12th Grade ~ Closing Argument

Walking into The Law Offices of Thomas Cox III for the very first time, I was immediately greeted by the staff and by Thomas himself, the head attorney. That warm welcome set the tone for my practicum: professional, encouraging, and full of opportunities to learn. I quickly met Rebekah, my supervisor, along with Preveena and Laura, who all made me feel part of the team from day one.

My daily responsibilities began with reviewing client discovery materials and organizing them into case files. Though the process is detailed and time-consuming, I enjoy contributing to the work and seeing how even small tasks play a role in building a case. Each assignment has given me a clearer picture of the effort and precision required in criminal defense.

Over the past few days, I’ve grown close to Laura, the office manager. I often sit in her office while we both work, and our conversations about my future goals after high school have been inspiring. These moments remind me that law isn’t just about cases—it’s about people, mentorship, and growth.

This practicum has already shown me the dedication it takes to succeed in the legal field. More importantly, it has motivated me to believe in myself and my ability to make a difference. Every day I spend here strengthens my confidence and fuels my determination to pursue a career in law.

Inside My Practicum: Lessons from the Law Offices of Thomas Cox III

(September 2025) by Ruby Marcial

Before starting my practicum, I was looking forward to working in a setting where I could do hands-on work. A place where I could immerse myself in the legal field and help make a difference. I get to do just that at Texas Defenders, a firm that focuses on criminal defense and litigation. I was immediately welcomed by all the staff and introduced to a side of law that I had yet to see. I had the opportunity to meet the attorney at their San Antonio location and was shown both the good and bad outcomes of cases. This provided me with a new perspective on people’s cases and a personal connection I wouldn't have found anywhere else.

Some of my duties as of now include checking case status, creating pass slips, and preparing case summaries based on police reports and evidence. My favorite task is doing case summaries because I get to actually analyze all the evidence and summarize it for the attorneys. In addition, I also watch body cam footage and compare it to the police reports. I do this to ensure that what's being said in the reports was actually done. This is due to scenarios where body cam footage is turned off or the reports don't correlate with the footage. The thing that has stood out to me in this process is something our attorney, Robert, said: when doing this, we have to remind ourselves that this is someone's worst moment in life. Therefore, we can't judge someone based on their “worst” moment. This has given me a new perspective on case summaries; now I see every defendant as a person rather than a criminal.

I look forward to my practicum every day, not only because of these viewpoints that I’ve acquired, but I also get to see the effort that's put in to be a lawyer. I enjoy being in an encouraging and fun environment, like when I currently get to teach one of the attorneys how to speak Spanish. I am constantly inspired by being surrounded by people who are passionate about what they do. I hope to one day carry that same passion and determination into everything I do.

Inside the Legal Field: A Practicum Journey at Texas Defenders

(October 2025) by Emily Mendez

My practicum experience has been transformative, opening my eyes to new opportunities within the legal field and helping me grow into a more confident and professional individual. It allowed me to explore different areas of law, discover what truly interests me, and gain insights that have strengthened both my skills and my sense of direction for the future.

Beyond self-discovery, the practicum provided invaluable hands-on experience—working alongside attorneys, observing the rhythm of daily practice, and immersing myself in the realities of a legal environment. These experiences gave me a clearer picture of what it takes to succeed in a law-related career and deepened my appreciation for the profession.

The journey began the summer of my junior year, when a simple interview evolved into something far more meaningful. Through the Dallas Bar Association’s Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP), I participated in Zoom interviews, courthouse visits, museum tours, and other enriching activities that broadened my perspective. Although the formal program concluded in August with a luncheon for interns and their employers—including my direct supervisor, Stacy Jones, Executive Assistant to the Managing Partner—I knew my growth had only just begun.

With the support of Skyline High School and the Advanced Social Science ~Legal Studies Magnet Program, I was fortunate to continue my internship with Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP throughout my senior year. This extended opportunity allowed me to deepen my understanding of the legal profession, build meaningful connections, and refine my academic and professional goals. I am deeply grateful for the guidance and mentorship I received, which continue to shape my path forward.

Opening Doors: How My Practicum Shaped My Future

(November 2025)       by Luciana Gonzalez

Before starting my law practicum, I knew I wanted real experience—not just textbook knowledge, but a clearer understanding of how the legal system actually works beyond the classroom. I hoped to see what attorneys and paralegals do every day, and whether I could picture myself in that environment. From the moment I arrived, the team made me feel welcome and included. Being in a professional yet supportive setting showed me how essential collaboration is in the legal field. No one works alone; every case moves forward because people communicate, share information, and trust each other.

Throughout my practicum, I’ve taken on a variety of tasks that have helped me understand how cases develop behind the scenes. I check case statuses, prepare pass slips, and write case summaries using police reports and evidence. My favorite responsibility is writing those summaries. It challenges me to review the facts carefully and compare police reports with body‑camera footage to make sure everything lines up. Doing this work has taught me how important accuracy and honesty are in legal cases. Even small details matter, because they can affect someone’s future.

One moment that really stayed with me was when I was reminded that every case represents someone’s worst moment in life. That perspective changed the way I view criminal defense. Instead of seeing defendants as just charges or case numbers, I’ve learned to see them as people—people who deserve fairness, dignity, and a chance to be understood. This shift has made me more empathetic and more aware of the responsibility that comes with working in the legal system.

Overall, this practicum has helped me grow more confident in my abilities and has strengthened my interest in becoming a lawyer. I’m grateful for the experiences I’ve had and the knowledge I’ve gained, both from the practicum and from the Legal Studies program. Without these opportunities, I wouldn’t be the person I am today, and I wouldn’t have the same clarity about the path I want to pursue.

“Beyond the Charges: What My Practicum Taught Me About People”

(December 2025)       by Candela Zepeda