Student Experiences

Learn more about the student experience with testimonials from current students and recent alumni.

Crystal Adams '15

Attorney, National Center for Youth Law
Externed at the U.S. Department of Education

"The UCDC Law Program helped me achieve the fulfilling public interest career I have today. Prior to entering law school, I knew I wanted to work in Washington DC. I had interned on the Hill in college and I wanted to return in law school. I was thrilled that I would be able to attend UCI Law, and have the ability to participate in the UCDC Law Program. The Program empowered me to pursue my dream career as a civil rights advocate in D.C. I could not have asked for a better opportunity. Nearly five years later, I continue to love working in Washington and I maintain valuable connections with people I met while I was in the Program.”

Vanessa Gomez '18

Real Estate Associate, Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Externed at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

“UCDC provided one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences of law school. Getting to spend a semester in the nation's capital and see firsthand how laws are created and evolve are irreplaceable moments for any law student.”

Jason Grimm '22

Externing at the U.S. Department of Justice, Environment and Natural Resources Division

“I really enjoyed being in the Environmental Law Clinic at UCI Law and decided to double down and essentially do that type of work full time for a semester in D.C," Grimm said. "We get to hear from amazing speakers, like the Solicitor General of the United States, nearly every week, and we talk about our respective jobs and how we have tackled job-specific problems."

Q&A with Jason Grimm

Alexandra Lewis '20

Externed at Department of Justice, Antitrust Division

"The UCDC Law program helped me to achieve my professional dream right out of law school. Working full-time allowed me to grow as a lawyer through experiential learning, and provided networking opportunities I would never have had outside of Washington, D.C. I had an amazing experience working at the Antitrust Division at the Department of Justice, where I was able to forge critical mentor relationships and demonstrate my ability to a potential employer. I was ultimately hired through the Attorney General's Honors Program to work in the Antitrust Division's Chicago office. The UCDC Law program helped me to achieve my professional dream right out of law school. “

Sean Lobb '18

Judicial Law Clerk, United States District Court
Externed at U.S. Department of Justice, Organized Crime and Racketeering Section

“Working full-time at the Department of Justice was a terrific experience that helped prepare me for my work as a judicial law clerk. It gave me great research and writing experience that has translated into my work as a law clerk. It also helped broaden my knowledge of how the government functions on a national scale, which has increased my level of awareness as a federal government employee.”