Alumni Spotlight: Lorena Ramos ‘22

Paralegal at Community Legal Aid SoCal
A.A. in Paralegal Studies and A.A. in Sociology, 2022

Lorena Ramos is just at the start of her career, but this budding professional is already making waves as an advocate for equitable and compassionate legal services. After earning her Associate Degrees in Paralegal Studies and Sociology at Cerritos College in 2022, she began her career as a Paralegal at Community Legal Aid SoCal, where she assists attorneys in Family Law cases.

As a single mother and first-generation college student, Lorena overcame numerous challenges in her educational journey, but Cerritos College provided the support and flexibility she needed to succeed. The availability of online courses allowed her to complete her degrees while balancing childcare responsibilities. Some of her most memorable experiences include joining Phi Theta Kappa, graduating with honors, and interning at the District Attorney’s Office through the Paralegal Program. She credits the program’s rigorous coursework, particularly the civil procedures classes, for equipping her with the knowledge and confidence to enter the legal field.

In fact, her professor, Anthony Filer, who also serves as the Directing Attorney of Engagement at Community Legal Aid SoCal, introduced her to the legal aid nonprofit shortly after graduation—and is now her boss. Lorena is just one of over 10 Paralegal graduates from Cerritos College working at Community Legal Aid SoCal.

Lorena’s journey didn’t stop after Cerritos College. She transferred to Cal State Fullerton and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology while running her own mobile notary business. Her work in the nonprofit sector fuels her passion for advocacy and equal access to legal assistance, and she dreams of attending law school in the future.

“Cerritos College changed my life by giving me the opportunity to learn skills and start a new career,” Lorena shares. “With the odds stacked against me, I found hope in a better future for my children and myself when I decided to start my educational journey here.”