Alexandria M. Alcala

I’m a first-generation law student from Inglewood, California and I am going into my 3L year at Southwestern Law School. I earned my Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Irvine in 2018 where I double majored in Criminology, Law and Society, and Psychology and Social Behavior. Inspired by the experiences of my loved ones, I entered law school with a mission to provide trauma-informed, culturally competent advocacy to those too often overlooked by the legal system.

In the summer of 2024, I served as a legal clerk for the Jenesse Center, where I supported survivors of domestic violence. I conducted weekly client consultations, drafted declarations, and assisted with U Visa and VAWA applications for immigrant survivors navigating complex legal and social systems.

In law school, I’ve continued my public interest work through Southwestern’s Community Lawyering Clinic, where I assisted CSUN students and local community members with housing and immigration matters. I conducted intakes, drafted legal empowerment plans, and co-led a “Know-Your-Rights” workshop on ICE encounters.

On campus, I am on the board for the Women’s Law Association and I have organized events including a Snack Pack and Hygiene donation drive for the Downtown’s Women Center and a Boss Ladies Panel featuring women attorneys from diverse practice areas. In the fall, I will serve as Co-President of WLA and Chair of the Trial Advocacy Honors Program. I’ll also return as a Teaching Assistant for the Community Lawyering Clinic. Additionally, I serve as a Dean’s Fellow, mentoring first-year students, and I support aspiring law students as a LEAP mentor, helping guide first-generation  students through the law school pipeline. Creating space, offering support, and building community among students has been one of the most meaningful parts of my law school experience.

After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in civil litigation with a public interest focus, advocating for women, immigrants, and historically marginalized communities.