2 minute read
v LA VIDA
Motivos sat with Mr. Barbosa to better understand what it takes to enter the field of immigration law.
How can you explore the field?
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“If you’re interested in the field, or even just interested in policies that impact immigration, get involved with organizations,” Barbosa says. At Penn State, he joined the Latino Student Association; in law school, he was part of the student senate and helped coordinate events with other graduate schools outside his major. “Making those connections helps you broaden your mind and learn about what’s going on. If you’re interested in politics, join the Young Democrats, Young Republicans, or Young Socialists—any organization that will give you an idea of what’s going on with the candidates and how all those pieces matter to you.”
What skills are needed to be successful in the field of law?
If you find yourself standing up for your friends, carrying their stories with you, and advocating for change, and you enjoy reading, writing, and logical analysis, law could be a solid career choice. Barbosa shares that those skills and “understanding how the law might apply to your client, and how you can represent them to get them to where they need to be” are crucial to being a successful attorney.
What does a lawyer do?
“Many of our clients give us a puzzle that we have to put together and present in a way that is going to be favorable for them. Obviously, if there are negative factors, we have to represent those, but that’s part of the narrative that we give officers, judges, asylum officers. We want to narrate the life and story of someone that deserves to be here,” offers Barbosa.
What do law schools look for?
Unlike in Latin America, you need a JD to practice law in the US. This degree traditionally takes three additional years of full-time study at a law school after earning a bachelor’s degree. However, an undergraduate political science degree isn’t required for law school. In fact, according to Barbosa, law schools look to accept students with various academic and professional backgrounds. For example, someone who studied biology could go into personal injury law. The essential requirement is a passion for the field and demonstrating how lived work, academic, and travel experiences make you a strong candidate for law school. Any last tips or advice?
“I felt like I rushed through school. I was able to finish my undergraduate and law degree early, but that sacrificed maybe a lot of social connections and other opportunities. I think I was so focused on what I wanted to be in ten years that I forgot what I was right now and at that moment. So, I think it’s good to have a plan and know where you want to be, but also to enjoy the moment and be where you are so you can appreciate the people around you at that time because, as we know through COVID, we lost many people, and we don’t get that chance back,” Barbosa says.
Learning multiple languages can help you in any career field!
Studying abroad can help you appreciate other cultures and make stronger connections with those you seek to serve. Oscar Barbosa, Esq. learned English in high school, spent six months in Japan as an exchange student in college, then returned after graduation. Before attending law school, he interned with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees in Brazil for a year and took Portuguese classes. He also participated in three exchanges as a law school student in Chile, London, and Beijing, where he took six months of Mandarin classes. Now, his firm offers services in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. What language is next for Mr. Barbosa? Russian!
