Written by: WSCL Marketing Team
A Law Student with a Passion for Military Law
Joyce Kim graduated this past weekend with the Class of 2025 at Western State College of Law, closing one chapter and preparing to lead in the next. As the founder and 2024-2025 President of the Armed Forces and Veterans Legal Society (AFVLS), she has established a new space on campus for students who are passionate about military and veterans’ law. Her efforts have laid the foundation for future students to connect their legal education with service.
Joyce did not initially plan to focus on military law. However, her interest in juvenile and immigration law at Western State eventually led her to explore the intersection of legal issues and military service.
It was during her first summer internship with the Veterans Legal Institute, a pro bono law firm supporting veterans, that Joyce found her calling. “I loved working with veterans,” she said. “Hearing their stories, I realized how much their experience was affected by when they were in the service—not after.” This experience inspired her to apply for a summer internship with the U.S. Air Force JAG Corps, where she worked at Los Angeles and Edwards Air Force Base. That experience solidified her calling: “I fell in love with the work. This is it. This is what I want to do.”
Creating a Campus Legacy
Before launching AFVLS at Western State, Joyce Kim revived the inactive Women’s Law Association (WLA) during her 2L year, serving as its President. “Being part of a student organization puts you in a leadership position you don’t often get outside of school,” she explained. “It helps you understand what your community needs, both on campus and outside of law school.”
The idea for establishing AFVLS came after her internships with both a veterans’ law firm and the military. “No one really talks about the veteran community, and no one seemed to know that there are attorneys in the military,” she said. “By founding this organization, I wanted to bring awareness to our community and give students more opportunities to get involved.”
By founding the AFVLS and reviving the WLA at Western State, Joyce Kim demonstrates to her peers that believing in a cause can lead to the creation of supportive organizations.
Real-World Experience
Joyce has taken full advantage of Western State’s clinics and internships, gaining the kind of real-world experience that sets her apart. She completed multiple semesters in the Immigration Clinic, including as an advanced student. “I got to work directly with clients in the courtroom and argue cases in front of a judge,” she said. “It made me a better advocate. Meeting clients one-on-one helped me put things into perspective.”
She also interned in dependency court and spent time working on discharge upgrades and veterans’ benefits cases. These experiences taught her about the often-overlooked administrative side of the legal field. “There are things you don’t learn in law school unless you’re out there doing the work,” she added.
Her prestigious Air Force JAG internship was especially formative. “I met so many amazing attorneys,” she said. “They helped me apply to the military.” With their support, Joyce successfully applied to the Army, Navy, and Air Force JAG programs, highlighting her commitment and the impact of her network. After graduation, she will join the U.S. Air Force as a military attorney.
Facing Challenges with Courage
Like many law students, Joyce struggled with imposter syndrome. “I’m not the highest grader,” she admitted. “But I realized we all have our own strengths. Mine is more practical. I’m better at doing the actual work of an attorney.”
Mental health was another challenge. “Law school is all-consuming,” she said. “I found myself struggling with my emotional and mental health.” To cope, she leaned on support systems like Western State’s therapy services and her local church community. “I used the therapy services Western State offers during my first and second year in law school, and they helped a lot,” she said. “Being involved in my church also helped.”
Joyce knows how easy it is to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others in law school. “Just be yourself,” she advises. “Don’t lose who you were before you came here.” For her, staying grounded and always being true to herself has been key to getting through the toughest moments.
A Western State Community Leader
Joyce chose Western State for its affordability, proximity to her family’s small restaurant in Orange County, and strong alumni network. “Our school is the oldest law school in Orange County,” she said. “All the law firms I’ve been to either know our school or work with one of our alumni. That makes me proud.”
Her pride also stems from being part of Western State’s growth. “We’re only in our second year since the Immigration Clinic opened,” she said. “Being able to make a lasting impact on someone’s life, I’m really proud of that.”
She’s equally passionate about giving back. Joyce plans to continue supporting AFVLS after graduation, hoping to collaborate with faculty to raise awareness about deported veterans. “A lot of people don’t realize this, but veterans are being deported,” she said. “This is even after serving honorably. They lose their citizenship because of a conviction. We want to bring more awareness to the issue and help our veterans with post-conviction relief.”
Beyond Law School
Before law school, Joyce was a kindergarten teacher. “I loved teaching, but it’s a lot of energy,” she laughed. “When COVID hit, I realized I needed to reassess my life—that’s when I decided to pursue law.”
Outside of school, she stays balanced by spending time with her family and friends, hiking, reading, and playing video games like Rainbow Six Siege and Valorant. “I try to disconnect from law when I can,” she said. “It takes up so much of your time, so you have to make sure you’re still a person outside of it.”
Fresh from Commencement this past weekend, Joyce is preparing for the bar exam and the start of her legal career. She will work as a post-bar clerk at the Veterans Legal Institute before beginning her career in the Air Force. Down the line, she hopes to work in public service, whether continuing in the military or returning to support underserved communities, especially children and veterans.
Leaving a Legacy
Joyce Kim’s time at Western State is a reminder that law school isn’t just about academics; it’s about building community, standing up for others, and discovering what kind of lawyer you want to be. Joyce’s legacy will live on in every student inspired by her work to take initiative, lead with purpose, and believe that they, too, belong.
