When 2L Jade Trinh was four years old, she and her family immigrated to the United States. She learned English by watching movies and shows like Legally Blonde and Law & Order and says she has always had a deep love for the law as far back as she can remember.
“Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the challenges my parents faced in navigating the legal system. As they grappled with language barriers and unfamiliar legal documents, I became their advocate, where I interpreted and completed necessary paperwork on their behalf,” Trinh recalls. “These experiences deepened my appreciation for the law and the power of language. This personal connection to the law has shaped my passion for the profession.”
After graduating from Temple University, Trinh became an underwriter for Medicare products at Aetna, which gave her a vantage point of the intersection between law and economics.
“Through assessing insurance risks, I cultivated a thorough understanding of legal intricacies inherent in policy interpretation and contractual obligations. Analyzing economic trends and market dynamics was integral to my role, enhancing my ability to foresee potential legal implications within a rapidly evolving insurance landscape,” she says. “The experience in underwriting provided me with a practical understanding of legal complexities in the business world, but becoming an attorney has always been a personal and professional aspiration. That is why I am now in law school and on the way to achieving my childhood dream.”
Trinh is most proud of her work as a research assistant for Professor Paul Cassell and with the White Collar and Commercial Enforcement division at the Utah Attorney General’s office, which she says has been a pivotal chapter in her career.
“Working on cases involving multi-state litigations and participating in investigations into fraud schemes within Utah instilled in me a profound sense of purpose, knowing that my contributions directly impact the well-being of individuals and the integrity of the business environment,” Trinh says. “The mentorship of the attorneys with whom I have the privilege to work and receive mentorship from has also been immensely helpful and rewarding.”
For Trinh, it’s important to stay authentic to who you are. She tells prospective law students not to be ashamed to say they don’t know the answer or to be afraid of asking a question, even if you think it’s a dumb one, because someone else in the room may be thinking the same thing.
“I appreciate S.J. Quinney College of Law for its commitment to fostering a collaborative and engaging learning environment. The faculty and staff are not only accomplished but also genuinely invested in the success of students,” she says. “The small class sizes and approachable nature of the professors facilitate meaningful interactions and guidance, creating a sense of community.”
Though Trinh says it’s too early to say exactly what her career aspirations are after graduation, she knows she wants to be involved in business or corporate law on a global scale.
“A great attorney once told me that being a new attorney is one of the best times in one’s life because there is so much to learn and explore,” Trinh says. “I am deeply intrigued by the creative application of legal principles within structured processes to address complex challenges. I see the law not only as a set of rules but as a dynamic framework that requires innovative thinking to navigate effectively. Whether crafting legal strategies, negotiating agreements, or problem-solving within the confines of established procedures, I am enthusiastic about finding innovative and strategic approaches to achieve optimal outcomes. This passion extends to exploring how creativity can be harnessed in legal processes to foster efficiency, adaptability and, ultimately, better solutions for clients.”