Making a Positive Impact and Advancing University Research Highlight 3L Ricardo Parada’s Externship  

Third-year law student Ricardo Parada’s experience working on complex legal issues at the University of California Office of the President helped to support the outcomes of researchers and scientists across the country.

3L student Ricardo Parada discusses his experiences working with the University of California Office of the President (UCOP), which oversees a system of 10 campuses, five medical centers and three affiliated national laboratories. UC Law SF’s Corporate Counsel Externship Program places students in top legal departments. 

• Worked as an in-house extern at the University of California Office of the President. 
• Is from Albuquerque and hopes to pursue a career in government law.  
• Helped to ensure that researchers and scientists can continue their important work.  

3L Ricardo Parada:

What did you do in the Corporate Counsel Externship Program and why is this work important?   

I worked as an in-house extern with UC Legal, Office of the General Counsel, in the University of California’s Office of the President. I had the opportunity to conduct research and write memoranda on complex and novel areas of law. Additionally, I collaborated with campus counsel at one of UC’s campuses on several matters, providing guidance regarding internal UC policy and federal regulations.  

UC Legal and its attorneys are constantly working on complex issues at the cutting edge of the law. I learned that the work being done by in-house government attorneys is very similar to that of in-house corporate counsel at large companies. UC is one of the largest employers in the state through its campuses, hospitals and national labs. It’s special because it helps to ensure that researchers and scientists at one of the leading research institutions in the country can continue their important work.    

How does this experience support your career goals?    

I came to UC Law SF with the explicit goal of making the most out of attending school in such a diverse and prestigious legal community. This experience gave me the rare opportunity to gain early exposure to working in-house with a legal department. At the same time, it allowed me to contribute to making a positive impact in my community. It also heightened my interest and enthusiasm in pursuing a career in government law.  

Would you recommend UC Law SF and this program? Why?   

I absolutely recommend the program. Professors Geevargis and Darling provided valuable insight and guidance that helped me excel in my placement. UC Law SF is unique in providing this experience, especially considering its strategic location in such a robust and critical legal market. I appreciated the opportunity to pursue a placement with a nonprofit and governmental organization, and I hope that future students can continue to gain such valuable experience while making a positive impact on the local community and California more broadly.     

What’s your favorite UC Law SF memory so far?    

During Admitted Students Day, I learned that one of my undergraduate professors at Occidental College would be teaching at UC Law SF. I’m interested in pursuing a social justice-oriented career and had taken a course called Rebellious Lawyering with Thalia González, who’d joined the faculty here, so I was excited to take her courses at UC Law SF.  

The Evidence of Success series highlights UC Law SF students as they share how the college’s opportunities equip them with the experience, skills, and confidence to excel in the legal profession.