Student Spotlight: Alfredo Jimenez '25

“This is where I found my voice,”  says Alfredo Jimenez ‘25, who has turned a lifelong passion for creativity and connection into a meaningful pursuit of justice and community-building here at California Western School of Law (CWSL). From his early days dreaming of a career in entertainment to his current work championing vulnerable communities, Alfredo’s journey reflects his deep commitment to making a difference-- “I have always been driven by the people I work with and for, and the people around me, especially my family.” 

Alfredo grew up in El Monte, in east Los Angeles, a shy child of Mexican immigrants, dreaming of a career entertainment and animation. Early in his career, he parlayed a B.S. in business administration from Cal Poly Pomona into work in wholesale planning and operations in the fashion industry. He cherished the opportunity to immerse himself in creativity, to hone his skills, and to meet people from many backgrounds.

As Alfredo advanced in his career, though, he began to notice the challenges his colleagues faced with HR—issues that seemed unjust or mishandled. These struggles resonated with him, reminding him of the daily challenges his family faced—and continues to face-- “living in fear of the justice system .” And this connection brought him back to early memories from childhood, marching the streets of downtown LA with his parents, rallying for immigration rights. When the pandemic provided a moment for self-reflection, Alfredo decided to make the shift into advocacy-- “I realized that whenever I was really fired up about something, it always pointed back to the law.”

Now in his third year at California Western, Alfredo has found a home for his passion “to improve the community, to change people’s lives.” As a member of Pride Law and the Latinx Law Student Association, Alfredo has also been able to embrace the intersectionality of his identity. “My identity is something I’ve struggled with since I was a kid, especially in a professional setting,” says Alfredo, who made a conscious effort to join these groups so that he could become a resource to his peers and “encourage people to follow my lead.” 

While at California Western, Alfredo has taken advantage of every opportunity to learn, develop his skills, and advocate for others. He has interned with the Public Defender’s Office and clerked with the Children’s Law Center. He has participated in the Trademark Clinic and was a member of the Moot Court Honors Board for two years, serving as Trial Coordinator last year. Now in his second year as President of Pride Law, Alfredo has focused on initiatives that provide meaningful support to marginalized communities.

This summer, he collaborated with the Legal Aid Society and The San Diego LGBT Community Center to host a free housing discrimination info session, offering community members resources and hope. Now, he’s working with USD and CWSL professors to bring a one-day name change and gender marker workshop to campus, giving students the chance to give direct legal counsel to trans members of the community. At the heart of all of Alfredo’s advocacy work is family—“My parents are immigrants, they struggle with the English language, and I think they deserve to have legal information that they can understand, like anyone else. I want to help people be able to face the law without worry.”

With graduation on the horizon, Alfredo plans to stay in San Diego and pursue a career in public service, potentially with the Public Defender’s Office. “What gets me up in the morning is helping people navigate the legal system,” he shares. After graduation, he looks forward to reconnecting with his family, spending quality time in his parents’ hometown in Durango, Mexico.

For prospective law students considering California Western, Alfredo emphasizes the supportive, tight-knit community on campus. “I was very self-conscious my first year,” he admits. But when he sought out help and guidance, he found ample support from mentors in Career and Diversity Services, and a “core group of friends who are always on each other’s case.” Through the years, he’s also learned vital law school lessons of of getting involved in the community, not comparing yourself to others, and being kind to yourself.

Alfredo also notes the important influence CWSL alumni have had on his career. Wherever he’s gone in San Diego—whether it’s interning in the juvenile court, or at an event for La Raza or the Tom Homann LGBTQ Law Associations—Alfredo’s found alumni eager to give back. “I see that for them California Western is home. They’re still part of it. I want to leave that kind of legacy and continue to help people who need support and guidance.”

ABOUT CALIFORNIA WESTERN SCHOOL OF LAW 

For 100 years, California Western School of Law (CWSL) has trained practice-ready lawyers and thoughtful advocates for justice. As the first and longest-running law school in San Diego, CWSL remains committed to providing students with the fundamental knowledge, skills, and real-world experience to thrive in a rapidly evolving legal landscape. CWSL enrolls a student body representative of our diverse society, amplifying access to opportunities for social and economic mobility. Tailored programming allows students to focus on specific areas of interest, and distinguished faculty are dedicated to student growth and scholarship on critical social issues. The law school emphasizes practical, hands-on training through clinics, internships, externships, and pro bono service. CWSL is committed to excellence in education, nurturing compassionate legal professionals who use the law effectively and creatively to solve complex human and societal problems. For more information, visit www.CWSL.edu.