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.