Nancy Ann Dao takes nothing for granted. Becoming an attorney has been a challenging yet rewarding journey. Today, she is an immigration attorney with a focus on asylum, removal defense, and humanitarian relief – an area of law that could not be timelier. With the daily news headlines dominated by ICE raids and deportation orders, protecting the rights of the less fortunate is more important than ever. Attorneys like Nancy are often the last line of defense for an immigrant in the government's crosshairs.

Following her studies at Chapman University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Nancy set her sights on law school. She credits Chapman with providing a solid foundation in legal writing and critical thinking that carried into her law studies. She selected the University of West Los Angeles (UWLA) School of Law because it offered an accessible and rigorous legal education, with supportive faculty and a community that valued real-world applications. “UWLA’s mission aligned with my commitment to public interest law and provided the flexibility of evening classes,” explained Nancy.

Nancy’s legal journey was not an easy one. “Earning my J.D. from UWLA, while overcoming personal challenges, reaffirmed my purpose as a legal advocate,” stated Nancy. “It was a testament to standing on trembling legs with an unshakable soul. Like steel under pressure, I was forged by adversity, but not broken—driven by faith in the fire and principled defiance in the face of hardship.”

One of her hurdles was preparing to take the California Bar Exam while pregnant. She professed that sitting for the Bar while pregnant was definitely challenging. But despite being seven months pregnant, Nancy passed on her first attempt. She credits UWLA with equipping her with practical legal skills, strong mentorship, and a deep commitment to justice. This led her to become a staunch advocate for vulnerable communities and seek to create a long-term impact through legal representation.

Over the past decade, Nancy has practiced immigration law. She also provides pro bono legal services for organizations such as Camino Immigration Services in partnership with Placentia Presbyterian Church, Al Otro Lado’s Border Rights Project, and Lawyers for Good Government.

Inspiring and Encouraging the Next Generation of Staunch Advocates

In addition to her legal practice, Nancy is currently an adjunct law professor at the UWLA School of Law. She is also a founding member of the UWLA Faculty Development and Support Committee. One of the reasons she joined the teaching staff at UWLA was a desire to nurture the next generation of advocates. “I wanted to inspire new attorneys who are not only competent and ethical, but also lionhearted advocates for the weak and voiceless across all communities, backgrounds, and ethnicities,” said Nancy.

As an adjunct professor, she trains and mentors law students and lawyers in trial skills and immigration advocacy. She is also directing the development and launch of the UWLA Immigration Legal Clinic, which she believes will make a real difference in today’s volatile political climate.

“As a single mother, my journey through law school and the years that followed were deeply personal and purpose-driven,” added Nancy. “I’ve spent my legal career fighting for the voiceless, defending the rights and freedoms of marginalized individuals across every administration. I’m proud to show my son the power of perseverance, faith, and service through a life dedicated to justice.”

She is grateful for her education at UWLA and encourages others to take a closer look at the school. “UWLA is an excellent choice for those seeking a mission-driven, supportive legal education while balancing work and life responsibilities,” concluded Nancy.