Public Service Scholarship of the Law Office of Shane Kadlec

Advocacy. It's the word that struck me as I sat in court, overwhelmed by the imminent verdict. As a legal intern, everything, from the hard wooden benches to the prosecutor's unyielding tone, was new to me. However, as the judge delivered the verdict in a heinous case of child sexual abuse, I knew the events that led me here had taken me to the right place. It all started when I watched my bedridden great-grandfather take his final breath. Six months prior to his passing, at just 19 years old, I unexpectedly found myself taking on the role of his primary caregiver. I balanced my studies at Rice with frequent trips home to California, where I cared for him as he battled dementia and prostate cancer. The months of caregiving leading up to my great-grandfather’s death were pivotal, as they forged in me a deep-seated sense of compassion and commitment to advocate for those in need. In addition to full time care, my days were often spent fighting for basic assistance from hospice staff to ensure that my great-grandfather received the dignity and support he deserved in his final days. Fast-forward to that felony court room, where the victim, visibly relieved by the jury’s guilty verdict, looked toward the prosecution team with tears streaming down her face. She remained silent, but her gratitude was evident as she mouthed a heartfelt “thank you.” Earlier in the trial, the prosecution team shifted their entire approach when the defense counsel began explicitly silencing the victims while accusing them of lying about their experiences under oath. The prosecution’s change in approach to asking more open-ended questions during direct examination created an environment where the victims were allowed to speak more freely while telling their story, and ultimately led to the jury finding the defendant guilty. I immediately understood not just the impact of legal justice but also the power of advocacy—of standing up for those who cannot easily stand up for themselves. This moment resonated deeply with my experience caring for my great grandfather, where advocating for basic care in his most vulnerable state paralleled the role of the prosecutor fighting for fairness and justice for the victim. The experiences gained during my internship were invaluable; they blended my newfound passion for advocacy with my long-standing fascination with the law. I did everything from visiting the county jail to viewing an autopsy. These experiences solidified my goal of pursuing a legal education dedicated to creating meaningful change in the pursuit of justice, with a focus on compassion and advocacy. My journey from caregiving to the courtroom has instilled in me a commitment to advocating for justice, particularly for the most vulnerable members of our society. In pursuing a career as a criminal prosecutor, I aim to leverage the law as a tool for positive change, ensuring fairness and accountability in our legal system. I often reflect on the night my great-grandfather passed away. Moments after his passing, a surprising Facebook notification alerted my phone. It was a memory of a post he had shared on my timeline exactly two years earlier to the day. I had no recollection of ever seeing this post, but it said, "Full speed ahead Kels! Go for the gusto!" This stays with me to this day, reminding me to pursue my dreams with unwavering determination. Guided by his spirit, I am committed to advocating for justice as a criminal prosecutor, striving not only to achieve my own aspirations but to fight for those who deserve a voice in our legal system.