After working for a few years, Justin Garcia decided it was time to settle on a career. He chose the law, and selected The John Marshall Law School for its Chicago location and excellent trial advocacy and legal writing programs. The January class option allowed him to start law school on his own schedule.

John Marshall’s JD program offered Garcia an excellent foundation in the principles of the law, as well as opportunities to acquire hands-on experience that will benefit him in years to come.

“As a student, I’ve had the chance to see a half-dozen trials and watch jury selection while I externed with Judge William Haddad” in the Circuit Court of Cook County Law Division, Garcia said. “Those were extraordinary opportunities that undoubtedly gave me a head start. In a field where experience is of the essence, John Marshall offered me chances to learn by doing.”

Garcia also was a national competitor as a John Marshall team member at the 13th annual Hispanic National Bar Association Moot Court Competition in New York City in spring 2008. He was named Second Best Oralist from representatives of 20 teams.

“The competition gave me great insights into statutory law which is what we argued. I learned first hand what kind effort is necessary to successfully prepare for a case. It was a lot of work, but I learned so much and got great insights from our faculty advisors.”