Name: Amanda Massimini
Year/Division: 3D
Which activities and organizations are you involved with at McGeorge? Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International (Engle Chapter); Lambda Law Students Association, Mock Trial Team, Federal Defender Clinic, Criminal Law Society, Trial Advocacy Association, Public Legal Services Society, Women’s Caucus
What is your favorite part about law school and/or McGeorge? The sense of community, the camaraderie between the students who are always willing to help each other out, and the practical learning experiences we get that train us for the “real world.”
What are your hobbies outside of law school? Photography, soccer, and cheering on the Arizona Wildcats (football and basketball) and the Arizona Diamondbacks.
What was the most memorable moment from your first year of law school? Meeting some of my best friends during orientation!! Three years later and we’re still going strong!
Career Goals: I’m interested in criminal law, public service, and trial advocacy. I’m defense-oriented and, as one lawyer recently called me, a Constitutional junkie, so I want to be a public defender! I think that Constitutional protections for people accused of a crime are too important, especially for those who – without a public defender – would otherwise be unable to afford competent legal representation. I want to be a public defender to enforce these protections, to make sure that the Government (prosecutors, officers) plays by its own rules (the Constitution), and to ensure fairness in the criminal justice system all types of criminal defendants. I’ve previously worked for the Stanislaus County Public Defender’s Office and the Sacramento County Public Defender’s Office, and now I work for the Federal Defender for the Eastern District of California. If you’re interested in being a public defender, please do not hesitate to ask me any questions you might have!
