Rochel is Studylog's General Counsel and valuable recent addition to our team.
Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?
I was born in Brooklyn, NY, and lived there with my parents and my younger brother. During the summer prior to starting 3rd grade, my father accepted a job to head up the marketing department for a regional department store (Joske’s of Texas) in San Antonio, Texas. My family moved to San Antonio in 1968, the year Hemisphere was held in San Antonio. I remained in San Antonio until I attended college at the University of Southern California on a debate scholarship. I debated at USC for 2-years, winning the Novice National Debate Tournament at Northwestern University in 1979. After debating at USC, I completed my degree in Speech Communications at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, where I also coached the St. Mary’s debate team.When I graduated from St. Mary’s, I worked for several politicians, including San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros, writing speeches, coaching debate skills, and overseeing advertising and public relations campaigns. In 1989, I made the decision to enter law school at St. Mary’s School of Law. I graduated from St. Mary’s School of Law in 1992.
Did you have any specific role models? If so, who were they?
Growing up, I had 2 role models – John F. Kennedy and Green Bay Packer Quarterback, Bart Starr. I admired President Kennedy’s public speaking skills and his compassion for people and his commitment to civil rights, which President Kennedy recognized as a “moral cause” to which all people need to contribute.As a child, I watched Green Bay Packer football games with my father. In the late ’60s, Green Bay was a powerhouse football team under the leadership of Coach Vince Lombardi and quarterback Bart Starr. My family would travel to see Green Bay play when they were in Dallas or Houston. I always admired Bart’s athletic skills on the field and his kind and warm personality off the field. Eventually, my father became friends with Bart Starr and I was able to attend a game in Lambeau field with my father. That was one of the best days of my life.
What would you say to a young person considering a career in science or law?
I would encourage any person with an interest in science or in the law to pursue their dreams. I chose the path of law and I have never regretted it. Law school was very challenging and intimidating, but it was also a great opportunity to expand my public speaking skills and develop my analytical skills. After law school, I used these skills to help my clients.
What is important to you personally? I.e.what things do you value most in life?
My children who are now 17 and 15 are the main focus of my life. As a parent, you learn the importance of putting the needs of others before your own. I am most grateful for the opportunity to raise 2 bright young people, and to help teach them how to successfully contribute to the welfare of others.
What are some of the challenges you have faced either in your career or personally that you feel have helped you become the successful lawyer and person you are?
I was a civil trial lawyer for most of my legal career. As a trial lawyer, I spent a fair amount of time dealing with conflict in litigation matters. I found it most rewarding to be able to help successfully resolve conflicts on behalf of my clients. Many times, hard work in preparing a case for trial would result in the ability to resolve the dispute through an amicable settlement. On other occasions, my client was forced to submit the matter to a Judge or to a Jury for resolution. I felt very fortunate to be able to use the skills I acquired in debate and law school to support my clients’ legal rights in trials and hearings and to help them successfully resolve matters that were very important to them.
What would you say to people who prefer to use Excel because it is free?
My father taught me that to succeed in any endeavor, it is important to have the proper equipment. In today’s competitive environment, having the right tools for any job is doubly important.For scientists working in pre-clinical research, the best tool on the market is Studylog Software. The Software was designed by a former scientist to automate tasks and to enhance the reliability and reproducibility of study results. The Studylog Software has also been shown to improve study throughput and laboratory staff efficiency.
What is your favorite part of being part of the Studylog team?
Studylog Software is used throughout the world in studies on pharmaceuticals that help treat diseases, including cancer. Working at Studylog makes me feel like I am part of developing solutions to many acute and chronic diseases. There is nothing more rewarding than the idea of contributing to a reduction in human disease and suffering.
What do you do for fun when you’re not practicing law?
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking with (and for) my family. I also enjoy hiking in the beautiful mountains and hills that surround the San Francisco Bay Area.
