Government Law Organization Hosts André Birotte Jr.
1Ls, 2Ls, and 3Ls alike gathered for advice on how to rise through the ranks of government law. As a New Jersey native and the son of Haitian immigrants, André Birotte Jr. blazed a path to his position as U.S. Attorney for the Central District that was anything but conventional. He is the first African-American U.S. Attorney in the Central District of California, and he was eager to share personal anecdotes and professional wisdom to help students become more competitive in the legal job market.
Dean Robert K. Rasmussen welcomed Birotte to the Government Law Organization sponsored lunchtime event.
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| Dean Rasmussen with U.S. Attorney André Birotte Jr. |
“He is simply a dedicated public servant and is recognized as someone who can bring people together,” Rasmussen said.
After graduating from Pepperdine University School of Law, Birotte went on to become a deputy public defender and spent four years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. He then joined top litigation firm, Quinn, Emanuel, Urquhart, Oliver & Hedges, and in 2003, took on the role of Inspector General at the Los Angeles Police Commission.
In 2009, Birotte was pulled in a different professional direction. While most U.S. Attorneys come from backgrounds as professors or partners at large law firms, Birotte was not deterred by his unusual work experience, and his persistence paid off. After an extensive application process and an interview with California Senator Dianne Feinstein, President Barack Obama nominated him for United States Attorney.
“If I had listened to everyone who told me 'no,' I wouldn’t be standing in front of you today,” he said with a smile.
Today, Birotte represents the largest geographic district in the state, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. He works with state, federal, and local levels of government to address national issues, but also makes meeting each county’s unique needs a priority.
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| U.S. Attorney André Birotte Jr. speaks to students |
“I want to make sure we are out in the community where people see us. It’s a challenge but its also what makes it exciting,” he said.
Birotte encouraged students interested in government sector work to seek out mentors and secure externships. After all, he can trace his own success back to law school internships.
“I worked at the San Diego County public defender’s office, and it opened doors that perhaps others wouldn’t have,” he said.
The USC Gould Career Services Office, alumni, and professors are all potential job resources students should take advantage of.
“This time is now. Demonstrate initiative and do good work wherever you are. That’s the best foundation,” Birotte said.
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