Born and raised in Utah, rising 3L Enrique Martinez made the decision to apply to law school based on three reasons: 1) hearing about his mom’s work as a paralegal; 2) taking law-related classes as an undergraduate; and 3) working as a legal assistant. It was the perfect combination of influences to convince him that his future lay with the law.
“My mom is a paralegal for a local firm in Salt Lake City, and she works with attorneys on medical malpractice cases. Growing up and hearing her speak about the type of work her law firm does and the kinds of issues she dealt with really got me interested in going to law school,” Martinez recalls. “During my undergrad I took courses that revolved around legal topics—e.g., constitutional law—and enjoyed learning about the law. What really solidified my decision to attend law school was the year I spent as a legal assistant drafting documents. Although the work was monotonous at times, I was sure that working in the field of law was for me.”
Since he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Utah, it was important to Martinez to be close to family and friends while pursuing his JD degree, and he recalls that S.J. Quinney College of Law had a positive reputation.
“I had always heard about how S.J. Quinney is a great law school (and the best in Utah, of course). The quality of the law school and its proximity to my friends and family made the most sense for me when applying to law schools,” Martinez says.
Since his legal assistant days, Martinez has developed a passion for legal writing and now enjoys the creativity involved with it.
“Prior to attending law school, I thought writing legal briefs seemed like a tedious task that was only formulaic,” Martinez says. “However, I have enjoyed the creativity involved in legal research, formulating arguments, and effectively communicating those ideas through legal writing.”
Martinez has spent his summer working at the Salt Lake City firm Ray Quinney & Nebeker. It is the second time he’s worked there as summer associate, and he enjoys the community of the firm.
“I have immensely enjoyed my experience with Ray Quinney & Nebeker. As a summer associate, I receive various projects from attorneys at the firm that involve researching, writing office memos, and drafting documents,” Martinez says. “I appreciate how the firm is willing to give me substantive work and that attorneys take the time to provide mentorship. I especially like the culture and sense of community the firm has cultivated, which has made me feel welcomed from the beginning.”
And it’s the people as well at the S.J. Quinney College of Law that have made Martinez’s experience worthwhile.
“I have had nothing but great interactions with classmates, professors, and other faculty. The law school is second to none at getting great people and keeping them,” Martinez says.
Like most students, Martinez was intimidated to start law school. One thing he wished he had known before enrolling in classes is that all the 1L students are in the same boat together.
“It would have been helpful to realize that no student knows the law going into law school, and most are experiencing doubt about whether they belong,” Martinez says. “Once you can get over any initial insecurity from being in a setting where you are constantly confused and oftentimes do not know the answer, the learning experience becomes all the more enjoyable.”
Martinez has embraced his learning experience at S.J. Quinney College of Law and is most proud of securing a post-graduation clerkship with Justice Pohlman at the Utah Supreme Court.
“I externed at the Utah Supreme Court during my 2L year and really enjoyed handling appeals, collaborating with clerks, and interacting with the justices. I feel lucky and honored to have the opportunity to assist Justice Pohlman shortly after my graduation,” Martinez says.
With a clerkship lined up, Martinez has further plans for his career after graduation and wants to help future law students in need as well.
“After graduating from law school, I hope to practice commercial litigation and appellate law in Salt Lake City. However, I am still very much open to exploring new opportunities. Regardless of where my career ends up, I hope that I can pay forward the mentorship and willingness to help that I have received from many attorneys and professors as my career progresses,” he says.