Jara Lindgren, ’24, embodies strength, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Born and raised in Sacramento, Lindgren graduated from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in 2024 with a passion for legislative advocacy and empowering women in sports. However, her path to the legal field wasn’t always easy. 

“I knew I wanted to help others since pursuing my master’s degree in public administration,” Lindgren said.

While in graduate school at Wayne State College in Nebraska, her debut into policy didn’t ignite the spark she expected.

“In my Federal Public Policy class, I thought I’d love it but it was so boring I couldn’t connect with it,” Lindgren said.

Surprisingly, it was her next required course, Local Public Policy, that inspired her.

“I thought I’d hate it too since it was with the same professor, but it completely changed my view of law. It was in that class that I fell in love with the legislative process and realized the power of writing to create real change,” Lindgren said.

With this surprise, paired with her research for her Master’s capstone paper, “Barriers to Quality Education,” engraved her goals into stone.

“I discovered that two key factors influencing education were the socioeconomics of a family and the mother’s level of education. That made me want to dive deeper into addressing systemic barriers,” she explained. 

Lindgren chose McGeorge School of Law for its amazing Capital Lawyering Concentration and proximity to the California State Capitol.

“I felt like I hit the jackpot with McGeorge,” she said. “The Legislative and Public Policy Clinic was a game-changer. It is one of only a few clinics in the U.S. that puts students directly into the Capitol space, working with legislators, sponsors, nonprofits, and more.” 

In the Legislative and Public Policy Clinic, Lindgren and her group members tackled real-world issues.

“My group focused on reintroducing wolverines into California. We worked with assembly members, environmental nonprofits, and sponsors to move our bill forward,” she shared. “Even though it died in appropriations, the experience taught me how to build coalitions, navigate setbacks, and create change.” 

Beyond academics, Lindgren has a deep passion for sports and gender equality in athletics. As a former collegiate soccer and basketball player, she has coached numerous athletic teams and is a mother to young athletes.

“I’ve learned that high school boys have 1 million more athletic options than girls,” she pointed out.

Determined to address this disparity, she is in the process of founding “Game Changers,” a nonprofit organization focused on empowering female athletes. Game Changers hosted its first speaker event in October 2024, featuring pro-volleyball player, Maddie Haynes, and Dr. Tanisha Sparks, UOP’s Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, who played sports during college.

“We talked about how sports teach life skills like teamwork, confidence, and resilience,” Lindgren said. “Sports teach women that you don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be brave. Choose courage over comfort and keep showing up.” 

While at McGeorge, Lindgren also pursued various interests, completing an externship at the District Attorney’s Office, traveling to Italy for an internship, and serving on the California Initiative Review to analyze proposed measures and present findings to the public.

“I made sure my electives weren’t all always tied to my Capital Lawyering Concentration,” she said. “I took classes like Women in the Law, Voting Then and Now, and Federal Indian Law, because you never know what else will spark your interest.” 

After passing the bar in July and being sworn into the legal profession in November, Lindgren took a bold step. Turning down jobs at two District Attorney’s Offices, she joined McGeorge’s Office of JD Admissions as a recruiter.

“I felt in my heart that this was the right decision to do at that moment, and they [San Joaquin County and Amador County District Attorney’s Offices] let me know if I changed my mind, I would be able to return,” she said.

While working for the Office of JD Admissions, she simultaneously was preparing to launch her own law firm, “Jae B Law, Legacy Estate Planning,” where she plans the firm to open in mid-January 2025, and currently already has clients waiting to be helped. 

Her advice to future law students draws from her own experiences.

“Whatever brought you to law school, take those classes but keep your eyes and heart open. And if now isn’t the right time to start law school, show up when it is. But whatever you do, make sure you’re showing up for you,” Lindgren said.

From navigating the halls of the Capitol to inspiring young athletes, Lindgren’s journey proves that passion and perseverance can lead to extraordinary change on and off the field or court.