Giving Opportunities to Our Communities: The Story of Four High School Students Working at Dordick Law Corporation 

At Dordick Law Corporation in Downtown Los Angeles, four students from Verbum Dei Jesuit High School, a member of the CRISTO REY NETWORK, are gaining invaluable real-world experience through the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP). The program not only allows these young men to explore career paths but also to earn their first salary and invest it in their education. Though each student comes from a different background, their journeys to Dordick Law are united by their goals, their experiences, and the communities they come from. 

Andrew Robles: Overcoming Self-Doubt and Finding Confidence 

Andrew Robles, a 14-year-old freshman at Verbum Dei, is the team's youngest member. Growing up in Compton with three siblings, Andrew was used to facing challenges early on. His path to Dordick Law started when Verbum Dei came to his Catholic middle school, sparking an interest in the school's unique work-study program. After a tough start with job interviews, Andrew was thrilled when he landed a position at Dordick Law. His role involves a mix of office tasks but his favorite is attending court cases to assist the Dordick team. He stated "At first I thought the court was a scary place, but after helping the Dordick team by taking notes during the sessions, I don't find it scary anymore. I see the importance of our legal system and how it brings justice where it's needed. What excites me the most is the chance to work alongside attorneys and learn what it's like to practice law ". 

Andrew views his job as an opportunity to exceed expectations and pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer, a goal only strengthened during his time at Dordick Law. His experience has reinforced his desire to attend law school and continue on that path. He often hears from his classmates about their CSWP experiences at other law firms and each time, he is reminded that choosing Dordick Law was the best decision for him.

Michael Valencia: Change is Good 

Michael Valencia, 15, came to Verbum Dei in search of a better future. Raised in a family of six, Michael has always been determined to succeed. After hearing about Verbum Dei's CWSP from a classmate, he realized that the program could be a gateway to a brighter future. His first job experience, however, was challenging. He worked at a different company where he didn't feel welcomed, and it left him questioning his career path. 

But when Michael was hired by Dordick Law, everything changed. His first day in the office was a turning point, as he was greeted by friendly faces and immediately felt part of the team. At Dordick, Michael's responsibilities included assisting with case files, attending depositions to help the team take notes, and to his surprise also helping the on-site staff when an episode of the famous TV show SWAT was filmed at the office. However, his favorite part is working closely with Will and Ralph, the staff members who handle the evidence of the cases. Through this, Michael is learning more about the law and its real-world implications, something he finds both interesting and fulfilling. His experience at Dordick Law has inspired him to pursue his dream of becoming a forensic detective. He stated: "Working at Dordick Law has taught me a lot about how to act in a professional setting. At first, I was nervous about working in an office since it was a big change for me. But over time, I've grown and learned that change can be a good thing." 

Titus Hill: Breaking Barriers and Building Connections 

Titus Hill, a 15-year-old freshman at Verbum Dei, grew up in a tight-knit family where his two older brothers also attended  the school. Titus has always been a natural conversationalist, and his love for art and creativity led him to pursue a music career. His dream is to build the world's biggest record label. But when he first learned about the CWSP, Titus initially thought the idea of working was strange. Over time, he came to appreciate the importance of gaining real-world experience. 

At Dordick Law, Titus works with a team that values respect and collaboration. He has befriended his coworkers, particularly Will and Ralph, and enjoys reading through case files to better understand how the legal system operates. One of the most important contributions he has given to Dordick is helping them design a special journal for minor clients. Since he is around the same age as the plaintiffs, his insights have been very valuable in understanding how to approach clients from this age group. Titus appreciates the office environment at Dordick, which defies his initial perceptions of what a law firm would be like. The fun, lively atmosphere and the respect he feels from everyone at the firm are what made his time at Dordick both enjoyable and inspiring. He stated: "Dordick Law doesn't feel like an office. Everyone's super friendly, and there's art on every wall. What I'll remember most is how they showed me that I can work in a professional environment too. I used to think office work was boring and that I wouldn't fit in, but now I know that's not true. I can be productive and still enjoy my job. If I were to describe my experience at Dordick Law in using three words, those would be: Fun, Educational, and Empowering." Titus is learning that creating a positive, open environment is key to building a successful company—whether it's a law firm or a music label.  I

Angel Moreno: Dreams of Flying High

Angel Moreno, 17, is in his senior year at Verbum Dei and has big dreams of having his own aviation-related business. Growing up in a family that shared a love of sports and learning, Angel was always passionate about planes. He spent hours playing flight simulator games and studying aviation, dreaming of one day working in the industry. However, when it came time for him to participate in the CWSP, Angel decided to broaden his horizons by pursuing an opportunity in a completely different field: law. 

At Dordick Law, Angel's role involves assisting with cases, accompanying attorneys to court, and even helping the office team when an episode of the TV show SWAT was filmed on-site. His work on each case and his experience attending a trial have given him insights into the legal world, opening his eyes to new career possibilities. He says: "I encourage my classmates to join the CSWP, and specifically to consider Dordick Law. Dordick is what a company should be: efficient, disciplined, and friendly. I might even study law because of my experience here." Angel is learning that the skills he's developing at Dordick, such as attention to detail, communication, and professionalism, will serve him well in any field he chooses. He is graduating from high school in June of 2025 and has expressed his desire of at some point working again with Dordick Law in any way possible. 

Angel's tiny desk concert at Dordick Law Downtown Office

WORK HARD. PLAY HARD. PRAY HARD: VERBUM DEI HIGH SCHOOL  

 Helping Make Career Dreams Come True for Verbum Dei Students

Our Communities  

What makes these four students' experiences truly inspiring is that Andrew, Michael, Titus, and Angel all hail from Los Angeles' diverse neighborhoods, where professional opportunities for high school students can be hard to come by. Whether it's Compton, South LA, or another area, these students are breaking barriers and proving that they can rise above their circumstances with hard work and perseverance. Whether through their work at Dordick Law or their future aspirations, these students are carving out their paths and defying the limitations of their environments. 

A Firm Focused on Investing in our Youth  

Dordick Law is more than just a law firm; we are a community that cares about empowering young people. Through our partnership with Verbum Dei, we offer students the chance to work in a professional setting, develop essential skills, earn their first salary to pay their tuition, and explore different career paths. We are proud to be part of their journeys and are committed to providing these transformative opportunities to more students in the future.