Introducing the 2024–2025 APALSA Executive Board! This dedicated team is passionate about uplifting Asian American and Pacific Islander voices in the legal field and building a strong, supportive community at Western State. With a focus on cultural celebration, professional development, and advocacy, the board is excited to lead a meaningful and impactful year ahead.
Meet the Executive Board:
Olivia French, 3L
APALSA President
What field(s) of law interests you most:
Estate Planning and Probate.
Who are your role models:
My late Grandpa Sam, who came to the US from the Philippines, joined the US Army in WWII, and eventually became a foreman on tomato farms. His bravery, hard work, and determination for a better life inspire me every day.
Please share a fun fact about yourself:
I have two cats and I’m an advocate for adopting shelter animals :)
Advice for new students:
Get involved in campus clubs and outside bar organizations. They are great for making friends and networking!
Mark Onyx Deroca, 3LAPALSA Vice President
What field(s) of law interests you most:
Entertainment & Business.
Who are your role models:
Daniel Ricciardo.
Please share a fun fact about yourself:
I speak 3 other languages.
Advice for new students:
Your expectations of law school will be completely different than what you will experience in your first year. Take it day by day and enjoy the journey.
Matthew Secoquian, 2LAPALSA Secretary
What field(s) of law interests you most:
Immigration Law & Entertainment Law.
Who are your role models:
T1 Faker (professional gamer); My parents!
Please share a fun fact about yourself:
I used to do magic tricks for fun.
Advice for new students:
A quote that helped me survive law school this far is from a current attorney, Reb Masel,
“One lecture, one class, one week at a time. Make a task list for each day that’s reasonable for YOU. Once you’re done with that day’s STOP. There is ALWAYS something more you ‘could’ be doing in law school it never ends. But you’ll drive yourself insane if you don’t allow yourself to stop and not feel guilty about. If something happens or your motivation is shot or you have a mental breakdown and can’t finish your task list on any given day, give yourself the grace and patience you deserve and spread those tasks to the next few days.”