Lance Cotton\u2019s (JD \u201919) journey from the youngest of four siblings to becoming a Deputy District Attorney for the Orange County District Attorney’s (OCDA) office is a testament to perseverance, community, and a deep commitment to justice. As one of the few black attorneys in this prominent county office, Cotton embodies the spirit of Chapman Law\u2013pushing his limitations, breaking barriers, building community and inspiring future generations of legal professionals.<\/p>\n
Cotton\u2019s time as a student at Chapman was defined by both intense focus and deep involvement in the Chapman community. As a 3L student, he served as President of the Moot Court Board, leading the team to victory in national competitions. His experience in moot court sharpened his advocacy skills and solidified his passion for public speaking. He credits the late Nancy Shultz, whom he still affectionately refers to as \u201ccoach,\u201d with providing him key guidance and opportunities through her coaching sessions. Outside of the courtroom, Cotton built community, co-founding the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) which played an important role in diversifying the student body and growing visibility and presence for students of color. \u201cWe didn\u2019t have many Black students, but we built a foundation. Now, the numbers have grown considerably,\u201d he proudly reflects.<\/p>\n
Personal experience drove Cotton\u2019s decision to pursue a career in law when he and his single mother faced a threatening legal challenge involving an eviction. This formative moment sparked a realization that knowledge of the law was power, power he resolved to use in the protection of others. Initially, Cotton entered Chapman with a clear focus on criminal law, drawn to the courtroom and the thrill of litigation. Internships with the Long Beach Prosecutor\u2019s Office and the OCDA confirmed his latent passion for prosecution. Today, Cotton can be found working in the Gang Unit for the OCDA, with aspirations of rising through the ranks and eventually joining the homicide team. \u201cThe biggest roadblock? How far can I climb? What are my limits? I want to see how far I can push myself, and that\u2019s what keeps me going,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
For law students and young attorneys, Cotton\u2019s advice is grounded in resilience, \u201cStay focused. The road is long, so keep your eye on the ultimate goal. The bar exam is a milestone, but your career is about more than just passing the bar. It\u2019s about doing your best and finding ways to give back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Community is a core value for this storied alumnus, and few are as committed to paying it forward, \u201cChapman did so much for me. I want to give back and help others,\u201d he explained, encouraging young attorneys to embrace diversity and remain open to new opportunities and perspectives.<\/p>\n
Beyond the demands of professional life, Cotton remains an avid gamer, writer, and homemaker\u2013together with his partner, unsurprisingly, also a lawyer. Cotton\u2019s creative side shines through his music\u2014last year he penned and recorded a song for his now-fianc\u00e9e (whom he met through Chapman) entitled \u201cMeet Me There,\u201d a tune that was a cornerstone in his recent marriage proposal to her.<\/p>\n
Looking to the future, Cotton is determined to continue to inspire others to break barriers and prove that success is not determined by background or luck of the draw, \u201cIt\u2019s about making an impact and being someone people can rely on. I want to be an example of what\u2019s possible when you do push through,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
Whether in his work as a prosecutor or striving for his ultimate goal of becoming a judge, Cotton is focused on creating a legacy that elevates others and makes a meaningful contribution to his community. His journey, infused with resilience, determination and leadership, is far from over, and continues to inspire both at Chapman and beyond.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Lance Cotton\u2019s (JD \u201919) journey from the youngest of four siblings to becoming a Deputy District Attorney for the Orange […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4618,"featured_media":14542,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"custom_author_name":"Melanie Wu","chapman_pin_hero_slider":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[25,386],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14751","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-alumni","category-dale-e-fowler-school-of-law"],"yoast_head":"\n