Jose Benavides

Jose Benavides J. Cruz & Associates – Laredo, TX

How did you get your job?

I was offered my job with J. Cruz & Associates after reaching out to the partner of the firm and simply asking if there was an available summer position. Having enjoyed working for this firm as a filing clerk a couple of years prior as an undergrad student, I figured the established relationship would help in the application process. Luckily, despite the whole COVID-19 situation, the firm still had plenty of work and offered me a job as a Summer Clerk. It’s been an unreal experience so far.

What do you like most about your job?

One thing I found exciting about this job is that I learned something new on a daily basis. One day I would draft a brief or attend a hearing, the next I was drafting a client alert letter on a current event. While the job demanded flexibility under pressure, I could not have asked for a better experience.

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

This experience is guaranteed to benefit me moving forward because I got a taste of the real-world, fast-paced law firm environment. Because the associates at the firm treated me as one of their own, I now feel more confident in approaching my career post-law school.