Standing Up for the Rule of Law & Justice – From Classroom to Community to Courtroom 

Students filled the room to listen to timely advice on defending and advancing rights, justice, and democracy.

UC Law San Francisco convened an important conversation focused on critical democracy issues and ways that lawyers are working across sectors to stand up for the rule of law and justice.  

Nicole Ozer is a national expert on issues at the intersection of rights, technology, and democracy.

At the Oct. 14 event, a packed room of students had the opportunity to explore how they can be engaged in important work to defend and advance rights, justice, and democracy as law students and throughout their careers. 

The panelists included Nicholas Green of the Special Litigation Section of the California Attorney General’s Office, Argemira Flórez at Cooley LLP, and Ali Saidi, deputy public defender with the Office of the Contra Costa County Public Defender and director of Stand Together Contra Costa County. The panel was moderated by Nicole Ozer, executive director of the Center for Constitutional Democracy at UC Law SF, and was coordinated by the UC Law SF Center for Social Justice and the Career Development Office.

The panelists shared practical advice for exploring career paths to find the right fit and how to use lawyering skills to meet the current moment. 

Argemira Flórez of Cooley LLP shared valuable advice about how to identify if a firm is the right fit.

Flórez maintains her commitment to justice by finding work and volunteer opportunities that align with her values and interests. “There are different ways I make sure my cup is full and make sure my abilities are meeting the needs of the world to the extent that they can at all times,” she said as she shared about her Term membership with the Council on Foreign Relations. 

Even during times of uncertainty, Saidi said he has seen positive results when the Office of the Contra Costa County Public Defender collaborates with nonprofit organizations in pursuit of a shared goal. 

Green described himself as someone who will not stop swimming despite current challenges and that it is energizing to be on the frontlines in the fight for justice. He reminded the audience “that there is still room for optimism if we zoom out.” 

Nicholas Green gave insight into the work being done at the California Attorney General’s Office to protect California residents.

Ozer echoed Green’s sentiment, with the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that the arc is long, but it bends towards justice. She concluded the panel by highlighting opportunities for current students to work across strategy on a range of projects to defend and advance the rule of law and democracy, both through external internships, and with the new Center for Constitutional Democracy at UC Law San Francisco.