A school of opportunity and the oldest law school in Orange County, Western State College of Law is home to a remarkably diverse student body that is redefining what it means to be a law student. Jennifer Fazio, a dedicated 2L student, is no exception. As a wife and mother of two children with a background in education and passion for public interest law, she is thriving in academia while making positive changes to the campus environment for her fellow law students.
From Teaching to Law: A Unique Pathway
Before she started law school, Jennifer was an elementary school teacher. “I was always interested in public interest law and giving back to the community,” she shared. “It’s actually why my first career was in teaching, because I wanted to give back. But as my kids got older, I knew I was ready for something else.” Her desire to help others ignited her passion for the field of law.
Coming from a family of law, with her father as a judge and two brothers as lawyers, Jennifer was already familiar with the field. However, her personal experiences are what really catalyzed her decision to go to law school. “My family was involved in a wrongful death case,” she explained. “Being on the plaintiff’s side of that, our lawyer provided us with so much comfort,” she continued, sharing how the lawsuit offered some closure and assurance that others would not have to experience such a family tragedy again. She then recounted a moment that was a turning point for her, involving a contract dispute with her employer, where she renegotiated better contracts for fellow teachers. “That I was able to help all of the other teachers get a better contract by speaking up and doing the research, that felt very powerful.”
Championing Women in Law as Co-President of the WLA
As the co-president of the Women’s Law Association (WLA) at Western State, Jennifer’s commitment to leadership and advocacy is clear. “There’s a real need for women in the legal field to have this feeling of belonging and inclusiveness,” she said. “We [WLA] work hard to mentor students at every level, 1Ls, 2Ls, and 3Ls, to ensure they feel supported. And we’re not just limited to women. We are an inclusive space and are open to everyone,” she added.
Through her leadership, Jennifer is working to foster an environment where students, especially women, feel included. “It’s really important for women to feel that they have a space where they belong, especially when the law seeks to increase the number of practicing women lawyers.”
Gaining Skills Through Moot Court and Law Review
Jennifer is also involved in Honors Moot Court and Law Review, two prestigious programs at Western State. She insists that these programs have sharpened her legal research and advocacy skills. “Moot Court takes away any nerves you might have about speaking. It has given me the confidence to be able to speak to judges and answer questions thoughtfully,” she emphasized. Jennifer also took part in the NatTel Competition in Washington D.C., where law students from across the United States came together to compete. “Competing is so rewarding. I met students from all over the country that I would never have met otherwise. Being able to communicate your ideas clearly and argue your points helps strengthen your understanding of the law and ability to speak to others.”
She also participates in Law Review as a member of the symposium committee. “As a law student, it’s so important to be able to perform quality legal research and legal writing. Both Law Review and Moot Court have provided me with the experience I need to develop skills that I will use to succeed as a lawyer.”
Balancing Law School, Family Life, and Self-Care
As a wife and mother of two children, Jennifer has to balance the challenges of law school, her extracurricular activities, and family life. “Time management is key,” she shared. “Instead of keeping everything separate, I try to combine as much as I can. My kids help me study for tests. I write rule statements on flashcards, and they quiz me. My oldest now thinks he wants to become a lawyer! It’s very exciting.”
To make the most of her time, Jennifer listens to supplemental educational material while she drives. She also noted that keeping busy has had a positive effect on her productivity. “The busier I am, the more intentional I become with my time,” she asserts. She also praised the Western State professors for always being supportive and available to their students. “Western State’s professors make it easier because they have an open-door policy. I never feel lost. I can always reach out and get guidance when I need it.”
Jennifer strongly believes in self-care and balancing law school and fun activities. She loves reading, playing board games and video games with her family, and expressing her creativity through drawing, sewing, and making jewelry. Having a passion for music, she often plays the piano in her spare time. Jennifer also loves cooking and baking from scratch. She sums it up beautifully: “Flight attendants always tell you to put your mask on first. I think that’s a good analogy for life: you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others.”
Why Western State? A Community That Cares
Before she chose Western State, Jennifer was drawn to the school because of its warm and welcoming atmosphere. “Western State held a dinner for prospective students before school began,” she explained. “I had the privilege of speaking with Professors Lori Roberts, Stephen Hendricks, and Glenn Koppel. Each of them had one thing in common: they genuinely wanted to know about me and my journey. I could tell they truly cared about their students.”
Jennifer was also impressed by the close-knit and friendly vibe she felt among the students at Western State. “I’ll never forget meeting a 3L student who was graduating and preparing for the bar, and she just had nothing but wonderful things to say about Western State,” she remarked. “She started giving me tips on how to succeed in law school, and I didn’t even know her. The fact that she could reach out to a total stranger and offer advice spoke to what kind of school Western State is.” At that moment, Jennifer knew Western State was the ideal place for her to do law school. “This is where I was meant to be,” she said.
Advice for Incoming Law Students
Law school can be intimidating, especially for people who are changing careers or balancing family life. However, Jennifer saw that Western State has a welcoming and supportive environment. “I was worried that where I am in life would be so different from other students that it would hinder any connection. That has not been the case for me,” she shared. “We all bring something unique to the table, and that uniqueness is celebrated.”
Western State has long been a school of opportunity, opening doors to students who may not have thought a legal career was possible for them. Jennifer’s story is a perfect example of this inclusive culture. Her advice to incoming students is simple: “Don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to people. And don’t hesitate to approach your professors. They genuinely care about students. Get involved. Everyone has something valuable to offer, and everyone is welcome. You can do this.”
An Impactful Future in Law
Jennifer Fazio’s journey at Western State is just the beginning of an incredible career. With her passion for public service, leadership in student organizations, and impressive academic achievements, she is on the road to making a positive impact in the field of law. Whether she is advocating for inclusivity, mentoring fellow students, or applying her litigation skills to help others, Jennifer truly embodies the core values of Western State.
Her story is a powerful reminder of what having a community in law school can do for a student. There’s no doubt that she will make a difference in the legal field and inspire future students to follow their dreams.
