Our Interview With Darbi Davidson, Attorney at Thornses Bartolotta McGuire

Darbi earned her bachelor’s degree in communications and worked as a Social Media Manager and Communications Director before pursuing her passion for law. She attended the University of San Diego School of Law, where she served as an Academic Success Fellow, editor for the San Diego International Law Journal, and research assistant. Darbi gained practical experience through externships with the San Diego City Attorney’s Office and the San Diego Superior Court. She joined Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire as a law clerk and became an Associate Attorney after passing the California Bar Exam.

1) What motivated you to pursue a career in law?

During the pandemic, I felt inspired to pursue a career change. Becoming a lawyer had always been a dream of mine, so I decided to use the time at home to study for the LSAT. Fortunately, the extra time at home allowed me to fully commit to preparing for this new chapter in my life.

2) What do you wish you had known about the law school application process before you applied?

I wish I knew that time is of the essence with applications. Submitting your application earlier in the admissions window can be a significant advantage.

3) A lot of students struggle with the law school personal statement. What did your brainstorming, writing, and editing process look like, and what do you think made yours stand out from the crowd?

I began by writing several essays with different themes and then narrowed them down to one final choice after receiving feedback from trusted editors and advisers. Ultimately, my essay focused on being candid and authentic rather than trying to guess what admissions officers wanted to hear. I highlighted my passion for serving others, which drives my desire to pursue a legal career, and emphasized my prior work experience. As someone entering law as a second career, I believe my professional background helped my application stand out.

4) What was the biggest challenge that caught you off guard when you sat down to write the LSAT?

I have always been an avid reader, but the length of the reading comprehension passages and the time constraints required a significant adjustment. However, the LSAT is a test where practice truly makes a difference. I was pleasantly surprised by how much my score improved from my initial practice test to the final exam after dedicated preparation.

5) How much work experience did you gain before applying to law school? What opportunities did you pursue, and what helped you the most during the application process?

I worked in communications for four years before law school. Developing my interpersonal skills and learning to communicate effectively in writing were invaluable experiences. Additionally, working allowed me to build relationships with references who could provide meaningful recommendations, speaking to my work ethic and strengths, which bolstered my application.

6) Did you have any setbacks or rejections during the law school admissions process, and what did you learn from those experiences?

I was waitlisted at one of my top-choice schools. However, I am very happy with where I ended up, as it aligned well with my career goals. This experience taught me to trust the process and not become overly focused on one particular school. There are many excellent law schools, and finding the right fit is what truly matters.

7) What led you to specialize in civil litigation? What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue your specialty? What activities/events/opportunities would you recommend for students wanting to pursue civil litigation?

I discovered my interest in litigation early during law school and used a process of elimination to determine which area of law suited me best. A judicial externship in the Civil Division of the court exposed me to various legal fields and ultimately guided me toward becoming a plaintiff’s attorney in medical malpractice, personal injury, and property law. My advice is to explore a variety of legal fields while in school and keep an open mind. Participating in Law Journal and taking a trial advocacy course were also instrumental in preparing me for my career.

8) What are the biggest sacrifices you’ve had to make to pursue a career in law?

Time and money. Law school is a significant financial investment and requires three years of intense studying and hard work. Additionally, being a lawyer is not a 9-to-5 job—it demands a continuous commitment. However, I am passionate about this work and would make those sacrifices again without hesitation.

9) Bonus question: How much would we have to pay you to take the LSAT again?

Hot take: I actually enjoyed taking the LSAT! Once I got the hang of the logic games, they became fun. That said, it would take $1,000 just to make me reread the reading comprehension questions.

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