The Elder and Health Law Clinic at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law introduced me to topics and issues that shaped my current legal career in the healthcare field. As a student in the Clinic, I was given the tools to find out what it would feel like to work with different subjects and in different forums, which helped me map out my future path.
As a first-year law student, I learned that the McGeorge Legal Clinics were the best way to gain insight into life as an attorney, as well as to help people in the Sacramento community. I was drawn to the Elder and Health Law Clinic because of the diverse issues those clients faced. I learned that students working in the Elder and Health Law Clinic could expect to encounter clients wishing to execute wills and trusts and powers of attorney; clients having difficulty navigating public benefits; interpersonal disputes; and housing crises.
Through the Clinic, I was exposed to different forums for addressing issues, which helped me to build confidence in myself as an emerging attorney. There was no “one-size-fits-all” answer in the Clinic. I enjoyed getting to know my clients and helping them with issues that were often different from the issues that had brought them in the door. Professor Melissa Brown encouraged us to investigate and independently craft unique solutions for our clients.
One of my clients was denied a prescription drug benefit through the Medicare program. Prior to law school, I had no experience with public healthcare benefits, but I gained a foundational knowledge through the Elder and Health Law class, and learned even more in the Elder and Health Law Clinic. I ultimately filed an appeal with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on behalf of my client. I submitted briefing on the issue to CMS and argued my case before a federal administrative law judge. My client was ultimately able to obtain his needed prescription medication.
Additionally, I drafted multiple wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. When we had a client approach us for help with an abusive family member, I appeared before a Family Court judge to obtain a temporary restraining order. When I didn’t have the tools to help my clients, I worked with other community organizations to help them find appropriate help.
I found myself drawn to healthcare issues while working in the clinic. I was able to connect with multiple alumni in the healthcare field through McGeorge’s Career Services Office in order to gain a better understanding of the different types of healthcare attorneys. I also signed up for relevant internships (e.g. the Center for Medicare Advocacy) and externships (e.g. Office of the Attorney General, Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse) and took classes such as Health Care Law, Administrative Law, and Health Care Policy.
Ultimately, I found myself drawn to in-house healthcare practice. I liked the idea of collaborative problem-solving within an organization of people dedicated to helping others. I am now in-house counsel with a children’s health care system in Fort Worth, Texas. The healthcare field can be complex and difficult to navigate. I am thankful for my experience in the McGeorge Elder and Health Law Clinic, which set me up for success in my field.
By Lauren Sorokolit, ’13.