Sergio Tapia
1. How did you hear about CRLA?
I first heard about CRLA when I was an undergraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley. I organized students around the United Farm Workers’ grape boycott when I learned about the mission and work of CRLA. I have always been impressed with the issues CRLA attorneys confront, the quality of representation they give their clients, and the overall breadth of their results. CRLA is at the forefront of fighting for the most exploited communities in our society and is one of the leading indigent legal service providers in the country.
2. Do you have family or friends who were/are farm workers?
My paternal great-grandmother’s family (including my great grandmother and two of her sons) migrated across the border from Mexico to perform seasonal farm work in the 1940’s.
3. How did you decide to become an Alternate Public Defender?
I went to law school to become a public interest lawyer. I am a firm believer in giving back to the community and doing whatever I can to ensure equal access to justice. My legal career began at the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles as an AmeriCorps program fellow. I later took a job with the Los Angeles County Public Defender and subsequently transferred to the Alternate Public Defender’s office. I have devoted my entire legal career to public interest law/public service.
4. Where did you attend law school?
I attended law school at the University of Iowa, College of Law in Iowa City, Iowa.
5. Personal hobbies or interests?
I love to travel with my family. Travelling gives me the opportunity to learn about different people and cultures. I am also a big sports fan. I love to follow college football and basketball, as well as the three major professional sports.