CWS Partner Spotlight: Buchalter

Above: Nicole (Class of 2025) is a student associate at Buchalter this school year.

One of our valued corporate partners, Buchalter is a full-service business law firm that prioritizes client service and community service. Their San Diego office has partnered with Cristo Rey San Diego to employ our students since the 2021-2022 school year. We spoke with office manager Zanna Arthur to gain insight into why Buchalter chooses to partner with CRSD, and the value the work study program provides:

Q: How did you first get connected with Cristo Rey San Diego?
A: At Buchalter, we believe that client service goes hand-in-hand with public service. Community commitment has been a core value since our founding in 1933. Each of our offices plays an integral role in helping to improve the communities where we live and work through active service. We are particularly proud of our participation in a student work program with a number of local high schools. Our Los Angeles office employs students from Verbum Dei Jesuit High School, Cristo Rey’s brother school in Los Angeles.

Q: Why do you partner with Cristo Rey to employ students?
A: Buchalter believes it is a privilege to provide support to organizations and people that are making a difference. We partner with Cristo Rey to employ students so they are able to earn school credit and learn how to conduct themselves in a professional environment. 

In addition to assisting our scholars with college admissions, we provide financial support to overcome the challenges of purchasing books, computers, and other necessities.

Q: What kinds of roles do our student workers fill on your team?
A: Student workers fulfill a variety of roles including, the completion of important administrative tasks such as, assisting with managing case files, providing critical mail services, copy services, as well as hospitality services.

Q: If you were talking to someone who was considering hiring a team of students, what would you tell them?
A: We would tell them there is no more fulfilling way to be of service to the community than to provide hard-working students with the opportunity to earn school credit while learning how to thrive in a professional environment. All of Buchalter’s work program students complete high school and attend college. By hiring a team of students, you are not only positively impacting the child’s life and their family, you are making a difference for generations to come. With a structured and comprehensive work program and mentors passionate about teaching and supporting students, anyone can have a successful program.

Q: Any advice or words of wisdom you’d like to share with Cristo Rey students?
A: Always do your best and do not be afraid to ask questions. Learning is life-long pursuit.