As a proud Western State College of Law alumna who graduated in August 1984, Rhonda Cohen brings a unique perspective to her role as the Assistant Dean of Admissions. For nearly 20 years, she has worked tirelessly to welcome, guide, and support Western State’s future lawyers. She ensures they are prepared for the application process and successful in law school. When speaking about Western State, Rhonda speaks with great enthusiasm, from its student body to its dedicated faculty. To Rhonda, Western State is more than an institution; it’s a family.
From Political Science to Criminal Law: A Passion for Justice
Initially, as an undergraduate political science student in New York City, Rhonda thought she wanted to become a college professor. However, this changed when she took an interest in the women’s prison system.
“I spent six to nine months going in and out of women’s prisons in New York City as part of my master’s thesis,” she recalls. “These women weren’t being rehabilitated, but were coming out sometimes worse than when they went in. It was challenging to figure out where we were going wrong with our criminal justice system.” This was a turning point for her: she realized she wanted to go to law school. As a result, her interests lay in criminal law and only deepened after learning more about the women’s prison system.
Rhonda’s passion for justice was deeply rooted in her upbringing. Her parents, particularly her father, had a strong influence on her view of the law. As an immigrant from Germany after the war, her father was grateful to come to America, where he found opportunities and freedoms that were not available to him prior. This resulted in his deep respect for upholding the law. These core values laid the foundation for who Rhonda would become.
A Challenging Yet Rewarding Law School Experience
Rhonda’s time at Western State College of Law was not free of challenges. At that time, the number of women in law school was considerably lower than it is today. Recounting her memories from a criminal law class she took, she said, “There were only four women in my class at the time.” She went on to share her experience with the professor, who disapproved of having women in his class. Rhonda recalled the moment he called her up and implied that women were unfit to handle criminal law. “I was appalled and speechless,” she recounted. “But I said, ‘No, I can do this.'” Despite the discouragement, Rhonda persevered and excelled academically. Little did she know that she’d help pave the way for women to have a place in law school today.
Rhonda was fortunate enough to study law at Western State alongside her brother, all while balancing her legal education with being a mother. Going to law school with a sibling proved to be beneficial for her. “After my first year of law school, I had an unexpected pregnancy. I had twins. So it was nice having a brother there who knew I could do this. And he was there to push me to make sure I did,” she recalls. The two were so close that they studied together, discussed cases in their spare time, and even attended off-campus clinics. “I had my own best friend and companion for law school,” she adds. “It was the best thing that ever happened.”
Helping Students Achieve Their Dreams
Rhonda’s personal ties to Western State, along with her passion for legal education, make her an invaluable asset to the school. As the Assistant Dean of Admissions, she plays a key role in shaping the future of the institution by bringing in diverse and talented students. “I love working with prospective students because they come from all walks of life, from age 20 to 68,” she says. “I consider it my job to show them how to make their application stronger to be considered a qualified candidate for law school. If this is their dream, I want them to achieve it.”
The close-knit and supportive environment at Western State is one of its greatest strengths. “The Western State community is unlike any other,” Rhonda shares. “The camaraderie, the friendships, and the work ethic among students here is truly special.”
As an alumna, Rhonda is uniquely positioned to share firsthand perspectives of what it means to be part of the Western State family. “When students speak to me, they’re very impressed to have someone in the admissions office who attended Western State,” she shares. “I’m not only speaking to them as a counselor or advisor. I’m speaking to them as a graduate.” Her connection to the school is even stronger, thanks to its large network of alumni. “We have a very close alumni community of over 12,000. And when I have an admissions event and reach out to them, they are only too willing to help,” she explains. “Prospective students want to hear from alumni, to know that they are making the right choice by choosing Western State for their legal education. So, having supportive alumni that are willing to speak to prospective students is phenomenal.”
What Sets Western State Apart
Rhonda firmly believes that one of Western State’s greatest strengths is its community and support. “Unlike our competitor law schools, we offer smaller classes where faculty gets to know students on a one-on-one basis,” she explains. “We’re really involved in everything they do, whether we’re staff, faculty, or mentors.” She adds, “I can’t think of another place where the faculty make themselves so available, or where the alumni are willing to interact with our students. I think that’s what sets us apart, that we have this community, which I call a family.”
As one of the most affordable law schools in California, Western State actively works to make legal education accessible to people from all walks of life. Rhonda’s words perfectly capture this commitment: “We like to give people a chance. We have a part-time evening program and a full-time program. Not a lot of law schools offer that. We’re servicing the community at large, no matter what stage of life they’re in, and it makes me proud to be part of it.”
Advice for Aspiring Law Students
Rhonda emphasizes the importance of being prepared for anyone considering law school. She encourages them to start their research early by visiting law schools, going to law school fairs, and talking to admissions teams to get a real sense of what to expect. “Start the investigation process early,” she says, adding that taking these steps can answer many of the questions prospective students have.
Internships are a great way to get hands-on experience. Rhonda encourages students to look for positions in the legal field to get a firsthand look at what a career in law actually looks like. “Explain to employers that you want to go to law school someday, and figure out if it’s the right career choice for you,” she asserts. “You’ll be surprised how many law firms are willing to help.”
Rhonda does not mince words regarding law school: it’s a huge commitment. “You can’t take any shortcuts,” she insists. “You’ve got to do the work and come to class prepared.” While she’s honest about the difficulties, she also reassures students that success is possible with dedication and hard work. “Take it seriously. You’ve got to have the right mindset. It is hard, but it’s very doable.”
Finding Joy in Family and Furry Paws
Rhonda fully dedicates herself to her role at Western State, yet her personal life is equally as important to her. “I love spending time with my family,” she says. “Traveling is important to me. I also love going to the theater, museums, art galleries, and plays.” Rhonda also enjoys spending time with her husband and staying actively involved in the lives of their children and grandchildren. And, of course, there’s Phoebe, her beloved poodle. “When I come home, no matter how I’m feeling, stressed or not, she jumps up and puts her two front paws around my neck, and all of a sudden, I feel better,” Rhonda shares with a smile. “She’s my best friend. She follows me everywhere she can.”
A Legacy of Dedication and Excellence
After almost 20 years at Western State, the oldest law school in Orange County, Rhonda’s dedication to the school and its students remains as strong as ever. Her journey from law student to Assistant Dean of Admissions exemplifies the community spirit of Western State. Rhonda’s efforts have brought exceptional students to the school and helped them realize their dreams. “How do you work somewhere for 20 years and not love it?” she asks with a smile. “Coming to work, I don’t just have colleagues. I have friends and family here, too.” Through her efforts, she continues to shape the institution, one student at a time.
Rhonda Cohen truly represents the core values of Western State College of Law: dedication, mentorship, and an unwavering belief that anyone, no matter their background or stage in life, should have the opportunity to pursue a legal education. Her commitment to student success and her passion for making legal education accessible to all make her an invaluable part of the Western State community.