Jade Chen has a unique connection to UWLA. As the daughter of a UWLA graduate, Jade remembers attending classes with her mother as a young girl, yet never imagined law school would be part of her journey. Initially wanting to pursue a career in medicine, Jade’s first job out of high school was with a psychiatrist who was an MD and a JD from – yes, you guessed it – UWLA.

Despite her connections to UWLA, law school was not ever part of her plan until Jade went to inquire about a job at UWLA during the open house.

“I sat in on the mock lecture at the open house, and I enjoyed it much more than I anticipated. I decided to make a career change and took the LSAT. UWLA proved the perfect fit for me; it was inspiring to be taught by Professors Zand and Professor Barrett, who taught my mom 10 years earlier.”

Jade completed her JD at UWLA in 2016. She currently lives and works in Pasadena, as an attorney at TCW Global Legal Group, where she is the primary personal injury attorney and also practices immigration and family law.

“I am able to incorporate my interest in medicine in my daily practice as a personal injury attorney,” Jade said. “Additionally, two years ago, I started a bar prep company called Crack the Bar to help law school graduates pass the bar exam,” she added.

Jade grew up in Northridge and graduated from the University of California, Riverside, with a B.A. in psychology in 2012. An overachiever from early on, she participated in a great deal of nonprofit work focusing on at-risk youth in the Inland Empire. She also was very eager to start graduate school and accelerated her studies to complete her undergraduate degree in three years.

At UWLA, she was able to continue her work with at-risk youth through the Teen Court Program. She also excelled academically and personally, even while working part-time in a restaurant and as a receptionist at the Chatsworth campus.

“I had a great experience at UWLA, and I met lifelong friends,” Jade said.

“What I found unique was the culture; the students in my class worked closely together and helped each other through law school. We studied together, we shared notes, and we rooted for each other. Now, post-graduation and post-Bar, we are all practicing, and we still work together on cases, give each other advice, refer cases, and support each other’s practices.”   

“When I first attended the mock lecture at UWLA’s open house, it was impressed upon us that law school has the ability to change how we think and see the world,” Jade said.

“I didn’t realize it then, but this sentiment would become true in my life and career. Attending law school taught me to be an analytical thinker, an invaluable skill I rely upon and appreciate as a lawyer.”

It’s also the experiences of her UWLA classmates and her own that inspired her to create the Bar-prep class.

“That time between graduation and passing the bar is very difficult for law students, especially if you have already attempted the exam and were unsuccessful. For some, it could be the first time in their academic career that they have received a failing grade, which can be a huge mental setback,” Jade said.

“My bar prep program, Crack the Bar, offers essay grading packages, but also – and most importantly – provides emotional and mental support. As the primary counselor, I am there to remind my students each step of the way that they are worthy and smart, and that they possess the skills capable of cracking the bar exam,” she added.

For anyone considering law school, Jade says what so many others have also said: “Just do it; you won’t regret it.”

Jade believes that the knowledge and analytical skills students gain in Law School can greatly help in all aspects of one’s life, regardless of whether or not she or he ends up practicing law.

But the best, most healthy advice for law students, she adds, is that once the final exam or bar exam is submitted, simply try to forget about it. The score is already set in stone, and you cannot make any changes or get the exam back. She says, there is no point stressing oneself out thinking about what you possibly did wrong. Rather, you should take a mental break by relaxing and enjoying life.

Known for her perseverance, Jade plans to continue building her personal injury practice, as well as expanding her immigration practice to other countries around the world. She also loves to cook and travel, using both as a creative outlet and stress reliever.

“Working in law is difficult and stressful because there is a lot at stake, so it’s important to remind yourself to experience the world and make time for yourself.”

Congratulations, Jade Chen, on paying it forward in your law practice and bar prep business. UWLA is proud of you!