Helping Workers Assert Rights Through Clinic Is a Defining Experience for 3L Mayeli Soto

A photo of Mayeli Soto wearing a grey blazer and smiling.

While representing clients at the Individual Representation Clinic proved to be intensive and demanding work, 3L Mayeli Soto found it provided the opportunity for self-growth and reflection on how to be a better attorney.

3L student Mayeli Soto reflects on the challenging but special work representing clients in UC Law SF’s Individual Representation Clinic. 

  • Represented workers in two wage-and-hour cases that settled favorably for the clients. 
  • Says the “unique and special” clinical experience provided a valuable lesson in affirming the type of lawyer she wants to be.  
  • Recommends the clinic’s supportive and rewarding environment for fellow UC Law SF students.  

3L Mayeli Soto:  

I worked on two wage-and-hour cases that settled favorably for each client as part of the Individual Representation Clinic in Spring 2024.   

The clinic also gifted me with the most valuable lesson, and that is affirming the type of lawyer that I want to be: one who is both assertive and kind.  

It was hard work and also very rewarding.   

These cases had me in the trenches. I remember late nights reviewing and assessing records, drafting direct examinations, case planning with my supervisor Professor Mai Linh Spencer and my colleagues, researching wage-and-hour law, gathering facts in client interviews, building rapport with clients, managing deadlines, and applying lessons from the clinic lecture to clinical work.  

I also spent a lot of time reflecting because the faculty has shaped the clinic in a way that allows you to reflect on how to be a better attorney.  

The opportunity to represent clients with guidance from an experienced faculty member is invaluable. The skills gained are transferrable to any field. The pro bono clinic is also vital because the clients we help often can’t otherwise afford legal counsel.   

Additionally, the bond that students form with colleagues, faculty supervisors, and clients is what makes the clinic unique and special for professional and self-growth. Being able to text or call your supervisor and knowing that they have your back is also very empowering.  

This clinic experience stands out to employers and opens doors towards my goal of becoming a civil litigation attorney. It has been the highlight of my law school experience!  

The Evidence of Success series highlights UC Law SF students as they share how the college’s opportunities equip them with the experience, skills, and confidence to excel in the legal profession.