Her Story
About Jaclin
Jaclin Ngo is a Trial Attorney and Public Defender with the Massachusetts Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), representing indigent clients in criminal proceedings throughout Worcester County. She manages cases through every stage of litigation, including arraignments, motion practice, hearings, trials, and sentencing, while advocating for the constitutional rights of her clients. Prior to joining CPCS, she served as a Student Attorney in the Suffolk Defenders Clinic, where she represented misdemeanor and felony defendants in Boston Municipal Court under SJC Rule 3:03.
Ngo earned her Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School through its accelerated two-year program after completing an accelerated bachelor's degree in Legal Studies at American University. During law school, she also served as a Legal Research Assistant to Professor Michael L. Rustad, contributing to research on punitive damages and assisting with scholarly legal publications. She distinguished herself as a Harrington Scholar, received multiple Great Advocate Awards for excellence in trial advocacy, and achieved the dismissal of a client's case in the interest of justice while serving as a student attorney.
Beyond her legal practice, Ngo is deeply committed to civic engagement and community service. She co-founded the Worcester Voter Registration Initiative to expand voter education and participation in underserved communities and remains actively involved with the Worcester Bar Association, the Asian American Association, and Rice MA. She also volunteers through community translation initiatives supporting the Vietnamese community and previously served at St. John's Food Pantry. Guided by a strong commitment to public service, advocacy, and equal access to justice, Ngo continues to combine legal excellence with meaningful community leadership.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jaclin
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support of my family. Growing up in a close-knit, multigenerational household surrounded by my parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins taught me the importance of resilience, hard work, and staying grounded. Their constant encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue challenging opportunities and persevere through difficult moments. Knowing I always had a strong support system behind me has been one of the greatest strengths throughout my personal and professional journey.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice I have ever received came from one of my college professors, who reminded me that while money is important, it should never be the sole reason for choosing a career. He encouraged me to pursue work that genuinely fulfills me because lasting happiness comes from doing something I am passionate about. I have carried that advice with me throughout my legal career and have found that purpose and passion create opportunities that financial rewards alone cannot. By staying committed to meaningful work, I believe success naturally follows.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value balance, curiosity, and making time for the things and people that bring joy to my life. I love spending time with my cat whenever I can, and I enjoy staying active through hiking. Music is also a big part of my life, and I enjoy discovering new artists, listening to different genres, and attending concerts. I also have a growing passion for games, especially board games, which have become a fun new hobby that allows me to learn, connect with others, and enjoy my time outside of work.
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