Written by: WSCL Marketing Team
Law School Through an International Lens
For Mark Onyx Deroca, an international law student, law school has been more than a path to a legal career. It has been a journey across borders, identities, and ambitions. Originally from the Philippines, Mark has spent the last decade as an international student. He began his journey in undergraduate education and is now a 3L at Western State College of Law, the oldest law school in Orange County and one of the most affordable law schools in California. His perspective, shaped by years of navigating new environments, lends a unique depth to his contributions on campus.
“I’ve been an international student for the last 10 years since undergrad,” Mark shared. “It’s been a really fun and great experience meeting people from different places and exploring new environments.” Mark encourages others from abroad to consider taking that same leap. “If you want to experience something new and different, going out of the country where you’re from is always a great step. It’s a way to mature, to make your own mistakes, and to grow on your own.”
A Passion for People and Pets
The experience Mark Deroca has had as an international law student has shaped his approach to student life at Western State, where he is known not only for his academic diligence but also for his warmth and active engagement. As Vice President of the Asian Pacific American Law Student Association (APALSA) during the 2024–2025 school year, Mark helped foster a vibrant, inclusive community among students with a shared commitment to advocacy, visibility, and support.
“I’ve been involved with APALSA since my first year. It’s a great group to connect with other students who have the same goals, especially in terms of what we want to achieve with the Asian American community,” he explained. “Our APALSA members help with opportunities for students to reach out to Bar Associations around the area, which is really important for law students.”
One of the events Mark helped organize was a volunteer day at the Long Beach Animal Shelter as part of the shelter’s Pet Literacy Program, where students read to animals to help socialize them for adoption. “It was a really great experience. We even opened it up to the whole school, and people came out who we hadn’t met before,” he said. “As future attorneys, it’s important to remember that a big part of what we do is try to help others, even pets in general. Volunteering like this helps us broaden our perspective.”
Learning on His Feet in the Legal Field
Mark’s legal interests lie in entertainment law, and he’s already building essential skills by participating in relevant competitions and networking with industry professionals. As a member of Western State’s Negotiation Team, he competed in a California Lawyers Association competition hosted at UCLA, where students from top law schools across the state came together to put their skills to the test. For Mark, the experience wasn’t just about preparing students for real-world cases; it was also a valuable networking opportunity to connect with new peers and expand his professional network.
“Negotiation is a huge part of the legal field because it’s something lawyers have to do regularly,” Mark said. “You really need to learn to adapt quickly in these situations because it’s more adversarial, which is like real life. It helps you learn to read people and think on your feet.”
That adaptability and openness to learning is part of what sets Mark apart. He envisions a legal future where he serves not just as an advocate, but as a trusted partner in creative industries. “Eventually I want to be on the side where I represent talent, negotiating with film studios, reviewing contracts, and making sure artists and creators get the best contracts.”
Building Networks and Opening Doors
Mark is also a scholarship recipient from Filipino Lawyers of Orange County (FLOC), an experience that provided both financial support and invaluable connections. “I received the FLOC Bayanihan Scholarship, which has been a great help, especially with the bar exam coming up,” he said. “It also put me in the spotlight, which can help with potential employment opportunities. I met people who remembered me because of it, so it also helps build your reputation in the legal community.”
For Mark Deroca, as an international law student, organizations like FLOC and APALSA are essential for professional growth as they provide networking opportunities and firsthand insights into the daily realities of the legal profession. “I think it’s important to meet attorneys and see their everyday life to get an idea of what the field of law is like,” he explained. “I’ve met a lot of attorneys through FLOC and other bar associations, and they all love the job because they love to help people. Being able to speak to attorneys and humanize the job we’re preparing for is important.”
Feeling Seen and Finding Community at Western State
What stood out to Mark about Western State was how the school recognized his potential and gave him the opportunity to begin his legal career in a supportive environment, which left a lasting impression. That initial sense of being valued carried through his time as a law student at the school and shaped his experience both in and outside the classroom.
Mark found joy in the day-to-day connections that law school life offers, from working at the front desk greeting prospective students to helping peers navigate legal databases in the library. “Working at the library, I get to see prospective students coming in for tours,” he said. “It’s really nice to get to see them transition into becoming actual students here.”
Diversity and Storytelling in the Legal Journey
As someone with an interest in entertainment law, it’s no surprise that Mark has a passion for storytelling. That passion is reflected in how he describes Western State’s student body. “There’s so much diversity here,” he said. “Everyone has a story, and we’re all building our stories as we go through law school. It makes this place special.”
He finds inspiration in the mix of backgrounds and the openness of his peers. “Being part of a community where people are open to telling their stories makes Western State a great place.”
What Comes Next? Paying It Forward
Building on his current experiences, as he looks ahead to graduation, Mark is focused on gaining more practical experience, especially in litigation and negotiation. “Competitions prepare you a lot, but there’s more to learn. I think finding a position at a firm will help me keep building the skills Western State has taught me.”
And he already knows he’ll be back to give back. “Coming back here for panels held by APALSA is something I plan on doing. It’s always been helpful for me to speak to alumni who have experience in the field of law,” he said. “It’s time to pay that forward.”
For Mark Deroca, law school was not a solitary pursuit. It was a shared experience, a story written with the help of mentors, peers, and a community that believed in him. As he gets ready to write the next chapter of his life, there’s little doubt he’ll continue to lead with authenticity, compassion, and a drive to help others find their voice.
