Tips from the Bar: Alex Calero

Alex Calero is a litigator for the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, where he brings lawsuits on behalf of California citizens against individuals and companies who violate financial laws. Chair of the California Lawyers Association (CLA) Public Law Section, Calero won last year’s SDCBA Service by a Public Attorney Award for his excellence as a public sector attorney and his commitment to mentoring. Throughout his 16 years of practice, Calero has not only been a dedicated public servant, but he has also found time to mentor new lawyers and support civics education in San Diego.

Calero’s dedication to public service began as early as his college years. A first-generation college student, Calero attended Cal Poly Pomona, where he received a bachelor’s degree in political science and government. He subsequently participated in a postgraduate Capital Fellows Program at CSU Sacramento in public administration, while also working as a legislative aid for the California State Assembly. Working at the State Capitol, Calero learned that “the law touches so many aspects of people’s lives,” and decided that even if he didn’t want to become a practicing lawyer, attending law school would give him a practical background for a job in government.

Calero attended USD School of Law and worked as a research assistant and intern for the Center for Public Interest Law during his free time. After graduating from law school, Calero moved back to the State Capitol and was hired as an attorney for the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. One year later, he was transferred to the San Diego office, where he has worked for the past 15 years and is currently Senior Counsel.

Outside of work, Calero has been deeply involved in legal organizations. He has been active in the CLA for years, as a former chair of the California Young Lawyers Association and the current chair of the Public Law Section. He is also a former chair of the SDCBA’s New Lawyers Division, then called the Young/New Lawyers Division.

“It was great serving with such energetic and optimistic new leaders,” said Calero of his time volunteering with the NLD. “I volunteer in the legal community because I am fortunate to have the time and ability to do so. Not everyone is as fortunate. I also serve because so many people have given their time and support to me over the years, I feel that it is incumbent upon me to give back.”  

Calero emphasizes how lawyers can act as ambassadors of the courts and legal profession by engaging in pro bono work or other volunteer service. 

“To many people, the courts are mysterious. If you do not have a legal background, the judiciary is the nameless and faceless third branch of government youonce learned about in school,” he said. “Through civics engagement and advocacy, we can help members of the community understand that the legal system plays a critical role in our democracy and truly is the people’s court.” 

Calero’s advice to law students is to create a narrative that sets you apart from other students and eventually, internship and job applicants. Whether you are passionate about First Amendment rights, immigration, or family law, Calero encourages students to take coursework, volunteer, and intern or work at organizations that align with your interests, so that you can graduate with a narrative showing dedication to a particular field of law. For those who don’t know where their passion lies, he explained that these law school experiences can be equally helpful in showing you what you don’t want to do as well as helping you identify what you like.

Calero encourages new lawyers to get involved in leadership positions, whether at the SDCBA, CLA, or other legal organizations. Larger legal organizations are often composed of a multitude of subdivisions, so new lawyers can find a group that suits their interests. Getting involved in leadership is one of the easiest ways to build your legal network and can help you to organically find mentors and role models to help you through the first many years of your career.

Hesitant to jump into a leadership position? Start by volunteering your time with a cause you believe in; the San Diego County High School Mock Trial Competition is always looking for attorney volunteers, and you can work alongside Calero himself, who has been involved with this organization for over ten years.

“Each one of us has skills and experience that can benefit others. Harness your gifts and make a difference. Every little bit counts!”