Student Spotlight: Brenda Sanchez '25

For Brenda Sanchez, a 3L at California Western School of Law (CWSL), the pursuit of a legal education was never just about a degree—it was about honoring her roots, serving her community, and becoming the kind of advocate who never forgets where she came from.

Born and raised in Pomona, the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants, Brenda grew up with a deep awareness of how much her family sacrificed to create opportunities for her. “Education felt like a way to say thank you to my parents,” she says. But over time, it became more than a duty—it became a calling. “I’m passionate about continuing my education and using it to help my community.”

Before law school, Brenda worked with the Loyola Immigrant Justice Clinic and the Learning Rights Law Center, where she first encountered the deep gaps in access and understanding that many immigrant communities face. “Our clients didn’t know how to send an email or a fax,” she recalls. “Many were older women experiencing domestic violence, looking for immigration relief, and only spoke Spanish.” These experiences underscored the importance of being more than a translator—of being someone who could bridge cultural and linguistic divides, explain legal rights in plain language, and meet people with patience and respect.

That early exposure to client-centered advocacy shaped her approach at California Western. As soon as she started her first internship with the Public Defender’s Office, “I had one of those moments,” she says. “I could see myself doing this for the next 30 years and never getting bored.” The work was dynamic and impactful—especially when clients could feel how much the attorneys cared. “The connection was real,” she says. “It was reciprocated.”

Since then, Brenda has gained experience in both the juvenile and felony divisions of the Public Defender’s Office. These rotations have expanded her understanding of the criminal legal system and the importance of holistic advocacy. “A police report never tells the full story,” she explains. “You have to take your time and investigate. People make mistakes, and they deserve second chances.” She emphasizes that many clients carry trauma no one has taken the time to understand. “You have to show respect and listen to their stories.” 

That ethos of empathy is also reflected in Brenda’s leadership roles, as President of the Latinx Law Student Association and student representation of La Raza Lawyer’s Association. Rather than following a cookie-cutter model of success, Brenda focuses on mentorship—offering guidance she wishes she’d had in her first year. “I want to help others avoid the mistakes I made,” she says. “I wish I’d known how important it is to not compare myself to anyone.” One recent moment that stands out: helping an undergraduate during a preview day who will now be a 1L this fall. “I saw them make those connections so early. I love connecting my fellow students to the people they want to be talking to.”

Brenda has also pushed herself to grow through CWSL’s Competitive Advocacy Program. Most recently, she competed in the Association of Business Trial Lawyers (ABTL) tournament, where she and her team took home first place. “It was one of the most intense and rewarding experiences I’ve had,” she says. “You learn how to be on your toes, how to present yourself under pressure, and how to think strategically in real time.” The weeks of preparation were demanding, but the experience left her feeling more confident and energized. “It was a lot of work,” she says, “but it really paid off.”

After graduation and passing the bar, Brenda plans to return home to San Bernardino and continue her work in the Public Defender’s Office, to serve the community that shaped her. “That’s always been the goal—to bring resources back to my community,” she says. She hopes to remain in public defense and “to never become complacent. I want to take the time to listen to my clients’ stories, find out who they are, not think this is just another number in my pile.” 

Through it all, Brenda stays grounded by leaning on her family and mentors. “I call a different family member every day,” she says. “Law school can feel like a bubble, but staying connected to the outside world reminds me of what really matters.” She’s also inspired by the work of Professors Behzadi, Yeager, and Aceves and grateful for the mentorship of countless attorneys in the Public Defender’s Office. “Every step I’ve been in my journey, someone has taken the time to help me. Now I want to do the same for others.” 

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.