Alicia Burrell
Hometown:
Thousand Oaks, CA
Professional Interests:
Criminal Law; General Litigation
Student Organizations:
First Generation Professionals Program (Co-Chair); Black Law Students Association; UCI Pre Law Society Mentor
Extracurricular:
Law Review
UCI Law Clinic:
Criminal Justice Clinic
Meet Alicia:
Hi all! My name is Alicia and I'm a first-generation law student and a woman of color. Not having guidance through the law school admissions process made applying feel very difficult because I wasn't sure what was right or wrong or what next steps should be taken. When I was picking law schools, I made it a point to talk to students because they provide invaluable insight. UCI Law has definitely provided mentorship and I'm very grateful for it. During your first year, you are paired with a 2L or 3L and they are lifesavers. They answer all questions and give advice on the best ways to study and/or things to watch out for. My mentors made me feel heard and comforted. I hope you can find that experience. The mentorship and kindness of UCI students and alumni make this law school very special.
My most impactful professional achievement was in the Criminal Justice Clinic. My partner and I advocated for our client with a DA and won, as well as a Court granted the motion we wrote for our client. Seeing how we changed our client's life and how much we learned in two years is indescribable.
When I'm not busy at UCI Law or stressing about the little things :), I love checking out coffee shops in Orange County and having game nights with friends.
My main two pieces of advice for admissions:
- You are more than a number and you are deserving. Students can come in believing that they are not enough, so try not to let those feelings creep in. You are meant to be here.
- Apply even though your LSAT score does not fall within whatever range. You never know what could happen and there is nothing wrong with trying. Once you become a law student