Diversity Scholar Spotlight - Q&A with Michelle Sosa-Acosta

Michelle Sosa-Acosta is the first in her family to pursue both a college and graduate degree. Her mother was deported when Michelle was a child and she saw how her mother persevered through all of the challenges she faced. Michelle drew on her own strength when she decided she would become the first in her family to graduate from college.

At Berkeley Law, Michelle was the Co-Submissions Editor of the Berkeley La Raza Law Journal and the Mentorship Chair of First Generation Professionals. She also served on the Racial Diversity Subcommittee of Queer Caucus and participated in Berkeley Law’s Post-Conviction Advocacy Project. Michelle is working at Morrison and Foerster LLP this summer.

She lives by the saying: “Así es la vida, gózala mi amor.” “That's life, enjoy it my love.”

PracticePro

What did you do (where did you work or intern) last summer?

Michelle

I worked with Horvitz and Levy, LLP as a Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) scholar.

PracticePro

Where do you to see yourself professionally in 5 or 10 years from now?

Michelle

I see myself as a vigorous litigator who is also a mentor for latina/o college and law students.

PracticePro

Where are you working this summer (Summer 2018) and what are you hoping to accomplish during your internship?

Michelle

I will be working at Morrison and Foerster in San Francisco. I look forward to learning from a variety of talented attorneys on what it takes to be successful in litigation. Although it may be intimidating at first, I truly hope the firm challenges my writing skills and helps refine them. Most of all, I hope to build connections with the firm and the San Francisco legal community as I prepare to establish my career in the Bay Area.

PracticePro

What do you do for fun? Tell us one fun or interesting non-law related thing about yourself.

Michelle

I love cooking! Although I am not nearly as good of a cook as my parents, I like to experiment with new recipes. The most recent recipe I have tried has edamame, dried cranberries, and feta cheese.

PracticePro

Tell us about a struggle or challenge you faced growing up, how you overcame it, and how it shaped who you are today.

Michelle

When I was very young, my mother was deported. Growing up, I learned more and more of her sacrifices. I knew that I had to persevere not only for my well-being, but to honor my mother. Today, I have my mother’s strength because she taught me that there is always a way to keep going.

PracticePro

Tell us a quote or saying by which you live your life or the best life advice you ever received.

Michelle

“Así es la vida, gózala mi amor.” “That's life, enjoy it my love.”

PracticePro

What is the one accomplishment you are most proud of?

Michelle

I was the first in my family to graduate from college!

PracticePro

What is one thing you wish you had known before law school? Do you have any advice or book recommendations to incoming 1Ls to help them succeed or better handle the rigors of law school?

Michelle

You know more than you think! Though you have a steep learning curve ahead of you, you are in law school because you have accomplished so much already. Don't lose sight of your potential, surround yourself with kind friends, and give it all you have.

PracticePro

What was your favorite law school experience -- one you would suggest other students look into?

Michelle

I loved being involved in student affinity groups during my first year. It is an incredible experience to meet like-minded people who have gone through similar experiences as you. I highly recommend getting involved, but especially if you are an introvert like me! During my first year, I found a great support network of friends and mentors thanks to my involvement in various organizations.