). I realized that I could provide a voice for the voiceless. Once I realized this, I dove straight into Animal Law. I went all in. I wanted to understand the intersection of law and its impact on animal rights, safety, and welfare.

How did you get your job?

And this is where and why I reached out to the Executive Director of the Texas Humane Legislation Network, Ms. Shelby L. Bobosky. I emailed Ms. Bobosky directly and told her of my passion and provided her with a copy of the bill I drafted for a new Animal Law in Texas. Ms. Bobosky graciously read and reviewed that proposed bill and, kindly, accepted to me be her summer 2022 intern at THLN. Had I not reached out to her directly, I don’t believe I would be where I am right now.

What did you like most about your job?

My favorite part about my job is the feeling clients have after completing an application for free legal aid. So many people call each day with legal problems you could never imagine. Helping them complete an application for free legal aid and hearing the stress leave their voice makes it feel like I’m truly making an impact. Each client leaves our phone call feeling like someone is actually working to help them, which is the goal.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned in this job?

This is why I encourage anyone in the legal field to not be afraid to follow their dreams, their passions, and their purpose. Nothing is waiting for anyone, only opportunity. And we can’t be afraid to be turned down if we are determined to follow our passion. To see how organizations like THLN impact the passing of animal laws in Texas will be so meaningful for me and my legal career and I look forward to this journey.

Nicholas Knowles

Oliva, Saks, Garcia, & Curiel LLP

How did you get your job?

I applied and interviewed for many jobs through CORE, and I was excited to receive an offer from my current employer.

What did you like most about your job?

Primarily, I’ve worked on business litigation cases, but Mr. Kenneth Saks also practices areas like property, torts, and criminal law. I enjoy working in this wide practice area because it allows me to better understand where my true interest in law is. The coffee is nice too.

How do you think this experience has helped you in your career path?

I do not enjoy property law as much as I thought I would. I needed to receive real-world experience in order to make my pivot in law school in what I plan to study in my second and third years.

What was the most surprising thing you learned at your job?

My office is next to the partners and associates at the firm. By leaving my office door open, I am learning how these experienced attorneys talk between each other and their clients. This allowed me to grasp the culture of a firm and how attorneys present themselves.

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