April 10, 2020

Legal Clinic Leaders Series - 2L Kareen Shatikian

We're shining a spotlight on the students who work directly with and in the community. These students provide quality legal representation to under-served individuals and communities. They showcase the many different fields of law you can explore through the legal clinics and the wide range of opportunities available to students to gain practical lawyering skills.  We hope their experiences will inspire YOU to join a legal clinic. 

Meet 2L Kareen Shatikian

Community Lawyering Clinic, Fall 2019

Why did you decide to participate in a clinic?

During my undergraduate years, I was exposed to many students who could not seek proper legal guidance or resources. Learning about Southwestern Law School’s Community Lawyering Clinic’s goal of providing CSUN students with legal guidance inspired me to participate and be that resource for those same types of students I once knew. 

What stands out about your clinic experience?

Working with students who needed to get their DACA renewed was especially rewarding. We work quickly and efficiently for them because ultimately it is their livelihood at stake. A lot of times these students do not know where to go and do not have the funds to pay for an attorney to help them. When you inform them that their DACA is renewed, they are extremely grateful for all your help which makes all the work worthwhile. 

What skills and knowledge did you learn from your clinic experience?

I was able to become an active listener so I could assist in guiding students to the resources they need to get the relief they seek.

What do you think helped take you from student to advocate?

Implementing what I learned from lectures and textbooks into meetings with students helped me become an advocate because the work became more tangible.

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

Be patient and listen to your client, it’s new for both of you! 

Please provide an inspiring anecdote from your clinical work experience.

I had a closing meeting with the first client I retained in the clinic. He just got his DACA renewed. I was able to give him his work authorization card and guide him towards his next steps for what to prepare for in the future. When the meeting ended he got emotional, thanked me for my help, and gave me the biggest hug. 

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