Name: Ozzy Peña

What is your practice area of interest? Civil Litigation or Criminal Law.

What is a recent academic or personal accomplishment you would like to highlight?
A recent accomplishment I’m particularly proud of is graduating law school summa cum laude. This achievement symbolizes all the hard work and dedication I invested throughout my legal education. I vividly remember the concern I had when applying to law schools, worrying about whether I would be able to afford the education. Despite these challenges, I was able to persevere through my good grades, financial planning with loans, and reselling sneakers. Graduating with such high honors from a remarkable institution is a testament to my commitment and resilience, and I am incredibly happy to have reached this milestone.

What does winning the Stipend mean to you?
Winning this stipend meant everything to me. It wasn’t just financial relief; it was an affirmation of my hard work, resilience, and unwavering commitment to my legal education and community service. This support allowed me to focus on studying full-time for the bar exam without the overwhelming stress of financial burdens or the need to invest time in working a job, ensuring I could continue my journey to becoming an advocate for justice. I am deeply grateful to the Orange County Women Lawyers Association for their support.

What are your post-bar plans?
After the bar exam in July 2024, I plan to use the month of August to take a little vacation, catch up with friends and family, and reset my mental health after the intense preparation. Once I’ve had some time to recharge, I’ll be working as a post-bar law clerk at Dordick Law Corporation while I await my bar exam results.

What was your favorite part of Law School?
My favorite part of law school was the strong sense of community that developed among my peers and friends. The shared experiences of navigating the rigorous coursework, late-night study sessions, and preparing for exams created a bond that went beyond just academic collaboration. One memorable example of this was when a group of us were studying in a study room before our criminal law final exam. A friend accidentally closed the door without realizing the handle was broken, and we ended up locked inside. We were so focused on cramming for the exam that we had no time to waste on panicking about being locked in. Fortunately, the room was spacious enough that none of us felt cramped, and we had to flag down the dean through the glass window as he was walking by to get help opening the door. In the moment, it was incredibly stressful, but now we all look back and laugh about it. Moments like these reminded me of how important connection and camaraderie are, making the tough times more manageable and the victories even more rewarding.

Philanthropic Interests (organizations or causes that are important to you):
My philanthropic interests are deeply rooted in mentoring student leaders. I am passionate about guiding and supporting students in achieving their goals efficiently because, as a first-generation student, I didn’t have access to the support and resources that many others might take for granted. I navigated a challenging path on my own, figuring out how to get to law school and prepare for the bar exam without much external help. Through my experiences, I’ve come to understand the value of mentorship and the difference it can make in a student’s journey. I am committed to continuing this work, whether through formal organizations or other informal means. My goal is to help them avoid the mistakes I made and expedite their path to their goals. By sharing my knowledge and offering guidance, I hope to empower the next generation of students to achieve their aspirations more effectively and efficiently.

What is a fun or interesting fact about you that you would like OCWLA members to know?
A fun fact about me that I’d like OCWLA members to know is that I have a passion for collecting vintage 35mm film cameras. Currently, I own a Canon A1, a Minolta X-700, and a Canon Canonet QL19. Before law school, I enjoyed buying film rolls and using these cameras to capture moments. Although the hobby slowed down during my studies due to the workload, I’m excited to get back into it. I plan to develop some film rolls that I never got around to processing and am looking forward to rediscovering the joy of analog photography.

Is there anything else you would like the OCWLA Members to know about you
I would like the OCWLA members to know how deeply grateful I am for the support and the scholarship that covered the expense of taking the California bar exam. This assistance has been invaluable in easing the financial burden of this critical step in my legal journey. The generosity and support from the OCWLA have not only alleviated a significant financial stress but also reinforced my commitment to serving and uplifting the community. Your support has made a profound difference, and I am genuinely appreciative of the opportunity it has provided me to focus on my goals and continue contributing to the legal profession. Thank you for your incredible generosity and belief in my future.

Find me on Instagram at @getlostwithoz and on LinkedIn at @Ozzy Peña!