Student Spotlight: Samantha Salazar

Samantha Salazar was among the first students to complete El Camino’s inaugural Intern South Bay program, where she gained practical experience at a personal injury law firm in Torrance in addition to valuable insights into her future career as an attorney.

As part of her internship, Salazar assisted attorneys with case management and legal drafting, organized case files, managed client communication, and handled court filings and deposition scheduling – experiences she said transformed paralegal studies from theory into practice.

“I found real-world experience in drafting legal documents and interacting with clients and the court system, directly applying classroom learning and building the practical skills essential for a successful legal career,” said Salazar, who is in El Camino’s paralegal studies program. “A memorable moment during my internship was seeing firsthand how helping a client complete discovery forms plays a crucial role in securing their justice.”

Salazar previously earned a bachelor's degree in political science with a minor in sociology and is now pursuing her dream of becoming an attorney. She appreciates El Camino’s approach that offers distinct pathways to career growth.

“The supportive staff and counselors were instrumental; they not only taught the curriculum but also championed ethical professionalism and provided unwavering guidance throughout my career journey,” she said.