For Cynthia Turcios, a part-time evening student and member of the Catholic Law Class of 2026, the decision to pursue a career in law was rooted in an early exposure to the legal profession. “I chose to go to law school because my early legal experience showed me that becoming an attorney was the path I wanted to pursue,” she shared. A high school internship at BakerHostetler LLP gave her a firsthand look at the impact attorneys have in solving problems, advocating for others, and helping clients navigate complex issues. “That experience made the profession feel both meaningful and attainable,” she explained. It solidified her desire for a career that combined critical thinking, service, and advocacy to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

When it came time to choose a law school, Catholic Law stood out as the perfect fit for Cynthia’s unique needs and aspirations. “I chose Catholic Law because it offered the kind of supportive and community-driven environment I knew I would need as an evening student balancing full-time work and law school,” she said. The school’s strong sense of community, practical academic offerings, and support for evening students were key factors in her decision. She was particularly drawn to the Corporate Responsibility and Compliance Program, which provided industry-specific courses tailored to the evolving needs of the legal profession. “Just as importantly, I found a community of classmates and faculty who were deeply invested in one another’s success,” she added.

Cynthia’s time at Catholic Law was marked by a series of practical and meaningful experiences that complemented her academic journey. Despite the challenges of balancing full-time work with law school, she sought out opportunities that aligned with her schedule and interests. “Throughout law school, I completed pro bono work with various immigration nonprofit organizations across Washington, D.C.,” she said. These experiences deepened her understanding of immigration law and allowed her to engage directly with clients, contributing to work that had a real impact on individuals and families.

One of her most rewarding academic experiences was a Trial Practice course with Judge Dietrich. “The course culminated in a full mock trial, which was incredibly rewarding,” she recalled. The course not only accommodated her evening schedule but also helped her build public speaking skills, confidence, and foundational trial advocacy experience.

Among the highlights of her time at Catholic Law was participating in the Spring Break Service Trip during her first year. “That experience was especially meaningful because it was my first exposure to pro bono work and showed me early on how impactful legal services can be,” she said. In Spring 2023, Cynthia traveled with a group of Catholic Law students to Lumpkin, Georgia, to volunteer at the Stewart Immigration Detention Center. There, she worked on bond motions, appellate briefings, client intake interviews, and asylum-related research, while also observing hearings. “That experience shaped how I approached the rest of law school,” she noted, reinforcing her commitment to service and guiding her continued involvement in pro bono work and student organizations.

Cynthia’s active engagement in the Catholic Law community was another cornerstone of her law school experience. As an evening student, she participated in organizations such as the Moot Court Association, the Evening Law Student Association, the Council of Professional Conduct, and the Student Bar Association. “Being involved as an evening student was incredibly rewarding,” she said. “It allowed me to build meaningful friendships, find support both in and out of the classroom, and connect with peers I may not have otherwise met.”

Looking ahead, Cynthia plans to continue her work in the D.C. Government while preparing for the D.C. Bar Exam. Reflecting on her journey, she emphasized the unique qualities that make Catholic Law special. “What stands out to me most about Catholic Law is how well it meets students where they are while still challenging them to grow into the lawyers they want to become,” she said.

For Cynthia, the school’s strong community, practical academic experiences, and network of supportive faculty, staff, classmates, and alumni made all the difference. “Now that I have attended Catholic Law, I can say that what makes it special is not just the opportunities, but the people.”