Chasity Hendren '20

To be very honest, I received my BA in psychology and decided against pursuing my graduate degree in psychology. After some research, I pursued law school because it had flexible entry requirements. I don’t regret it!

I am a San Diego native and felt it would be best to go through law school in a familiar place with the support of family and friends.

I knew from the beginning that I wanted to work in the environmental side of law which led me to the energy field. I pursued the energy and environmental law concentration, and it was the best decision I made in law school.

I was able to work at a small energy and environmental law firm straight from law school. Still currently there and love the experience I have had so far.

My experience at USD School of Law really set me up for my current job. I was awarded a fellowship with SDG&E through the San Diego County Bar Association (SDCBA) which gave me a foundational knowledge of the energy field I greatly appreciate and made me stand out to future employers. Aside from my energy and environmental law courses, I participated in USD’s Energy Policy & Initiative Clinic (EPIC) which introduced me to real-world work that translated into the current work I do. Thanks, EPIC! Lastly, I did USD’s Washington DC externship program and interned at the Department of Energy which was a fun experience and gave me a lot of foundational knowledge into the policy side of things and has help me with advocating for my clients. While in DC, I was also able to use my connections through EPIC to meet other alumni in the same field which was awesome!

Other than joining the environmental law journal, I wouldn’t do anything different. The best advice I could give is to be confident in your decision to pursue energy and environmental law. I had to turn down work in other fields, with only the hope that I made the right decision and would find work in the field. Now, I find myself with the knowledge and skills that impress prospective employers.

Aside from my energy and environmental law courses, I participated in USD’s Energy Policy & Initiative Clinic (EPIC) which introduced me to real-world work that translated into the current work I do. Thanks, EPIC! Lastly, I did USD’s Washington DC externship program and interned at the Department of Energy which was a fun experience and gave me a lot of foundational knowledge into the policy side of things and has help me with advocating for my clients. While in DC, I was also able to use my connections through EPIC to meet other alumni in the same field which was awesome!

I would have to say being awarded the Diversity Fellowship through the SDCBA and telling each prospective employer that I was interested in environmental law which led me to be placed with SDG&E. Not only did that experience set me on my career path but I made lasting friendships and mentorships from it.