Bertilio “Lio” Correa, Jr. 

What was your motivation in going to law school?     

My road to law school was anything but linear. After graduating from Stockton University, I joined the Navy as an enlisted sailor. When my military commitment was coming to a close in 2022, I wasn’t sure if I was ready to apply to, let alone attend, law school. I had a few mentors, including my father, and friends encourage me to apply—they believed in my ability even when I doubted myself. 

What is your motivation to become a lawyer? 

I knew I wanted to become a lawyer when I was a teenager. My English class read To Kill a Mockingbird and we reenacted the final trial in class. I played the defense attorney. The following summer I had the opportunity to intern with a criminal defense attorney in my hometown. I observed him in court, met clients, and learned about the art of advocacy. After those two experiences, I knew I wanted to become a lawyer. 

What experiential learning experiences (clinics, externships, etc.) did you participate in, and how did they contribute to your legal education? 

I was a member of the National Trial Team, interned with a Federal Judge in the Eastern District, and was an Environmental, Energy, and Climate Justice Fellow. The trial team taught me how to think on my feet and make persuasive arguments, the judicial internship taught me how to be a better writer and researcher, and being a Fellow broadened my perspective and gave me the opportunity to interact with the local community. Each shaped the kind of lawyer that I am today! 

What participation and leadership positions did you hold, and how did that shape your law school experience? 

I was the Co-President of Temple Name Change Project, a member of the executive board for OutLaw, and the Editor-in-Chief of Temple International and Comparative Law Journal. Leading the Name Change Clinic gave me the opportunity to interact with clients and make meaningful change for queer, and particularly trans, individuals, being a member of the OutLaw leadership team allowed me to mentor other queer students, and being the EIC gave me the opportunity to teach what I’ve learned. These experiences made my time in law school meaningful and gave me a unique skill set that I plan on taking advantage of in practice. 

Which faculty members influenced you the most? 

Professor Mary Levy and Jules Epstein are and will continue to be lifelong mentors and friends. They were a listening ear when I needed to vent, a fierce advocate on my behalf, and excellent professors. There were many times where law school seemed like too much to handle, but each of them motivated me to continue and to challenge myself. I’d like to give a special shout out to Professor Marian Braccia for helping me find my voice and encouraging me to be myself—in and out of the court room. 

What advice would you give to current or prospective students as a recent law school graduate? 

You got this! When you need to, ask for help—law school is easier and more fun with the support of friends along the way. Tap in to the network of people ahead of you and behind you. As you climb the mountain you will notice there are paths carved out by others that you can follow. And as you look back you will realize that there are paths that you carved out that others may follow. Don’t forget to give back as you gain competence and move forward in your career.  

Do you have networking advice to offer to current or prospective students? 

Start early. It will be awkward in the beginning, but just like most things in life, repetition is the parent of mastery. Start by going to events with groups of friends that you feel comfortable being around. Eventually you will feel like you can walk into any room and network with anyone. And make sure to be kind to yourself in the beginning while you are still getting the handle of things. 

What challenges does the legal profession face today and in the near future? 

The legal profession is the custodian of American society. As lawyers, we are translators. We have a responsibility to know and understand complex ideas and to communicate them in digestible bite sizes. When exercising this power, we must do so with the understanding that our clients, opposing counsel, and the trier of fact are all human beings. We should respect them as such by acknowledging that there may be differences in opinion, physical characteristics, and way of life, but that doesn’t influence what that facts are or what science tells us. Finding common ground can be difficult, but not impossible! 

What are some ‘can’t miss’ opportunities at Temple Law? 

Temple Law has a vibrant community, that’s what attracted me to apply in the first place. Everyday there is something going on in Klein, so take advantage of anything that sounds interesting to you. And don’t be afraid of trying something new–you never know what you might find. Also, Richie’s is the go-to spot for coffee chats! 

How did you go about balancing law school and your personal life? 

Routines are your best friend. Life doesn’t stop because law school is happening. Make time for the things and the people that are important to you. When in doubt, ask a buddy how they go about balancing or try something different in your own routine! I made sure that the first and last two hours of my day were for me—taking a yoga class, reading a book for fun, journaling, or binge watching YouTube. I also made sure Sunday was “Fun-day.” Keep in mind, balance can look different depending on the week or day. Try a couple of different routines out and see what sticks for you!  

What do you wish you knew before starting law school? 

Three years seems like a lot, but it really isn’t. By the time you reach graduation, you will realize just how much you don’t know and how much there is to learn. Being a lawyer means that you will be both a student and a teacher for the rest of your career. Let future-you handle what is coming their way and let present-you handle what’s on their plate right now. You can define your own version of success if you take it one day at a time.