February 25, 2025

Legal Clinic Leaders Series — Ekaterina Perez

Meet the students who work directly with and in the community to provide quality legal representation to underserved individuals through our Legal Clinic Leaders blog series. We're excited to spotlight these all-star advocates and showcase the many different fields of law you can explore through our legal clinics and the wide range of opportunities available at Southwestern to gain practical lawyering skills. We hope their experiences will inspire YOU to join a legal clinic.
 

Meet 3L Ekaterina Perez

• Immigration Law Clinic - Fall 2024

Why did you decide to participate in a clinic?

I wanted to participate in the Immigration Law Clinic because, as an immigrant, I have always had a strong interest in immigration law. I also wanted to gain valuable professional experience, which is very challenging to get for many evening students who work full-time. I was incredibly fortunate that the clinic I was passionate about was offered in the evening. Without this opportunity, I would not have had the chance to experience real-life lawyer work.

What did you learn about yourself through your clinic experience?

Surprisingly, I discovered that I genuinely enjoy the detailed work of building client files. From interviewing clients and organizing their files to creating compelling packets for immigration services, I found the process engaging and rewarding. I realized I would be happy doing this type of work daily—it’s challenging and fulfilling in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

What helped take you from student to advocate?

The realization that you’re helping a real person and that the outcome of your work is life-changing is profound. Working at the clinic brought back all the anxieties I experienced during my own immigration journey. As I methodically worked on building a packet with my partner, under the guidance and encouragement of Professor Ramos, I found myself revisiting those old fears—not for myself this time, but for my client. As we made progress, those anxieties began transforming into confidence. With each carefully chosen document and every detail added, I started to believe in a positive outcome. In moments like these, it becomes clear: this isn’t just an exam, a multiple-choice test, or a presentation. This is real life—a real person with a real issue who needs a real solution. And you have the chance to make a tangible difference.

What words of advice would you have for future clinic students?

Participating in the clinic is incredibly rewarding and a commitment that requires your full effort. To succeed, you must stay organized and dedicate time to your work. The clinic is always in the back of your mind, and that’s exactly how it should be. The incredible support system around you matches the effort you put in. Your clinic professor and the legal clinic staff are there to guide you every step of the way. Heidy and Angel were always responsive and helpful with any questions I had, no matter how small. The environment of the legal clinic—the office, the students, the clients—creates a uniquely enriching experience. Everything comes together beautifully, making it an opportunity like no other. Because the class is small, you’ll develop strong bonds with your classmates. It’s not about competition but about sharing experiences, supporting each other, and growing together.

Please share an inspiring anecdote from your clinic.

One of our clients received her work permit, and when my partner and I met with her, we had the great privilege of delivering the good news. It was an incredible feeling because every positive step in the immigration process is a monumental improvement in their quality of life. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel guilty. It felt like I was taking credit for something I hadn’t earned—as if I was reaping the benefits of someone else’s hard work. But after reflecting on it, I realized that this is exactly what the clinic is about. The work we put in now will create a ripple effect, leading to positive outcomes down the line. I can only hope that the client whose packet my partner and I worked on will receive good news one day and that another student will be honored to deliver it. The clinic is like a relay race for positive impact. Each of us contributes a piece, passing it forward with the hope of changing someone’s life for the better.

Interested in learning more about the legal clinics? Visit our Clinics page here.