Written by: WSCL Marketing Team
Discovering His Calling at Western State
When Joseph Song came to Western State for law school, he didn’t have a crystal-clear plan. Initially, he thought he wanted to be a criminal defense attorney. However, through hands-on learning experiences and a series of impactful externships at Western State College of Law, the oldest law school in Orange County and one of the most affordable in California, he gradually discovered a passion for personal injury law, which provided him with a clear path for the future.
Now a 3L on the cusp of graduation, Joseph is confidently pursuing his dream of one day opening his own personal injury practice. His experience in Trial Practice class, taught by Western State alum and Hall of Fame member, the Hon. Nancy Zeltzer (Class of 1977), provided him with his first real taste of courtroom advocacy. “It allowed me to experience what it’s like to go to trial,” he said. “It’s an essential experience.”
Gaining Confidence and Career Direction through Externships
For Joseph, Western State’s externships were game-changing. They didn’t just deepen his understanding of tort law; they reshaped his confidence and career goals. He completed not one, but two externships with respected Western State alumni: Amir Nevis (‘20) and Hiva Bannon (‘22), followed by a highly formative role with alumnus Michael Royer (‘19) at the Royer Law Group.
“Michael Royer was an inspiration from the get-go,” Joseph said. “He won 16 CALI awards at Western State. Knowing that motivated me to be a better student.” Joseph shared that his time at Royer Law Group was more than work experience; it was also a mentorship in which he was guided through the process. “I saw how Michael and his two partners, also Western State alumni, worked together with such chemistry. That’s exactly how I want my future practice to be.”
The Power of Community and Connection in Shaping Career Goals
Western State offered Joseph Song a strong support system, mentorship from professors, and many networking opportunities, which enriched his experience as a law student at the institution. As a member, as well as past treasurer and secretary, of the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), Joseph expanded both his network and his worldview.
“Joining BLSA allowed me to form strong bonds with students I might not have otherwise connected with,” he shared. One event in particular, which was a joint networking mixer with other BLSA student organizations, left a lasting impact on him. “It helped me build my network and connect with other students with similar goals,” Joseph said.
From Self-Doubt to Self-Belief: Overcoming Challenges to Pursue Personal Injury Law
Joseph shared the obstacles he had to overcome as a law student. “My greatest challenge was not believing in myself, not believing that I could be successful in law school,” he said. His self-doubt, which he gradually conquered through mentorship, empowered him to confidently pursue personal injury law. It was only after meeting a mentor, an older student named Shalini Quattlebaum, that he began to break out of his shell. “She told me, basically, to stop doubting myself and start putting myself out there,” he laughed. “She urged me to attend a Western State alumni mixer, and that’s where I first met several alumni, including Michael Royer.”
With each interaction, Joseph’s confidence grew. “Seeing how kind the alumni are helped me lower my boundaries,” he said. “It helped me become more effective at networking, which is essential to being a good attorney.”
Finding Belonging and Pride at Western State
Western State is known as one of California’s most affordable law schools, which initially attracted Joseph Song. However, it was the community and support that truly defined his experience. “They marketed themselves as a tight-knit community, and after my first year, I saw it was true. I didn’t realize how many clubs and events were available because I was so busy studying,” he said. “The professors are available, the students support each other, and the alumni stay involved.”
His sense of pride for Western State has only grown during his time here as a student. “I’ve met so many successful lawyers in the community who graduated from Western State,” he said. “Western State has produced many judges in Orange County. That makes me proud. I’m glad I chose Western State.”
Paying It Forward
While he wants to start his own firm in the future, Joseph is most interested in gaining more experience, as he plans to work at a personal injury firm for a few years before starting his own practice. He believes this will set him on the right footing.
And when it comes to giving back, Joseph is already committed. “I’ve benefited from so many alumni coming to speak at panels and mixers, so I’ll do the same after I graduate,” he said. “I’ll definitely come back and support future students.”
A Voice of Encouragement for Future Law Students
To incoming students, Joseph offers this advice: “Don’t overthink your externship. Just put yourself out there. Talk to attorneys, ask questions, go to events. Building those connections will make you a better student and future attorney. You’ll be surprised at how much people want to help.”
Joseph Song’s journey through law school serves as a reminder that stepping outside your comfort zone is essential for discovering your passion in the field. With determination and the right support, it is possible to transform uncertainty into purpose.
