Written by: WSCL Marketing Team
Choosing where to attend law school was an important decision for Olivia French. She wanted to stay close to her Orange County roots. Western State College of Law, the oldest law school in Orange County, offered the perfect balance of proximity and incredible opportunities in law and leadership. It is also one of California’s most affordable law schools, and one of the first to offer a part-time program. These are things that mattered to Olivia in her search for the perfect law school.
Raised in San Clemente and encouraged by her sister, who is a proud Western State alumna, Olivia found more than just a law school in Western State. She found a true community of support, ambition, and connection. Now a 3L part-time law student set to graduate in 2026 and serving as President of Western State’s Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA), Olivia has built a remarkable path through her leadership, service, and a strong commitment to her heritage and future career.
Finding Inspiration in Family Strife
Olivia’s interest in estate planning and probate law began long before she started law school. In 2020, her grandmother passed away without a will. This experience showed Olivia firsthand how emotionally draining the probate process could be for grieving families. Although her father, as an only child, was ultimately able to receive his mother’s assets, the process took two years to complete, and the emotional weight of it left a deep impact. “Seeing how the stress of the probate process affected my family members really sparked my interest in estate planning,” Olivia shared. “I want to help make the process easier for people who are already suffering from loss.”
Her motivation became stronger when she learned that her grandmother also experienced difficulties with the probate process when her parents, Olivia’s great-grandparents, passed away. Her grandmother’s sister handled the probate process, but it affected her family heavily and caused Olivia’s grandmother’s health to decline. These family experiences inspired Olivia to help others navigate similar challenges empathetically.
Alongside being a part-time law student, Olivia is working as a law clerk for estate planning attorney Susan Dallas Hattan. Here, she is already gaining hands-on experience in the field she hopes to enter after graduation. “I love working with Susan,” Olivia said. “I really want to practice estate planning and probate someday.”
For Olivia, this career path is about more than documents and legal procedures. It’s about guiding people through one of life’s most difficult chapters with compassion and ensuring they’re protected when these issues arise.
Leading Through Service: APALSA and Community Engagement
As President of Western State’s APALSA, Olivia emphasizes how much being involved in student organizations has benefitted her school life and strengthened her leadership skills. She also believes they offer opportunities for network building and professional growth, which are critical for aspiring lawyers. “Joining APALSA helped me make more friends and feel more connected, especially to my Filipino heritage,” Olivia shared. “Students can work towards a shared goal. In APALSA’s case, promoting and supporting AAPI individuals in law school and the legal community.”
Under Olivia’s leadership, APALSA has thrived, hosting engaging activities like volunteering with Long Beach Animal Care Services. She proudly noted how impactful the event was. “Our members read out loud to shelter animals to help the animals socialize and be prepared for adoption. Volunteering is important because sometimes we’re so focused on school that we get tunnel vision. It’s good to step away from our studies and give back to the community. It not only benefits the community but also our mental health.”
Building Professional Connections Beyond Campus
Olivia actively engages with larger professional organizations, such as the Filipino-American Lawyers of Orange County (FLOC). through these organizations, she has learned about a variety of different legal careers and expanded her professional network. “Attending bar organization events is a great way to network with local attorneys and learn about their experiences in various law areas,” Olivia explained. “It’s also great for getting job recommendations or even interviews.”
Olivia’s efforts and engagement have not gone unnoticed. She recently received the prestigious Bayanihan Scholarship from FLOC. “Winning the Bayanihan Scholarship really meant a lot to me. I joined FLOC to connect with my Filipino heritage. So, being one of the scholarship recipients made me feel genuinely part of the FLOC community,” she said. “It made me feel that this community, this family, will support me in law school and my legal career.”
From Externship to Law Clerk
Olivia’s journey to her current position as a law clerk for Susan Dallas Hattan highlights the valuable experience and opportunities provided by Western State’s Summer Honors Externship Program. Having initially joined the firm as an extern, Olivia’s determination and passion made such a strong impression that she was offered a paid position as a law clerk. “Susan practices estate planning and probate, helping clients prepare wills and trusts,” Olivia explained. “My job involves filling out Susan’s will and trust documents for clients, witnessing clients sign their wills, and researching estate planning and probate laws.”
Olivia has greatly enjoyed working for Susan, and she already sees her future in estate planning. “After I graduate and pass the bar, I would love to join her firm as an associate,” Olivia said.
Advice for Aspiring Law Students
Looking back on her journey, Olivia offers advice to students who are nervous about pursuing externships and other professional experiences. “During my 1L year, I worried that my resume was lacking, or that I didn’t have enough experience. But I reached out anyway. Out of seven attorneys, one—Susan—replied, and took me on,” Olivia shared. “The best advice is simply to apply to as many externships as possible and do not get discouraged by a lack of response or rejection.”
Olivia’s approach shows that being persistent, keeping an open mind, and believing in yourself can make all the difference and lead to positive outcomes. Her story serves as a shining example of the success a part-time law student can achieve.
The Western State Difference
Olivia takes pride in Western State’s supportive network and the strong bonds held among its student and alumni communities. “I’m proud to study at a school where alumni genuinely care for current students, always giving back to ensure their success,” she reflected.
In her future, she plans on staying actively involved with APALSA and attending alumni mixers at Western State. “From what I’ve seen, many of the alumni return to support the community,” she said. “I’d love to come back, especially to support APALSA, sharing my experiences and helping future students.”
Finding Balance Outside of Law School
Balancing her academic and work responsibilities, Olivia enjoys spending time with her family, volunteering for her local animal shelter, and indulging in her passion for crochet, which helps her maintain a well-rounded lifestyle. “I love to crochet,” she said with a smile. “Lately, I’ve been into making tote bags, bottle holders, bucket hats, and tapestries.” These hobbies help her stay balanced despite the demands of law school.
A Legacy of Leadership and Community
Through her work as President of APALSA, her connection to local bar organizations like FLOC, and her commitment to mentoring future students, Olivia French is an upstanding example of a successful part-time law student. Her work has helped foster a lasting sense of community at Western State. As she prepares for a career in estate planning, she’s not just focused on her own success; she’s focused on giving back and helping the next generation of students find their place. Her journey is a reflection of the close-knit, supportive spirit that defines Western State.
