1. Experience Spotlight: Sanat Wuernikebai ’26L

Sanat Wuernikebai '26L is from Xinjiang, China. He earned a B.S. in international relations from Fudan University in Shanghai and, after graduation, worked for a year at a technology company in China. Attending law school at Washington and Lee marks his first time living in the United States and in an English-speaking environment. At W&L Law, he is a member of the W&L Law Review. Outside of class, he enjoys spending time in the library not only on law school work, but also reading books and news to better understand the world and prepare for the many goals he hopes to pursue after graduation. In his free time, he enjoys traveling across the United States and exploring the country with friends.

Why did you choose to work this past fall with the Imperial County District Attorney's Office?

This is actually the same office where I worked over the summer. I first obtained the opportunity by connecting with one of W&L Law's alumni, John Harter, who is a Senior Deputy District Attorney there. From the beginning, I was drawn to criminal law because it felt like the kind of work I genuinely wanted to do. It is fast-paced, demanding, and deeply meaningful. I am excited by the chance to serve justice, take on real responsibility, and do work that directly affects and protects the community.

How did you secure this externship?

This is actually a funny story. After my summer internship, I was exploring the possibility of an externship with the California Attorney General's Office. District Attorney George Marquez was kind enough to refer me to a director in the San Diego office. The position I was most interested in had already been filled, and although the director asked whether I would be interested in working there during the spring semester, I could not pursue it because I needed to return to school.

At the same time, District Attorney Marquez asked me, "Why don't you stay here? You're doing a great job. You'll get the best experience here, second to none." That conversation stayed with me. In the end, I accepted the offer to continue working at the Imperial County District Attorney's Office, and it turned out to be exactly the right decision. I loved the work, the people, and the level of experience I was able to gain.

Describe your work experience and daily schedule.

I was fortunate to spend six months interning and externing at the Imperial County District Attorney's Office, where I was trained and trusted much like a junior prosecutor. Throughout my time there, I handled cases, appeared in court nearly every day, and gained extensive hands-on experience in both misdemeanor and felony matters. My typical day began before 8:00 a.m. at the office, followed by court appearances beginning before 8:30 a.m. Depending on the day, I might handle the entire misdemeanor calendar or appear on felony matters. I would usually return to the office around noon, take a short lunch break, and then spend the afternoon preparing cases for the next day, attending meetings and trainings, and returning to court when felony matters required it.

Over the course of the internship and externship, I personally appeared in court on thousands of misdemeanor cases and close to one hundred felony matters. I also conducted roughly twenty to thirty preliminary hearings, which function in many ways like mini-trials. In addition, I developed substantial motion practice experience. For example, in People v. Gaspar (JCF008563), a homicide case, I drafted and filed written oppositions to both a Penal Code section 995 motion to dismiss and a motion to dismiss based on alleged due process and speedy trial violations. I also drafted several mental health motions. Later, in People v. Anthony Paul Hernandez (JCF007023), a second-degree murder case, I drafted a motion opposing change of venue and a motion opposing suppression of evidence.

One of the highlights of my experience was second-chairing and successfully prosecuting a felony jury trial in People v. Carlos Correa (JCF007673), which resulted in a guilty verdict for possession for sale of methamphetamine. The case was later publicly recognized in a press release, "Deputy District Attorney Eric Alizade and Certified Law Clerk Sanat Wuernikebai prosecuted the case on behalf of the People." (https://calexicochronicle.com/2025/07/08/jury-finds-man-guilty-of-methamphetamine-for-sales/.)

I am also honored that my co-authored article, "What Prosecutors Need to Know About Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Police Reports," was published in the California District Attorneys Association Prosecutor's Brief (Vol. 48, No. 2, Winter 2026). I had the privilege of writing the article with Wayland Chang, one of the most respected and knowledgeable attorneys in Imperial County. In the piece, we examine how AI-assisted police reports are reshaping criminal practice, including their practical benefits, evidentiary and litigation risks, California's new statutory framework under SB 524 and Penal Code section 13663, and the issues prosecutors must be prepared to address in charging, discovery, motions, and trial preparation.

What are some skills you developed?

Over the course of my internship and externship, I developed a wide range of practical prosecutorial skills. Most importantly, I strengthened my courtroom advocacy by appearing in court every day, handling large misdemeanor calendars, arguing motions, conducting preliminary hearings, and second-chairing a felony jury trial to a guilty verdict. I also developed strong legal research and writing skills through drafting oppositions, suppression-related motions, venue motions, and mental health motions in serious felony cases, including homicide matters. In addition, I gained substantial case management and time-management skills by balancing a high volume of cases, preparing for daily court appearances, and switching quickly between misdemeanors, felonies, hearings, and trial work. The experience also sharpened my judgment, professionalism, and ability to think on my feet, because I often had to make quick but careful decisions in court and in case preparation. Finally, working closely with experienced prosecutors helped me develop a deeper understanding of criminal procedure, evidence, charging decisions, and trial strategy, while also improving my ability to communicate clearly and effectively with judges, attorneys, investigators, and other members of the office.

What was your favorite aspect of your experience?

My favorite aspect of the experience was the combination of real responsibility, hands-on learning, and the incredibly supportive office environment. Over the course of my internship and externship, I gained substantial practical experience, including daily court appearances, motion work, preliminary hearings, and real trial experience. What made the experience especially meaningful, however, was the level of trust and mentorship I received from the people in the office. The District Attorney's Office is filled with exceptionally competent and kind attorneys who were willing to invest in me and treat me like a real member of the team.

One moment that stands out was during my second week in the office this past summer was when Acting Assistant District Attorney Anthony Valente jokingly mentioned giving me a three-strikes felony preliminary hearing case. He was surprised when I immediately said I would take it. Although he had been joking and was understandably concerned about giving such a serious matter to someone so new, he ultimately chose to trust me and helped me prepare as much as he could. In the end, I handled the case successfully, and after that, he continued to give me important and challenging assignments because he trusted my work. That experience meant a great deal to me.

I was also deeply grateful for the mentorship of attorneys like Wayland Chang and John Harter. When I approached Wayland about writing an article together, I told him, "Give me your idea, and I will give you my time," and he immediately agreed. Working with him was a tremendous honor and learning opportunity. John Harter, a W&L Law alumnus, was also consistently generous with his time and guidance, especially in training me thoroughly on handling the misdemeanor calendar. Altogether, my favorite part of the experience was being in an office where talented attorneys not only set a high standard, but also genuinely supported my growth.

Has this experience helped you figure out your post graduate plans, and if so how?

Yes. This experience gave me real clarity about where I want to begin my career. Through my time at the Imperial County District Attorney's Office, I realized that prosecution is the kind of work I want to do: it is fast-paced, demanding, and deeply connected to public service. As a result, I have decided to return to the office after graduation and start my career there as a prosecutor, where I hope to gain as much hands-on experience as possible.

The experience also helped me think more seriously about my longer-term path. I have several mid-term and long-term goals that I hope to pursue over time, but this externship confirmed that the right first step is to build a strong foundation as a practicing prosecutor at the Imperial County District Attorney's Office.

Outside Law School

Favorite Spot in Lexington

Napa Thai

Best Law School Class So Far

WILF!!!

Wellness Habit

Gym; Reading; Basketball; Driving; Travelling.

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