Local attorney Crystal Rodriguez stays near to her roots

Crystal Rodriguez was sworn in as an attorney by local judge Raquel Marquez. (Photos courtesy of Marysol Rodiguez)

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Crystal Rodriguez laughed when told she was being interviewed for a “local girl makes good” success story, but that’s exactly what this is to the people of Menifee.

Rodriguez, a first-generation Latina, grew up attending Menifee schools including Ridgemoor Elementary School, Menifee Valley Middle School and Paloma Valley High School, graduating in 2015. By her own admission, she began dreaming of becoming an attorney as early as age 14.

“My dad lost his job and we were going to lose our house,” Rodriguez recalled. “A lawyer helped us through that time. Seeing a person who was able to help someone else motivated me to become someone who could do the same.”

After graduating from Santa Clara University as a political science major, Rodriguez moved to Sacramento and spent three years at the McGeorge School of Law. She found out earlier this month that she passed the bar exam. She now practices law at the Rosenstein and Associates firm in Temecula.

“I’ve been an attorney for a week,” she said with a chuckle.

Rodriguez’s homecoming became even more special Nov. 15 when she was sworn in as an attorney in the new Menifee Justice Center by judge Raquel Marquez, also a first-generation Latina. Marquez is one of two judges who handle civil law cases at the new courthouse.

“My boss suggested I reach out to judge Marquez because she’s a first-generation Latina like myself,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez works on bankruptcy and foreclosure cases and provides assistance to clients with business start-ups.

“I attended a bankruptcy clinic and I ended up loving it,” she said. “It’s a way for me to help others.”