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Q&A with Tyler Yang, Second-Year Law Student
Tyler Yang is currently studying in Washington, D.C. through the University of California DC (UCDC) program. His externship is at the Death Penalty Information Center (DPIC). Tyler was born in Irvine, California, and grew up in Taiwan, Shanghai, Massachusetts and Orange County. He earned a B.S. in Business Administration and Finance with a minor in English from Chapman University. At UC Irvine Law, Tyler serves as the Senior Diversity and Outreach Editor for the Law Review and has participated in the Domestic Violence Clinic. In his free time, he enjoys basketball, Muay Thai, and spending time with his Rottweiler, Lunch.
Q: What has your UCDC experience been like?
My time in Washington, D.C. has been transformative, both professionally and personally. The UCDC program, the "Law and Lawyering in the Nation's Capital" class, and my internship at the Death Penalty Information Center, has provided invaluable experiences that have shaped my understanding of law and policy. Two experiences stand out as particularly memorable: having the privilege to hear former Attorney General Eric Holder speak about his tenure under President Obama and attending a Supreme Court argument thanks to Professor Lehtman's efforts. As a law student, witnessing these pillars of our legal system firsthand has been profoundly impactful.
Being in such close proximity to Congress, the Supreme Court, and the White House has transformed abstract news headlines into tangible realities and lived experiences. I've gained unique insight into how public policy directly impacts the lives of thousands of federal workers and the broader community. Beyond professional growth, D.C. has enriched my personal life — I've attended ballet performances, trained for a martial arts tournament, joined trivia nights, and built a network of connections with professionals across various government departments and levels.
Q: What do you enjoy the most about your externship with the Death Penalty Information Center?
What I value most about my externship at the Death Penalty Information Center is the opportunity to blend my background in creative writing with my legal education. While law school's first year focuses on the foundations of legal writing through memorandums and briefs, my placement at DPIC has allowed me to elevate these skills by crafting narratives that serve multiple purposes — advocacy, information, and education.
I've developed the ability to transform complex death penalty cases into compelling stories that not only communicate the petitioners' personal histories but also illuminate how systemic issues like arbitrariness, prosecutorial misconduct, and due process rights violations impact those on death row. This experience has taught me that effective legal advocacy often requires translating technical legal concepts into accessible narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
Q: What are your career plans after graduation?
As a 2L, I'm excited to be joining Fisher Phillips' Irvine office this summer, where I'll be working in labor and employment law across various industries. I'm confident that the legal analysis skills and interpersonal development I've gained at the Death Penalty Information Center will transfer seamlessly to my work at the firm. My experience crafting compelling narratives and analyzing complex legal issues will be particularly valuable as I assist clients in navigating the intricate landscape of employment law. I hope to continue my career working for industry-leading law firms after graduation.
Q: What drew you to the UCDC program?
Service has been a cornerstone value throughout my life, having grown up across three countries and five cities. From selling shoelaces to fund after-school sports for physically challenged orphans in Shanghai to interning with Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County to working for UC Irvine Law’s Domestic Violence Clinic, community engagement has always been essential to my identity. When I attended a UCDC information session at UC Irvine, I immediately recognized the program as an opportunity to continue this lifelong commitment for an entire semester. I was confident that the skills I had developed at UC Irvine Law would enable me to make a meaningful impact, which inspired me to seek out opportunities with nonprofit organizations in D.C. The program offered the perfect intersection of my legal education and my dedication to service.
Q: What's your favorite part about living in Washington, D.C.?
Washington, D.C. captivates me with its remarkable blend of historical significance and vibrant community life. The city offers an endless array of experiences — from the powerful monuments that commemorate our nation's history to world-class free museums and mural-laden neighborhoods. In just a few months, I've witnessed the breathtaking cherry blossoms, visited giant pandas at the zoo, seen the Potomac River frozen over, and participated in numerous cultural celebrations.
Despite initially feeling intimidated as the only UC Irvine student in the program, I quickly found my community at my Muay Thai gym, local basketball runs, and various study spots around the city. What surprised me most was how welcoming D.C. residents are due to the city's transient nature. Many people I've met are relatively new to the city themselves and open to forming connections. While adapting to this environment challenged me to become more outgoing, some of my most cherished memories have been exploring the city with friends I've just met.
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