Finding Community as a Latinx Law School Student
Attending law school is a very daunting and intimidating task. Students can experience imposter syndrome amongst the stress of classes and clubs. This is why it’s incredibly important for students to find a community within law school.
However, it can be difficult for minority students to find a community where they feel comfortable. Many law schools lack adequate diversity, which can cause minority students can feel alone. This is especially true for law students who identify as Latinx. Hispanic lawyers represent only 5.8% of the legal profession. In 2022, less than 10% of incoming law students were of Hispanic origin.
These small percentages can be disheartening for members of the Hispanic community. However, there are a few ways for Hispanic students to find community within the legal field.
Pre-Law Organizations
During undergrad, try to find a pre-law club for students of Hispanic origin. If this club does not exist at your institution, you can start it! This would be a great opportunity to create community and build relationships.
There are also Latinx organizations that are not aligned to a specific academic institution. Even if the club is not explicitly law-related, they will probably have a legal division wherein you can find mentors. For example, the League of United Latin American Citizens has an influential legislative platform you can connect with. You should also consider joining the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, which seeks to develop future LatinX leaders. You can also join a pipeline program for Hispanic students interested in law. For example, Su Futuro offers mentorship opportunities and scholarships for students interested in the legal profession.
Law School Organizations
After completing your undergraduate studies, you can seek a similar community whilst studying law. Many law schools have student-led clubs specifically for members of the Latinx community. The name of this club varies depending on the institution but could be called names like: Latin Law Society, Latino Law Students Association, Latin American Law Students Association, etc.
Make sure to review your school’s club and organization list to see if you have a specific club for the Latinx community. Once you learn the name of the club, you can contact a representative to learn how to get involved. Make sure to attend mass meetings this club may have. This would be a great opportunity to meet other Latinx students who attend your law school and build relationships. It will be especially beneficial to find older students who have similar backgrounds and are willing to advise you throughout your law school journey.
Professional Organizations
Beyond law school, there are many online communities and organizations for present and future Latinx lawyers.
The Hispanic National Bar Association was created to represent the interests of Latinx members of the legal profession. The organization has 19 different regional chapters that law students and professionals can engage with. Additionally, the HNBA offers various programs and scholarships for current law students.
Female-identifying students can also join the Latina Lawyer Bar Association, which allows law students and first-year lawyers to join for free!
Additionally, there may be local Hispanic legal associations in your region. For example, the Los Angeles Latino Judicial Officer’s Association is available to Hispanic legal professionals living in LA. Search online to see if there are any organizations in your area that allow students to join.
You can also look for associations for specific Latin countries. For example, both the Mexican-American Bar Association and Columbian-American Bar Association are open to law students.
Choosing the Right School
If finding a Latinx community within law school is important to you, consider applying to law schools with a high population of Hispanic students. The following law schools have a high percentage of Hispanic law students relative to other universities.
St. Thomas University
St. Mary’s University
University of Miami
Florida International University
Getting Connected
Additionally, students can take advantage of the Beyond Barriers Student & Alumni Network. Every student who works with us will have lifetime access to this network. The majority of our members are marginalized students, so you will be able to connect with someone with a similar background. We also have affinity groups specific to personal identities, like being Latinx. This is the perfect place to find an older student who can mentor you within the legal profession. Additionally, members of the Beyond Barriers Network are informed about various legal organizations and opportunities!
If interested, make sure to schedule a free consultation. We would love to help you on this legal journey! Moreover, we offer sliding scale prices for students who demonstrate financial need and/or identify as BIPOC, first-generation, or LGBTQ+. Contact us today to get started!