Written by: Blake Etringer
“The best type of lawyer is a lawyer who writes well.”
For Iowa Law alum Jonathan Picado (24JD), that advice became a guiding principle in his legal education and career. From his early days working at a law firm in El Paso to his time at the University of Iowa College of Law, Picado intentionally sought out opportunities to hone his writing skills—an investment that would lead to a federal clerkship in Los Angeles and a successful litigation career in Washington, D.C.
From West Texas to Iowa City
Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Picado spent his undergraduate and graduate years close to home. It was during graduate school, while conducting research on environmental justice issues, that he began to see the law as a tool with real-world implications.
His work analyzing the placement of sewage plants, recycling facilities, and other infrastructure revealed disproportionally negative impacts on lower-income communities. After visiting the affected neighborhoods and speaking directly with residents, Picado found himself wanting to do more than document inequities.
“I remember wrapping up my research project and feeling like I needed to do a little bit more,” he said.
That instinct led him to apply for law school. Encouraged by a mentor at a law firm where he worked at the time, Picado focused his search on programs with strong writing training. Iowa Law quickly stood out, and a spring visit to Iowa City confirmed his decision.
Beyond the school’s reputation, he was struck by the community’s deep connection to writing and literature, and by the kindness of its citizens. During an informal visit to Boyd Law Building, a stranger offered him a full tour of the building and later gave him his first-year textbooks for free.
“That was another point that made me realize this is clearly a collegial place,” Picado recalled. “And I can attest that for all three years of law school, that collegial atmosphere persisted.”
Clerking in the Central District of California
After graduating from law school, Picado clerked for a federal judge in the Central District of California, where his days revolved around writing and research. From drafting orders to preparing for hearings, he was tasked with analyzing complex legal issues and presenting recommendations directly to the court.
“It’s a pretty great experience for a new lawyer,” he said. “You’re entrusted to understand the law and help guide where a case might go. The range of cases that we worked on—anything from Social Security appeals to intellectual property disputes and civil rights issues—really kept it interesting.”
Beyond the legal work, the clerkship offered a close mentorship environment. Working directly with a judge in a small team allowed for in-depth discussions about legal theory and real-world impact. The experience also strengthened the skills that initially drew Picado to Iowa Law.
“When you’re writing every day and getting constant feedback, your writing improves significantly,” he said.
The power of the Iowa Law alumni network
Picado credits much of his post-graduate success to Iowa Law’s alumni network and faculty support. From the beginning, he was open about his goal of working in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.—and the college’s career services staff responded quickly.
“Dean Crain immediately connected me with people,” he said. “And it wasn’t just one or two people, but an entire interconnected network of alums everywhere. I realized that Iowa Law touches every corner of the country.”
Those connections led to opportunities across the country, including a 1L summer position with the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. Faculty members also played a critical role. Professor Alison Guernsey introduced him to the clerkship path, guided him through the application process, and connected him with former clerks.
“She reached out to me and said, ‘You should do a clerkship,’” Picado said. “I didn’t even know it was an option at the time.”
That support extends beyond graduation. Professors continue to check in, offer advice, and advocate on his behalf. When he later learned that his letters of recommendation from faculty members were a key factor in securing his clerkship, it reinforced the importance of those relationships.
Litigating in the nation’s capital
Today, Picado is a litigation associate at Fried Frank in Washington, D.C., where he works on a range of matters, including real estate litigation and commercial disputes.
Alongside his work, he has also maintained an active pro bono docket, representing individuals in immigration proceedings and working on appeals related to veterans’ benefits.
Looking back, Picado encourages current and incoming students to stay true to their goals while remaining open to exploration. He also emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships with professors, classmates, and alumni alike. Those connections, he noted, are one of Iowa Law’s greatest strengths.
“I never had a professor who didn’t care about my success,” he said.
Picado also encourages students to take full advantage of the school’s writing resources, from legal writing courses to advanced research training and journal work.
“Iowa Law has so many avenues to explore,” he said. “You just have to take advantage of them. No doors are ever shut—if anything, there’s ten doors you can choose from, and they’ll help you open each one if you want it.”