Elizabeth G. Macias

Elizabeth G. Macias is first generation Mexican-American.  She was the first in her family to obtain a high school diploma.  Through example her parents have instilled in her the importance of a strong work ethic and love of her culture.  Ms. Macias attended California State Fullerton.  She graduated with a major in Psychology and Chicano studies and a minor in Spanish.  While in undergrad, she began working with Migrant Education.  Her summers were spent preparing and participating in Project B.E.S.T. (Basic Education Skills for Tomorrow), and other similar programs.  The program allowed high school freshman students of migrant families to live on a college campus and attend classes.  Her background and the work with migrant education students sparked a love of public interest work.  Ms. Macias attended California Western School of Law and before graduating interned with the Federal Public Defender's Office in the Central District of California, Santa Ana branch.  Immediately after law school she secured a position with the Federal Public Defender in Santa Ana.  For the past eleven years Ms. Macias has been a member of the trial unit litigating all types of federal criminal matters, including white collar fraud, drug trafficking, bank robbery and immigration.  She is a member of the Hispanic National Bar Assocation and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.  She is married to Cesar Covarrubias and they have three wonderful children.