Lauren Ramirez

Webb-Zapata County District Attorney’s Office —Laredo, Texas

How did you get your job and how long have you been there?

I got my externship by reaching out and contacting my hometown’s District Attorney’s (DA) Office via email. I was at the DA’s office for the summer of 2023 for about 2.5 months.

What do you like most about your job?

The thing I enjoyed most about my externship was being able to help the prosecutors prepare for trial by speaking with witnesses, looking up case law, and helping assist with opening and closing arguments.

What is the most challenging part about your job? 

The most challenging part of my externship was overcoming imposter syndrome and trusting in my abilities to conduct valuable research.

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

This experience has helped me in my career path by showing me that I may want to start off my legal career by becoming a prosecutor because there is so much experience to gain at the DA’s office. Additionally, the DA’s office consists of numerous attorneys with various experiences that make for the best mentors for a young attorney.

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

The most valuable thing I have learned during my externship is to never be afraid to be a voice for the voiceless.

Do you plan to continue working at this job into the next school year and after graduation?

With my externship being outside of San Antonio, I do not plan to continue my work throughout the school year. However, I am considering going back next summer and after graduation.

What doors has this job opened for you, whether in your personal or professional life? 

This externship has provided me with a job waiting for me post-graduation and mentors/friends that I will cherish for the rest of my life. This opportunity allowed me to work on and observe one of the biggest capital murder trials in the nation this summer.

What is the one piece of advice you have for other students? 

One piece of advice I have for other students is to take advantage of all the opportunities available at their place of employment, and sometimes, that means building confidence and asking to take on more responsibilities than are originally given.