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ABA ScholarsOpportunity Optimized

Profiles of ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Recipients

"We can best serve society ifmembers of the legal professioncome from all segments of thepopulation, reflecting the diversityof the United States—andfinancial aid during law schoolmust be a vital component of anyeffort to increase diversity in the profession."

William G. PaulABA President (1999-2000)

and founder of the ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund

The ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship is managed by The ABA Office of Diversity Initiatives, 321 N. Clark, Chicago, IL 60610, 312.988.6086.

The ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund is maintained within the ABAFund for Justice and Education (FJE), a 501(c)3 charitable organization. The FJEprovides support to the ABA’s public service and educational programs. For moreinformation on FJE, go to www.abanet.org/fje/home.html.

August 2005

More than five years ago, William G. Paul, then-President of the American Bar Association, initiated the Legal Opportunity Scholarship. To date, 100 ABA Scholars have benefited from thefinancial assistance afforded them by the American Bar Association to further their legal careers. TheABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Committee, which reviews the 1000 or so applications receivedannually, selects the 20 scholarship recipients each year. There are so many qualified candidates thatthe selection process is exceedingly difficult. The Committee decided that a publication highlightingthe recipients—their backgrounds, law school activities and honors, and personal expressions about thescholarship—would provide a snapshot of those deemed worthy of being named ABA Scholars.

With this publication, the Committee invites you to share the experiences, observations and aspirations of some of the ABA Scholars. We are confident that they will contribute to society throughtheir professional endeavors as lawyers and to the ABA as future leaders of the Association.

The Committee commends Daina Saib, the excellent reporter for this project. Special thanks toCie B. Armstead, Director, ABA Diversity Initiatives, for her hard work and ingenuity, without whichthis publication would not have become a reality.

Suzanne E. GraberChair, Legal Opportunity Scholarship Committee 2004-2005

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ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship2004-2005 Scholarship Committee

Suzanne E. Graber, Chair Beverly McQueary Smith, Vice ChairAlice Gresham BullockHon. Bernice B. DonaldHope B. EastmanPaula J. FrederickJ. Cunyon GordonRichard J. Gray Rhonda D. HarjoBruce Edward Hopson

Jennifer McClellanO’Kelly Edward McWilliams IIITracie R. PorterHenry Ramsey, Jr.Rafael A. SantiagoCarlos SinghTracey E. SkinnerEdd VasquezPhilip WongWalter H. White, Jr.

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The United States is quickly becoming acountry of “majority minority.” By the year2010, the United States will be 30% nonwhite,according to many respected demographers.Half of all Americans will be people of color bythe middle of this century, they project.

Lawyers of color make up 9.7% of all lawyersin the United States, according to the 2000U.S. Census. Total minority representationamong physicians and surgeons is 24.6%; amongeconomists it is 20.3%; among computer scien-tists, 23.1 are minorities; and 20.8% of account-ants and auditors are minorities.

Among newly employed lawyers in 2001,only 6.5% were African Americans, 6.7%Asians, 3.4% Hispanics, 1.5% Latinos, 0.6%,Native Americans and 0.5% multiracial individ-uals. With the exception of the numbers forAsians, these figures are considerably lower thanthe corresponding proportions that the groupsrepresent in the U.S. population.

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The Facts

In 2003-04, minority students represented20.3% of total enrollment at ABA accredited lawschools, which is a slight percentage decrease fromthe previous year’s 20.4% and the second consecu-tive year that the percentage of law students ofcolor has dropped.

Of the 27,996 students of color enrolled inABA accredited law schools in 2003-04, AfricanAmericans represented 32.6% of minorities (6.6%of total law students); Hispanics were 27.9% ofminorities (5.7% of total law students); AsianAmericans were 35.8% of minorities (7.3% of totallaw students); and Native Americans were 0.4% ofminorities (0.8% of total law students).

Nearly 7,750 students of color earned a J.D. in2003, representing 19.9% of total law graduatesthat year. This is a decrease from the previousyear’s class of 7,780 minority law graduates or20.2% of the total for 2002.

Data and statistics included herein are compiled and excerpted from two reports: (1) Miles to Go: Progressof Minorities in the Legal Profession, by Elizabeth Chambliss, published by the ABA Commission on Racialand Ethnic Diversity in the Legal Profession, and (2) The Road to Law School and Beyond: ExaminingChallenges to Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Legal Profession, by Gita Z. Wilder, published by LawSchool Admission Council.

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Public confidence in the American justicesystem is at an alarming low—only 39 percentbelieve our judicial halls provide equal treatmentto all races. This perception, whether right orwrong, cannot be ignored. This is the view ofthose that the legal profession serves—its clients.

Given the disparity between the percentage ofour population that is non-white and the percent-age of people of color in the legal profession, wemust increase our efforts to ensure racial and eth-nic diversity in our justice system.

As the world and the practice of law becomemore global, enormous implications arise for a sys-tem of American jurisprudence that fails to fullyreflect the diverse face of America. Racial andethnic diversity in the profession will simply nothappen without engaging members of diverse back-grounds and race into the pipeline that flows intothe noble profession of law.

Many in the legal profession continue toproactively pursue diversity as a goal for the profes-sion. But law firms, corporate legal departments,government, and the judiciary cannot recruitattorneys of color who don’t exist. Diversity effortswill encounter inherent obstacles as long as there

remain too few people of color who enter theprofession in the first place.

Clearly, it is the shared challenge of theprofession—one that begins with making entryto the profession a desirable and achievableoption. A key factor in increasing the number ofstudents of color in law school is addressing thelack of sufficient financial resources for many ofthese students. Fortunately, it is a challenge thatthe profession has embraced and one where strideshave been made.

Since the inception of the ABA LegalOpportunity Scholarship Fund in 2000, hundredsof individuals, law firms, corporations, and ABASections and Divisions have demonstrated theircommitment to increasing opportunities for stu-dents of color (see page 40). Through our contin-ued efforts we can increase diversity in the legalprofession by facilitating entry of more students ofcolor into the law school pipeline and beyond.

Our work, however, has just begun. We mustbuild on progress to date and redouble our effortsto make a positive difference—one that is observ-able first in our nation’s law schools and, ultimate-ly, throughout the ranks of our profession.

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The Implications

As long as our community of lawyers does not reflect our nation’s population,the legitimacy of the entire legal system will be called into question.

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With the generous support of many contributorssince its inception, the ABA Legal OpportunityScholarship Fund has awarded 20 first-year lawschool students $5,000 scholarships each yearsince 2000. Assuming their continued academicprogress, these students receive $5,000 for eachyear of law school. Without this scholarship sup-port, many of these students may not have beenable to attend their first-choice law school.

Additionally, more than 60 law schools havejoined our Matching Program. Participatingschools have each agreed to match the amount of

the ABA scholarships or, in some cases, waiveremaining tuition costs if an ABA scholar attendsthat law school.

But the ABA Legal Opportunity ScholarshipProgram is more than simply a financial program.All recipients receive membership in the ABALaw Student Division to assist them through lawschool. Many of the scholarship recipients havealso received an ABA-sponsored mentor and con-nections to other ABA groups to help them estab-lish networks that will benefit them throughouttheir career.

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The Program

"My work for the Asian Pacific American Legal Center's voter registrationand education project in low-income neighborhoods of Los Angeles led tomy co-founding the UCLA Pilipino Undergraduate Law StudentAssociation, an outreach and support group designed to facilitate the entryof Pilipinos into law school and the field of law."

Roderick Sasis2002-03 Scholarship Recipient

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2000 Recipients and Law SchoolsSandi C. Archibald, University of IowaJuan Arteaga, Columbia UniversitySergio Campos, Yale UniversityMelanca Clark, Harvard UniversityJason J. Crowell, Yale UniversityMatthew Echo Hawk, University of UtahCharla A. Hall, University of GeorgiaIsaiah R. Jackson, Southwestern UniversityKatrice M. Jenkins, University of MiamiIvan Lee, Cornell UniversityGladys P. Limon, Stanford UniversityBelinda G. Marin, St. Mary’s UniversityGonzalo C. Martinez, Harvard UniversityAlexander T. Nguyen, Yale UniversityDuyen Thi Nguyen, U. of California- Los AngelesJanelle L. Niles, New York UniversityIzabelle B. Reyes, U. of California- Los AngelesKetema L. Ross, Yale UniversityAnthony Solana, Jr., U. of California- Los AngelesRogelio J. Valdez, Southern Methodist University

2001 Recipients and Law SchoolsJamila K. Alexander, Harvard UniversityJose R. Almonte, Rutgers UniversitySandra Lee Chavez, University of New MexicoJocelyn De Guzman, U. of California- BerkeleyShameka L. Gainey, Cornell UniversityKevin Gooch, University of GeorgiaAlycia M. Guichard, Fordham UniversityAlvin L. Guzman, Jr., Seattle UniversityAndrea S. Harris, University of WashingtonIrma Hernandez, U. of California- Los AngelesMichael T. Holland, Yale UniversityJennifer J. Rodriguez, U. of California- DavisJasmine B. Rose, Harvard UniversityTiffany Z. Shi, University of California- BerkeleyIsrael R. Silvas, Harvard UniversityRichard J. Sweet, U. of California- Los AngelesHolly A. Thomas, Yale UniversityRafael Vazquez, University of San FranciscoSarah M. Ward, The University of New Mexico

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ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Recipients

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2002 Recipients and Law SchoolsJennifer D. Barnes, University of HoustonKaren T. Beltran, U. of New York - BuffaloNicole L. Birch, Harvard UniversityJamidi K. Daiess, U. of California- HastingsMercedes M. Davis, Harvard UniversityRobert B. Davis, Yale UniversityEden R. Essex, Harvard UniversityDaniel E. Faggard, University of Michigan Thekla Hansen-Young, The University of ChicagoTaja-Nia Y. Henderson, New York UniversityTasheika Hinson- Coleman, U. of MichiganJoann Yi Jung Huh, U. of California- BerkeleyCynthia Inda, Stanford UniversityJoanne G. Jackson, Harvard UniversityTian Tian Mayimin, University of Chicago Erica Reed, New York UniversityRoderick E. Sasis, U. of California- Los AngelesPhillip N. Smith, Yale UniversityThor Vue, University of California- BerkeleyYang Yang, Harvard University

2003 Recipients and Law SchoolsVivian R. Anaya, UCLACarlos E. Barrezueta, Yale UniversityBrandon J. Buskey, New York UniversityJennifer T. Duong, University of MinnesotaRashad Evans, University of PennsylvaniaEfren Garcia, Columbia UniversityGina K. Lee, University of ChicagoMichael J. Lopez, Stanford UniversityKou Lor, University of California- DavisFelipe D. Mendoza, Harvard University Jennifer Molina, University of Minnesota Natasha L. Mosley, U. of Southern CaliforniaDia Moua, U. of California- DavisRose M. Quilt, Arizona State University Nu Quynh Quyen T. Trinh, Golden Gate University Michaele N. Turnage, Harvard University Gladdys J. Uribe, UCLA Felix Valenzuela, Yale University Natasha Wilson, U. of Wisconsin- Madison

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ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Recipients

2004 Recipients and Law SchoolsAlvaro M. Bedoya, Yale UniversityRoosevelt J. Benford, NYUHeather L. Cannady, Harvard UniversityKeonna D. Carter, Northwestern UniversityMelissa Colon, Cornell UniversityAnand H. Das, Boalt UniversityDoan T. Nguyen, Boalt UniversityCole D. Edwards, UCLAMartha F. Gonzalez, Boalt UniversityTrish J. Hardy, N.C. Central

Jael Humphrey-Skomer, Yale UniversityJasmine S. Juarez, UCLAAlexandria V. Lee, Harvard UniversityNegron A. Michael, Harvard UniversitySue K. Paik, Yale UniversityUrsula P. Rivas, Rutgers UniversityYaneris M. Rosa, Harvard UniversityMarla E. Stewart, Cornell UniversityLartease M. Tiffith, Northwestern UniversityTaj N. Wilson, Harvard University

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More about JoseAs a boy growing up in the Dominican

Republic, Jose knew from a very young age that hisintellectual curiosity and desire to help otherswould lend itself to the legal profession. He saysthat when he was 10 years old and his family relo-cated to Lodi, New Jersey, he was already fascinat-ed by the law’s reach over every aspect of society.He believed it was a clear and natural careerchoice for him.

Personal Statement about the LOSThe Legal Opportunity Scholarship was crucial

to my success as a law student. Having come froma working-class family, I was concerned aboutfinancing my law school education. The LegalOpportunity Scholarship helped ease my financialburden and allowed me to focus more on my class-es rather than on my tuition bill.

There are many students who have burningdesires to become an attorney. Unfortunately, someof those students may be deterred from attendinglaw school because they lack the financial meansto do so. The continuation of this scholarship isessential to give those who are less privileged theopportunity to excel as attorneys.

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Jose R. AlmonteBackground

• Rutgers University School of Law, Class of 2004• Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey—Bachelor of Science in

Criminal Justice and Sociology (Highest Honors), Class of 2001

Employment• Law Clerk—New Jersey Supreme Court, Chambers of Chief Justice Deborah T. Poritz (Summer 2005)• Associate—New York office of Dechert, LLP (Fall 2005)

Law School Activities and Honors• Class Representative, Student Bar

Association (2001-03)• MSP Chair, Association of Latin American

Law Students (2002-03)• Intern, United States District Court for the

District of New Jersey for the Hon. Joseph A. Greenaway, Jr. (Spring 2003)

• Summer Associate—Carpenter, Bennett & Morrissey (2002)

• Articles Editor, The Rutgers Law Review• Teaching Associate of Legal Research and

Writing• Hispanic Bar Association Scholarship

Undergraduate Activities and Honors• President (2000-01), Vice-President (1999-

2000) and Chief Financial Officer (1998-99)—Rutgers Newark Pre-law Society

• Senator, Student Government Association (1999-2000)

• Phi Beta Kappa• Golden Key International Honor Society

Publication• “For the Sake of National Security: The

Scope of Power of the United States Attorney General in Light of 8 C.F.R. d 236.6,” Rutgers Law Review (2004)

2001-02 LOS Recipient

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In His Own Words…I was born in Lima, Peru, and came to the

United States when I was five. I grew up in subur-ban upstate New York, sticking out throughout mychildhood as the thick black-haired Peruvian kidwith Coke-bottle glasses. I worked hard through-out high school, serving as the editor-in-chief ofmy high school newspaper and also as student bodypresident. My senior year I was thrilled to beaccepted to Harvard College, which I attended ona scholarship.

It was in college that I began to seriouslypursue public interest human rights work. WhenI came to the United States, I was lucky to bereceived into a welcoming, open community,despite the fact that my family was neverwealthy. At Harvard, I began to realize thatmany immigrants are not so lucky. The summerafter my sophomore year, I worked as a legalintern at the Migrant Farm worker JusticeProject in Belle Glade, Florida. There, I conduct-ed outreach in labor camps throughout Floridaand in parts of Arizona, teaching farm workerstheir rights under federal law. Every camp I visit-ed violated at least one housing or labor regula-tion. I found workers sleeping ten to a singlewidetrailer, or others being paid consistently less thanthe minimum wage, without overtime. The abus-es I saw angered me, and drove me to pursue fur-ther work in this field.

My senior year, I secured funding throughHarvard’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa and theUniversity Committee on Human Rights toresearch the exploitation of Peruvian sheep-herders in the western United States.Unbeknownst to most Americans, thousands offoreign citizens are brought into this countrylegally under H-2A visas and are subjected to work-ing conditions reminiscent of the third world.Sheepherders are one such group. Brought fromplaces like Peru, Chile and even Mongolia, theseworkers are hired by American ranchers to workalone, herding sheep in remote areas. They are

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Alvaro Martin Bedoya

Background• Yale University Law School, Class of 2007• Harvard University—Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies, Class of 2003

Undergraduate Activities and Honors• Phi Betta Kappa (2003)—inducted into

Harvard’s chapter of Phi Betta Kappa• Latino Studies Thesis Prize (2003)• Alexis de Tocqueville Prize (2003)• University Committee for Human Rights

Studies Research Grant (2002)• Patricia King Fellow (2002)• Arthur Liman Public Interest Law Fellow

(2001)• Judge A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr. Grant

(2001)• Kawamura Visiting Fellow (2003)• Mather Scholar-Citizen Award (2003)• John Harvard Scholarship (1999-2003)

“...my parents have always encouraged me to study, work hard, andpursue my hopes of becoming a lawyer.”


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paid less than half of the minimum wage, forcedto be on the job 24 hours a day, seven days aweek, and are often housed in tents, with shovelsinstead of toilets. In fact, the terms of the sheep-herders’ visas are such that if they choose to quittheir jobs they can be—and many have been—arrested and deported. This was the “thesis” of myfindings: not only is it legal to bring in theseworkers, it is also legal to do these things to them.Special exceptions to labor laws allow Americanranchers to transplant workers from their homecountries, but effectively maintain them in anexploitative, oppressive legal environment.

My research on the working conditions of agri-cultural workers in the United States has hadmany effects on my career and academics. In theshort run, my research has helped public interestlawyers in California and Washington fight forsheepherders’ rights to better pay and working con-ditions. It has been featured on Peruvian televi-sion, as well as American publications like Dollarsand Sense and the Seattle Times. In the long run, ithas encouraged me to enter into the law myselfand work to correct injustice that goes unnoticedby the general population. In between, it hasencouraged me to pursue other labor-related workinternationally. Last year, I worked as a researchconsultant for the International LabourOrganization’s Special Action Program AgainstForced Labor (SAP-FL). My team’s research,

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which was recently published by ILO offices inGeneva, Peru, and Bolivia, has been featured innews reports by the BBC, Reuters and assortedregional newspapers in South America.

Now that I am in law school, I am hoping tolearn the fundamental tools of civil rights andimpact litigation practice. In my spring semester, Iworked in the law school’s immigration clinic, rep-resenting a political asylum applicant before a fed-eral immigration judge (we won!). In the summerof 2005, I will be interning at the NAACP LegalDefense Fund in New York, working on votingrights and employment discrimination litigation.After law school, I hope to work in civil rights andplaintiff-side class action litigation. I also hope tocombine this work with political activism, helpingput promising, progressive candidates in office.

Personal Statement about the LOSMy family has never been able to pay for my

or my brother’s advanced education in collegeor beyond. Nevertheless, my parents havealways encouraged me to study, work hard, andpursue my hopes of becoming a lawyer. Thanksto the generosity of the American BarAssociation, I can worry less about money, andconcentrate on learning the law and doing thework I value most.

Minority representation among law students has dropped for the past two years, from 20.6 percent in2001-02 to 20.3 percent in 2003-04. While the number of minority students has increased over thepast two years, minority enrollment has not kept pace with white enrollment.

Miles to Go: Progress of Minorities in the Legal Profession (2005 ABA Report)

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In Her Own Words…I was born in Colombia, South America, but

grew up in Yonkers, New York after the age of five.I attended Purchase College—State University ofNew York (SUNY) and received a degree inAnthropology. I was the first in my family toattend college and law school and the second tograduate from high school.

I decided to pursue the law for many reasons.Coming into law school, I thought that obtaininga law degree would allow me to advance social jus-tice by being a strong advocate for underrepre-sented individuals and groups—such as children,ethnic minorities, poor people and women. Ibelieved that a law degree was the best tool toachieve my goals and I thought the legal profes-sion best fit my character.

I still feel the same way now, but my interestsare even broader. In September 2005, I will begina federal judicial clerkship in the SouthernDistrict of New York. I knew I wanted to begin mycareer this way because I know it will be a valu-able experience. I don’t yet know what my nextcareer move will be but I have many interests,including international human rights, immigra-tion and environmental law.

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Karen Tatiana BeltranBackground

• University at Buffalo Law School, State University of New York (SUNY),Class of 2005

• Purchase College, State University of New York (SUNY)—Bachelor of Science in Anthropology, Class of 2002

Law School Activities and Honors• New York State Bar Assocition Minority

Fellowship in Environmental Law (2004)• SUNY Regents Professional Opportunity

Scholarship • Buffalo Women’s Law Journal Associate

Editor • CLEO/Thurgood Marshall Educational

Opportunity Program • Kenneth A. Gomez Memorial Award• University of Buffalo Alumni Association

GOLD Group Award

Undergraduate Activities and Honors• Dean’s List—six semesters• Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar—four

years• Key Bank New York State Scholarship

Award—four years• SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student

Excellence• Resident Assistant of the Year• President’s Award for Student Excellence• Award for Outstanding Community Service

“...obtaining a law degree would allow me to advance social justice by beinga strong advocate for underrepresented individuals and groups—such aschildren, ethnic minorities, poor people and women.”


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Attending law school while my two childrenare seven hours away has been a challenge, but ithas also been a turning point. I know that I wantto practice law and I want to do everything I canto become a great attorney.

Personal Statement about the LOSI am deeply thankful to the ABA for supporting

me with my educational goals. Your aid was a bless-ing and it was extremely useful to me in many ways.

As a single parent of two young children, I hadmore-than-average financial needs. It was difficult

managing the academic challenges of law school aswell as handling my role as the head of the house-hold. I heavily relied on loans, grants and scholar-ships to economically maintain my family; and Ialso maintained a work-study position.

The ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarshipmade my educational path less worrisome andmuch more manageable by providing me withneeded financial assistance. I am truly proud tobe recognized as an ABA Legal OpportunityScholarship recipient. Thank you for theongoing support.

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ABA Scholars—Snapshot • The Legal Opportunity Scholarship recipients have graduated from more than 70 different undergraduate

schools, ranging from Jackson State University and San Jose State University to Spelman, Stanford andSouthern Methodist.

• More than 30 law schools have had Legal Opportunity Scholarship recipients. The largest number haveattended Harvard, Yale and the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA). Other law schools withABA Scholar attendees include: University of Georgia, Fordham University, North Carolina Central,and University of New Mexico.

• Each year, a wide-range of students apply for the scholarship. The 2005 pool of applicants was fairlyrepresentative of past years. It consisted of 44% African Americans; 24% Hispanics; 20% Asians; 2%Native American; and 5% other. Of all 2005 applicants, 70% were female.

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More About RooseveltRoosevelt grew up in Central New Jersey,

living mainly in South Plainfield. He is the firstperson in his family to attend law school. Hedecided to pursue law because he believes that“Lawyers are agents for social change. Moreover,lawyers can—if they so choose—becomeinvolved in various aspects of life.” He is inter-ested in litigation as well as in corporate andinvestment law. He says he hopes to stay inNew York, working his way up at one firm toeventually become partner.

Personal Statement about the LOSIn the first year of law school, one does not

have much time to reflect on life and just howfortunate most of us are. In the free momentsthat do arise—however few and far betweenthey may be—I often take the time to appreci-ate those that have helped me along the way.

The ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship wasvery special because it made my decision to attenda more expensive law school much easier then itwould have been otherwise. I believe that somescholarships—unlike ABA’s—purport to recognizethose that are less fortunate without really givingthe help that recipients really need, or an amountthat really makes a difference.

The $5,000 multiple-year scholarship givenby the ABA is very generous. It continually

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reinforces the propriety of my decision to attendlaw school. This particular scholarship is notonly a tribute to the ABA in particular, but tothe legal profession as a whole.

Roosevelt J. BenfordBackground

• New York University School of Law, Class of 2007 • Rutgers College, Rutgers University—Bachelor of Arts in Political Science,

Class of 2004

Employment• Summer Associate—Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP (2005)

Law School Activities and Honors• Dean’s Scholarship (partial tuition based

upon academic merit)• Student Member, New York State Bar

Association• Student Member, American Bar

Association• Member, Black Allied Law Students

Association• Co-Captain, Slap Intramural Football

Undergraduate Activities and Honors• Dean’s List—eight semesters• Golden Key International Honour Society• Stephen G. Perger Scholarship for

Academic Excellence• Pi Sigma Alpha, The National Political

Science Honor Society• Volunteer, Elijah’s Promise Soup Kitchen• Educator, Get Out the Vote 2000• Co-Captain, Intramural Football• Captain, Intramural Basketball


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More About JamidiJamidi grew up in both Puerto Rico and in the

South Bronx in New York City. In addition to attend-ing Concordia College, she also spent three years atthe University of Jordan in Amman where she studiedPolitical Science and Public Administration. Thecourses were taught in Arabic, which is notJamidi’s native language. Armed only with thebasic training of a six-week intensive course inArabic, she found the experience challenging butshe managed to do well.

Jamidi’s interest in the legal profession, stemsfrom her upbringing in New York. She says, “As ayoung Latina woman growing up in the Bronx, Isaw what it was like to be disenfranchised and mar-ginalized by society.” She sees the law as a means towork for social justice and affect positive change inher community. She plans to continue working forthe United States Department of Labor enforcingfederal laws such as those that protect employeeretirement, benefit and health plans. “Wherevermy career may take me,” she says, “I remain com-mitted to representing those in need.”

Personal Statement about the LOSThe Legal Opportunity Scholarship provided

me with tremendous support. As a mother of twoyoung children, making a budget for one studentstretch to support a family during law school wasextremely difficult. The scholarship helped meprovide for my family during this challengingtime. It also allowed me to work in meaningfulpublic interest internships that, but for the schol-arship, I would not have been able to afford.

My first summer in law school, I worked at theCalifornia Appellate Project, assisting in death-penalty direct and habeas appeals for indigentdefendants on California’s death row. During mysecond and third year of law school, I clerked atthe United States Department of Labor, workingto protect employee pension and health benefits.The scholarship gave me financial assistance so Icould do this kind of work, and it has reduced mystudent loan debt, enabling me to pursue a publicinterest career. Finally, receiving the ABA scholar-ship has been a great source of encouragement andinspiration. Thank you for believing in me. I lookforward to the opportunity to personally give backto the legal community.

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Jamidi DaiessBackground

• University of California Hastings College of Law, Class of 2005 • Concordia College—Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Sciences, Class of 2002

Employment• Employee Benefits Security Administration—United States Department of Labor

Law School Activities and Honors• Hastings Public Interest Law Foundation

Fellow (2002)• Civil Justice Clinic Award for Outstanding

Performance in the Group Advocacy and Systemic Reform Clinic (2005)

• Hastings Public Interest Scholar (2005)• Hastings Pro Bono Publico Award (2005)• CALI Excellence for the Future Award for

the highest grade in Post-Conviction Remedies Seminar

Undergraduate Activities and Honors• Dean’s List Concordia College

(all semesters)


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More About ShamekaShameka says that being a lawyer was the only

thing she ever wanted to become. She grew up inRochester, New York, and is the first person in herfamily to attend and graduate college. She is alsothe only lawyer in her extended family.

Throughout her life, Shemeka has had to dealwith many obstacles, including financial hardship.After being on welfare for more than 15 years, hermother found it difficult to find employment, main-ly because she had dropped out of high school. “Iknew that although I could not control all aspectsof my life, I could control my success,” she says.

Her participation in organizations such as BigBrothers Big Sisters of Miami and AlternativeSpring Break (a college-based organization thatsends student volunteers to assist people in areaswith poverty and violence) are important waysShameka says she can help others facing thesame obstacles she endured. She is passionateabout staying involved in her community andusing her accomplishments to be a positive rolemodel for others.

She is interested in civil litigation, and willjoin the Washington, D.C. branch of Fulbright &

Jaworski upon completion of a yearlong clerkshipwith Judge Washington.

Personal Statement about the LOSThe Legal Opportunity Scholarship was help-

ful for many reasons, including financing otherexpenses not covered by law school financial aid. Igive thanks to the ABA and all of those who con-tinue to make this scholarship possible.

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Shameka GaineyBackground

• Cornell Law School, Class of 2004 • University of Miami—Bachelor of Arts in History, Class of 2001

Employment• Law Clerk to the Hon. Eric T. Washington, District of Columbia Court of Appeals

(Summer 2005)• Associate—Fulbright & Jaworski LLP

Law School Activities and Honors• Note Editor, Cornell Journal of Law and

Public Policy• President, Black Law Students Association

Undergraduate Activities and Honors• Golden Key National Honor Society• Phi Alpha Theta (History Honor Society)• President, History Club• Volunteer, Alternative Spring Break

Program• Volunteer, Big Brothers Big Sisters of

Greater Miami

“I knew that although I could not control all aspects of my life, I couldcontrol my success.”


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In His Own Words…I am originally from Los Angeles, California,

but I grew up in Covington, Georgia. I was raisedin a single grandparent household, but my par-ents played a role in my life from Los Angeles. Iearned a full scholarship to Emory Universityand decided to attend Oxford College of EmoryUniversity for two years because of its proximityto my grandmother’s house. My grandmother hasbeen the single most influential person in mylife. I lived with her and helped care for her aftershe was diagnosed with breast cancer during myfreshman year of college. As I watched my grand-mother fight the most difficult battle of her lifeand never stop fighting, I realized the importanceof overcoming adversity and giving all you have,day in and day out.

I was the first person in my family to attendlaw school. I decided to pursue law because Ithought the odds were against me to do so. Icame from a lower-class, blue-collar family and Ithought that the practice of law was not “in thecards” for me. I wanted to show everyone that Icould do it, against all odds. Additionally, I feltthe practice of law would allow me to help othersin my community that had been forgotten in life.

At this point, I plan to work my way into thepartnership ranks at McKenna, Long & Aldridge,LLP and eventually explore a career in politics.

Personal Statement about the LOSThe Legal Opportunity Scholarship

allowed me to focus on succeeding in schoolwithout worrying about how to sustain myselffinancially while in law school. I had the timeand opportunity to participate in extracurricu-lar activities like Student Bar Association,Mock Trial and Black Law StudentAssociation. These organizations and opportu-nities have molded my early legal career andopened doors that I don’t feel would havebeen opened otherwise.

15

Kevin A. GoochBackground

• University of Georgia Law School, Class of 2004• Emory University—Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy,

Class of 2001

Employment

• Associate—McKenna, Long & Aldridge, LLP

Law School Activities and Honors• Arnold Foundation Scholar • SBA President at University of Georgia

School of Law• Regents Opportunity Scholar• 1L Class President at University of Georgia

Law School• Final Four, SRBLSA Thurgood Marshall

Mock Trial Competition• Final Four, England Mock Trial

Competition

“As I watched my grandmother fight the most difficult battle of her lifeand never stop fighting, I realized the importance of overcoming adver-sity and giving all you have, day in and day out.”


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“Growing up in the New York City Foster Care System, I wouldhave never believed that I would eventually get the opportunity tobecome an attorney.“

In Her Own Words…Growing up in the foster care system in

Brooklyn, New York, I remember my highschool counselor telling me that she did notthink that I should pursue law. She did not feelthat I could accomplish that goal. I had alwaysdreamed about becoming an attorney. I wantedto pursue a career in law to help children, espe-cially at-risk and foster children.

Since I turned my life around more thaneight years ago, I have volunteered with andcreated student organizations that help chil-dren succeed. My interests and goals includecontinuing to help at-risk and under-privilegedchildren understand that, with hard work anddedication, they can be anything and anyonethat they desire to be. I want to use my life asan example that even though I did not grow upin a traditional family, community or educa-tional background, I was able to accomplishmy goal of becoming an attorney – the first inmy family.

As an attorney, I always want to remember tobe a role model and set an example for childrenand help them to succeed. Currently, I am doing

something that I have always dreamed. I am help-ing high school students and laypersons in theDistrict of Columbia to understand how the lawaffects their day-to-day lives. I am the Clinical andGraduate Teaching Fellow at GeorgetownUniversity Law Center’s Street Law Clinic. In thisposition, I instruct second- and third-year law stu-dents on how to teach the law to laypersons andhigh school students in a way that helps them tounderstand the law and its benefits.

Professionally, I am very interested in pursuinga legal career that would lead to becoming a judgeone day. To that end, I would like to clerk for ajudge before going into private practice and pursu-ing a career in litigation or labor and employmentlaw, or both. I believe that a clerkship is an invalu-able opportunity that every law student shouldpursue. While I was a law student, I did a summerclerkship with the Honorable Sonia Sotomayor ofthe United States Court of Appeals for the SecondCircuit. I learned so much from the judge and herregular clerks about legal writing and analysis, thelaw and judicial influence in society. That experi-ence has been a great influence on my decision toclerk after my current fellowship.

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Alycia M. GuichardBackground

• Georgetown University Law Center (GULC)—LLM, Legal Advocacy,Class of 2006 (expected graduation date)

• Fordham University School of Law, Class of 2004• New York University—Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies,

Minor in Sociology, Class of 2001

Employment

• Clinical and Graduate Teaching Fellow—Georgetown University Law Center’s DC Street Law Clinic


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Personal Statement about the LOSThe Legal Opportunity Scholarship has influ-

enced my life in an extremely positive way. Beingan ABA Scholar allowed me to attend law school,knowing that someone cared enough about mygoals and dreams that they would help to ensuremy educational career by assisting me financially.This scholarship allowed me to continue to fulfillmy personal goal of helping children by stayinginvolved while in law school.

Growing up in the New York City Foster CareSystem, I would have never believed that I wouldeventually get the opportunity to become an attor-ney. Today, because of the ABA’s LegalOpportunity Scholarship, I am an attorney andbelieve that children around the world, regardlessof situation or circumstance, can accomplishANYTHING. This is a wonderful scholarship pro-gram, for which I am extremely grateful, for it issure to create many successful professionals whocan appreciate the true meaning of helping others.Thank you.

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Law School Activities and Honors• Louis Stein Scholar (2002-04)• Martha Belle & Bernadine Johnson

Marshall Community Service Award (2003)

• Saperstein Foundation – Thurgood Marshall Fellow (2002)

• Summa Cum Laude Archibald R. Murray Public Service Award (2004)

• Louis Stein Scholar Ethics and Public Interest Award (2004)

• Public Interest Resource Center Student Organization Leader Award (2004)

• Student Attorney, Lincoln Square Legal Services for Fordham University’s School of Law Child & Family Litigation Clinic (2003)

• Research Assistant, John Feerick, Dean of Fordham University School of Law (2002-03)

• Program Coordinator, Thurgood Marshall Summer Law Internship Program for the Association of the Bar of the City of New York (2002)

Undergraduate Activities and Honors• President’s Service Award for Leadership

(2001)• Ida Bodman Service Award for Service &

Leadership (2001)• JP Morgan Chase, Manuel de Dios Unanue

Award for Excellence in Journalism (2001)• Who’s Who Among Students in American

Universities and Colleges (2001)• Member, Dean’s Focus Group (2001)• University Honors Scholar (2001)• NYU’s Founder’s Day Award (2001)• Scholar, Dean’s Research Travel Colloquia;

Sengal, West Africa (2000-01)• Student Representative, Communications

Department Search Committee (2000-01)• Member, Lambda Phi ETA, National

Communications Honor Society (2000-Present)

• Dean’s List – Fall 1999, Summer 2000 and Fall 2000

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More About TheklaThekla grew up in Kailua, Hawaii, and

received a Bachelor of Arts degree from NewYork University’s Gallatin School ofIndividualized Study, concentrating in history,politics and philosophy.

She has been interested in the law from a veryyoung age. “My desire to become a lawyer hasstemmed from my sense that there are a lot ofinjustices in the world that I would like to helpremedy,” she says.

“Growing up in Hawaii, I never fully realizedthe many social issues that plague the NativeHawaiians until I stepped away from the cultureand took a look at it from the outside,” she contin-ues. “I believe that young, well-trained culturallyoriented leadership is right for the cause of notonly the Native Hawaiians, but other small com-munities of oppressed Native people.”

Thekla was the first person in her family toattend law school, and she and her sister were thefirst to attend college.

Her future goals include becoming a professorof law, focusing on property, environmental andindigenous rights law. She intends to remainactive in public interest litigation and plans toapply for public interest fellowships to work inenvironmental and/or Indian law.

“I intend to take my legal training and leader-ship skills and return to Hawaii to help the NativeHawaiians gain their full rights … by helping themfuse their needs for justice with those of otheroppressed native peoples in the greater interna-tional community.”

She begins clerking for a federal districtcourt in September 2005 and says she will likelyapply for a second appellate clerkship.

Personal Statement About the LOSBecause of the Legal Opportunity Scholarship,

I was able to spend more time during law schoolon activities that have helped me become a betterlawyer, a better academic, and a better person.

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Thekla Hansen-YoungBackground

• University of Chicago Law School, Class of 2005• New York University—Bachelor of Arts in Politics, History and Philosophy,

Class of 2002

Law School Activities and Honors• Member, University of Chicago Law

Review• Member, Chicago Journal of International

Law• Edwin F. Mandel Legal Aid Clinic Award• Nordic Law Club Scholarship• Sidley Austin Brown & Wood’s Brown v.

Board of Education Scholarship• Human Rights Internship Grant• Chicago Law Foundation Grant

Publications• “Whose Name is it, Anyway? Protecting

Tribal Names from Cybersquatting” (scheduled for publication, Summer 2005, Virginia Journal of Law and Technology)

• “Defining Rape: A Means to Achieve Justice in the Special Court for Sierra Leone" (scheduled for publication, Summer 2005, Chicago Journal of International Law)


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Law School Activities and Honors• University of Michigan Law School Dean’s

Scholarship • American Association of University

Women, Selected Professions Fellowship• NAACP Legal Defense Fund Earl Warren

Legal Training Scholarship• Straker Bar Association Scholarship• Margaret Towsley Scholar, Center for the

Education of Women• Rackham Merit Fellowship• Editor, Michigan Journal of Gender & Law• Associate and Contributing Editor,

University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform• Assistant Editor and Founding Member,

Michigan Journal of Public Affairs• Member, Black Law Students Alliance (BLSA)• Michigan Flyers – pursuing pilot’s license• American Constitution Society (ACS)

Undergraduate Activities and Honors• Dean’s List, Cum Laude, Distinction in Major,

Honors Program Participant, Dr. Martin Luther King Award for Academic Excellence, McNair Scholar, Golden Key National Honor Society

• President, Health Awareness Resources Team (HART)

• Opening Speaker, Philadelphia Display of the AIDS Quilt

• Ford / Mellon Scholar, University of California at Berkeley

More About TasheikaTasheika hails from Westchester County,

New York. She is among the first in her family tograduate high school and is the first to haveattended college and law school.

Before law school, she spent five years workingas a research assistant on a nationwide study that fol-lowed the impact of welfare reform in highly urban-ized areas. She says, “I realized that my role as aresearch assistant was limited to the gathering andanalysis of data, and I chose to study law so that Icould directly impact the drafting of public policy.”

Her future plans include working as a summerassociate at the law firm of Jones Day. She saysshe would ultimately like to find a position thatwould allow her to combine both her law andpolicy degrees.

Personal Statement about the LOSReceiving the Legal Opportunity Scholarship

has tremendously affected my course of study. On avery fundamental level, the ABA’s financial supporthas ensured that I could continue my education.Given the high cost of pursuing graduate and legalstudies and undergraduate educational debt, I doubtthat I would have been able continue my educationwithout the ABA’s support.

Financial support has had a profound impact on theability of first-generation college and graduate students tofurther their education. In my case, I knew that I wouldnot be able to pursue my dream of continuing my educa-tion on a graduate level without financial support. Eventhough I had won many awards and accolades as anundergraduate student, I also amassed $50,000 in studentdebt. Obtaining a law degree was an option that was allbut closed to me without financial support, given mylevel of undergraduate indebtedness. I would personally

like to thank the donors and supporters of the ABALegal Opportunity Scholarship; without your assistance Iwould not have achieved my goal.

19

Tasheika Hinson-ColemanBackground

• University of Michigan Law School & Ford School of Public Policy—Joint J.D. and Master of Public Policy degrees, Class of 2006

• Temple University—Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Class of 2002


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More About JaelJael grew up all over the United States,

including California, North Carolina, Maine,Massachusetts, Vermont and Washington,D.C. She received her bachelor’s degree fromColumbia University in Political Science and aminor in Latin American Studies.

Her interest in human rights led her to volun-teer with various human rights organizations, andshe plans to continue in this area by working atthe Inter-American Court for Human Rights inCosta Rica this summer.

In Her Own Words…Transitioning from a human rights observer to

legal volunteer with the Center for Human RightsLegal Action (CALDH) in Guatemala Cityexposed me to different perspectives on the sameissue. In the field I had accompanied indigenousmassacre survivors—witnesses in CALDH’s geno-cide case—in their day-to-day struggle for survival.In CALDH’s offices, I worked on strategy for thegenocide lawsuits in Guatemala’s national courtsand on other cases in the Inter-American system.

I left Guatemala’s Ixcán region in the backof a crowded pick-up truck, bumping downdusty, unpaved roads with a turkey nestled com-fortably on my foot. I took with me a sack ofunroasted coffee, several varieties of bananas,six-months’ worth of friendships and enoughstories to fill a war.

The stories, however, followed me. In theIxcán, my friend Manuel had told me of his effortsto find the patch of earth in the jungle where hehad hastily buried his wife and four daughters,killed in the massacre, before he fled to Mexicanrefugee camps. In the capital, I filed urgentrequests in the Inter-American system for the pro-tection of forensic anthropologists engaged in theexhumation of Guatemala’s clandestine cemeteries.These intrepid anthropologists labored for the dualpurpose of allowing survivors to bury their dead inaccordance with Mayan religious traditions and togather evidence of the genocide against the Mayan

20

Jael Humphrey-Skomer

Background

• Yale University Law School, Class of 2008• Columbia University—Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Minor in Latin

American Studies, Class of 2001

Law School Activities and Honors• Submissions Editor, Yale Human Rights

and Development Law Journal• Intern, The Inter-American Court for

Human Rights, Costa Rica• Intern, The Center for Human Rights

Legal Action, Guatemala• Intern, The Center for Justice and

International Law, Brazil

Undergraduate Activities and Honors• National Merit Scholarship for

Outstanding Negro Scholars• Magna cum laude, Columbia University

B.A.

“I explored the role of justice as a tool in the reconciliation process of apost-war society.”


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people. Death threats against them and otherhuman rights workers landed on my desk with star-tling regularity. The stories I heard in these jobsdepicted the continued effects of the impunity ofGuatemala’s armed conflict. I explored the role ofjustice as a tool in the reconciliation process of apost-war society. My experience in Guatemala isnot something that could be left behind by board-ing a bus or an airplane. The stories accompanyme to this day.

When I left the United States, my desire tohelp was tempered by my awareness that foreignintervention is often destructive. I had askedmyself how I could ensure that my good intentionsdid not inadvertently cause harm. When I left

21

Guatemala, I questioned how I could contributemost effectively to the improvement of my friends’lives in the Ixcán and the human rights movementin general. The combination of these two ques-tions—how to ensure that my good intentionstranslated into good acts and how to maximize theimpact of my work—is what led me to law school.

Personal Statement about the LOSThe Legal Opportunity Scholarship has helped

me to afford a legal education. The existence ofsuch scholarships gave me the encouragement toapply to law school in the first place.

The Supreme Court’s decision in Grutter v. Bollinger, upholding race-based affirmative action in Universityof Michigan Law School admissions, promises renewed support for efforts to increase minority access tolegal education, including admission to elite law schools.

Miles to Go: Progress of Minorities in the Legal Profession (2005 ABA Report)

“The combination of these two questions—how to ensure that my goodintentions translated into good acts and how to maximize the impact ofmy work—is what led me to law school.”

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More About CynthiaBeing of Hispanic descent, Cynthia feels

that there is a need for more Latino lawyers inher community and she hopes to be an advocatefor those who are not in a position to advocatefor themselves.

Cynthia, who comes from a family of nine,was raised in Santa Barbara, California after herparents emigrated from Mexico. Each of her par-ents has a second-grade education; she is the firstperson in her family to have attended both col-lege and law school. In fact, none of her 32nieces and nephews has graduated from college.She hopes to “break the cycle,” she says.

“I hope to empower others and provide theassistance that was missing for my family bybecoming an attorney and educating peopleabout their rights and the legal system. Workingat the District Attorney’s Office, where I helpedguide crime victims through the criminal courts,highlighted how frustrating our [legal] systemcan be for people who do not understand itsvocabulary. It also showed me that there is agreat need for dedicated attorneys who can serveand relate to diverse populations by speakingtheir language and understanding their struggle.Some people say there are too many lawyers, butin terms of access to legal services and represen-tation for poor and working-class people, Ibelieve that there are not enough. I intend tohelp that need.”

In addition to her work as an Associate atO’Melveny & Myers, Cynthia plans to focus her

attention on volunteering and mentoring, par-ticularly in underprivileged communities.Eventually, she would like to work as a prosecu-tor at the state level and in public policy as anelected representative.

Personal Statement about the LOSI am tremendously grateful for the Legal

Opportunity Scholarship. The Scholarship provid-ed a sense of encouragement and support becauseI knew there were people out there who reallywanted me to succeed and who cared about under-represented people working in the law. Also,receiving the scholarship allowed me to partici-pate in activities and explore areas of law that Iotherwise would not have been able to do becauseI would have had to spend those hours working.

I am extremely grateful and hope to thankthe Scholarship Committee by giving back to thecommunity as a lawyer. I have been given atremendous gift and it is my duty to use it to giveback to others.

22

Cynthia Inda

Background

• Stanford University School of Law, Class of 2005 • Harvard University—Bachelor of Arts in Government, Class of 1999

Employment

• Associate—O’Melveny & Myers


Law School Activities and Honors• Editor, Law Review• Intern, U.S. Attorney’s Office—Criminal

Division, Los Angeles• Criminal Prosecution Clinic (one of six

students chosen by her professor)• Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship

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In Her Own Words…Having grown up in Los Angeles, I saw the

law as a vehicle to ameliorate socioeconomic andpolitical injustices in my community. I’m African-American and Mexican (with an immigrantMexican mother) and I really wanted to gobeyond protesting what I saw as a lack of accessto education, wealth, political rights, etc. forBlacks, Mexican-Americans and immigrants. Iwanted to go inside, see how “the system”worked, and be in a position to change that sys-tem. I believe knowledge of the law opens up thegates to the American Dream. So, that’s what Iwanted to do – open doors. Also, I have a verystrong interest in international politics, humanrelations and human rights and believe in theability of international law, in addition to domes-tic law, to create social justice worldwide.

My future goals involve working in interna-tional human rights advocacy as well as civil rightswork in the United States. I’d also like to go intojournalism/mass media (Spanish - language mediaespecially) to create awareness of political rightsfor the Latino population in this country.

Personal Statement about the LOSThe Scholarship made me feel part of a sup-

portive community while in law school, which canbe very difficult for a female ethnic minority who

may not have had any previous exposure to profes-sional school or the legal field. Also, the financialsupport freed me up to focus on what was impor-tant during my three years in law school—gettingthe best legal education possible—as opposed toworrying about financial issues.

23

Joanne JacksonBackground

• Harvard Law School, Class of 2005 • University of California, Los Angeles—Bachelor of Arts in Political Science,

concentration in International Relations; Communication Studies, concentration in Mass Media, Class of 2002

Employment

• Law Clerk—White & Case, LLP (Fall 2005)

Law School Activities and Honors• Co-Chair, Harvard La Alianza (2004)• Senior Editor, Harvard International Law

Journal • Scholarship Director, Justicia en Diversidad

Scholarship Foundation, Inc.• Harvard Law Human Rights Fellow

Undergraduate Activities and Honors• Cum laude in Political Science and

Communication Studies (June 2002)• Dean’s List• UCLA Law School Fellow• Hispanic Scholarship Fund Recipient

Internships• Law Clerk - White & Case, LLP - New

York, New York; Paris, France (Summer 2004)

“I wanted to go inside, see how ‘the system’ worked, and be in a position tochange that system.”


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In Her Own Words…I was born and raised in New Orleans,

Louisiana in the Magnolia Housing Projects. Forjunior high and high school, I attended a magnetschool, which provided a great deal of informationabout college and its benefits. After college, Iwent to school full time for a Masters in EnglishEducation while teaching school at R. Frank NimsMiddle School. During the summer before lawschool, I taught English at San Hsin High Schoolin Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

I pursued law because a number of my studentswere going to jail when I was a middle schoolteacher. Law seemed the only way to changethings. I was the first person in my family to attendcollege and law school. I would like to work onlegislation to reform our public school system. Ialso have a strong interest in real estate law, partic-ularly predatory lending.

Personal Statement about the LOSAbsent the Legal Opportunity Scholarship, a

law school education would not have been possiblefor me. The scholarship provided the assistance Ineeded for books, supplements and living expenses.I am eternally grateful to those who donate to thisscholarship fund.

24

Katrice M. JenkinsBackground

• University of Miami Law School, Class of 2003 • University of Miami—Bachelor of Arts in English; Master of Arts in English

Education, Class of 1997

Employment

• Pharmaceutical Litigation Associate—Parks & Crump, LLC

Law School Activities and Honors• Florida Bar Foundation Fellowship• Vice President’s Award for Service• James F. Mofsky Service Award• Clerkship, Florida Supreme Court under

former Chief Justice Harry Lee Anstead• Moot Court Finalist, James Weldon

Johnson Summer Institute• Member—Omicron Delta Kappa, Bar &

Gavel, Phi Delta Kappa, Kappa Delta Phi

• Articles & Comments Editor, International and Comparative Law Review

• International Moot Court Board• Vice President, Black Law Students

Association• American Inns of Court

Graduate Activities and Honors• Golden Apple Excellence in Teaching

Award• Graduated summa cum laude• Member of Phi Delta Kappa and Kappa

Delta Phi

“...a number of my students were going to jail when I was a middle schoolteacher. Law seemed the only way to change things.”


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More About Tian TianTian Tian was born in China, but moved to the

United States at age seven and was raised in bothOhio and New Jersey. Her study of philosophy asan undergraduate at Harvard University impactedher decision to pursue law as a profession.

“I wanted to do something that made the politi-cal and moral philosophy ideas I had been thinkingabout confront reality. Law makes enormous contri-butions to society in such a concrete way, and it isreally exciting to get to be a part of doing that.”

Tian Tian saw that firsthand in the summer of2003 when she worked for Greater Boston LegalServices (GBLS), an organization that provides freelegal aid to low-income residents of Massachusetts.

“Many of our clients were elderly minori-ties with physical and mental disabilities.They lived in bad conditions and often fearedfor their safety. The need for legal services inthis area was intense. During the busyThursday court days I saw long lines of peo-ple, many scared and unsure, waiting to gointo the courtroom. Many cases were default-ed because people did not know about theirlegal rights.”

She continues, “Law—both the practice andteaching of it—brings together the things I reallycare about: exploring questions in ethics, promot-ing constructive and just interactions amongstindividuals, groups and countries, and seeking todirectly affect positive change for the people andsocieties that need it.”

Tian Tian says she would like to focus onimmigrant communities. She wants to providethem with free legal services to help with issues ofhousing, health and work troubles that shebelieves stand in the way of the next generation’sopportunities for a higher education. Tian Tianhopes to do appellate advocacy or work with thefederal government. She also sees academia aseventually becoming part of her legal career.

Personal Statement about the LOSThe ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship is a

nice way to feel connected to the larger legal com-munity—to have future colleagues support you inyour education and know that they feel committedin this way to help bring young people into theprofession. This is a wonderful scholarship. Thankyou so much!

25

Tian Tian MayiminBackground

• Harvard Law School, Class of 2007• University of Chicago—Master’s degree in Religion, Class of 2004• Harvard University—Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Class of 2002

Employment

• New York Attorney General’s Office—Appeals and Opinions Bureau

Law School Activities and Honors• Co-President, Law and Philosophy Society• New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer’s

Office, Appeals and Opinions Bureau (intern)

Undergraduate Activities and Honors• Magna Cum Laude A.B. in Philosophy• Harvard College Scholarship• Harvard Women’s Leadership Conference


pages 8/23/05 11:12 AM Page 25

26

tion, I have worked as a Financial Aid Administrator.Thus, I have had the privilege of not only receivingscholarships, but also being involved with awardingthem. It’s unfortunate that many donors—who oftendo not meet the scholarship recipients—do not havethe opportunity to share in the joy that results fromtheir generosity. I can say from firsthand experience,the feeling is truly amazing.

More About NatashaAs a Black Studies major in college, Natasha

was inspired to pursue the law by the Civil RightsMovement. “When I began to explore the legal pro-fession,” she says, “I observed the current thoughtsabout the legal system among poor and workingclass Americans. I recognized the same absence offairness and the loss of faith in the government andlarge-scale agencies that my own family hadexpressed to me when I was a child.”

She continues, “I saw how the police patrolledour neighborhood, and how social services threat-ened to place me back into foster care. I recognizedhow poor we were and how we struggled to live offof my grandmother’s salary as a maid. At six yearsold, I was already affected by the social and eco-nomic limits placed upon my family.

“Education became an emotional outlet and mymethod of escape from the drugs, crime, and dispari-ty that plagued my neighborhood,” she says.

Natasha plans to practice Public InterestLaw. She is also interested in Federal Tax law.Her goal is to practice in California and eventu-ally obtain an L.L.M. degree.

Personal Statement about the LOSThe Legal Opportunity Scholarship gave me

the opportunity to attend the law school of mychoice without worrying about financial con-straints. Applying for the scholarship helped merealize how much I had accomplished in prepara-tion for attending law school.

This scholarship program is a blessing.Throughout my undergraduate and law school educa-

26

Natasha L. MosleyBackground

• University of Southern California Law School, Class of 2006 • University of California, Santa Barbara—Bachelor’s degree in Cultural

Anthropology and Black Studies, Class of 2002

Employment

• Law Clerk—White & Case, LLP (Fall 2005)

Law School Activities and Honors• State Bar of California, clerkship (2005)• Los Angeles County Public Defender,

clerkship (2004)• Honors Grades: Criminal Law, Property,

Community Property• Norman Toppins Scholarship (2003-06)• USC Law Scholarship (2003-06)• Executive Director, National Black Law

Students Association—Western Region (2005-06)

• Vice President, Black Law Students Association (2004-05)

• Treasurer, Criminal Law Society (2004-05) • Public Interest Law Foundation (2003-06)

Undergraduate Activities and Honors• High Honors, Dean’s List (five quarters)• Undergraduate Research Award• Commencement Speaker• Distinction in the Major Black Studies• Excellence in Scholarship and Community

Service


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In Her Own Words…I was born in a Hmong refugee camp in

Thailand during the Vietnam War. The camp wassurrounded by barbed wire fences to protect usfrom the communists who killed Hmong soldierssiding with the United States. After a year in thecamp, my parents and I escaped to France andlater to California.

Growing up in the United States, I battledwith maintaining my cultural identity and assim-ilating into mainstream America. Seeing how myfamily struggled through economic and socialhardships, I was inspired to find ways to mini-mize those disparities. I realized that with theproper tools and an education, I could overcomethese obstacles to help both my family andmyself. I wanted to use my knowledge and skillsto serve the Hmong community by helping topreserve, advance and represent Homng cultureand traditions. Ultimately, I wanted to attendlaw school so that I could serve as I voice for theHmong community within the United States’legal system.

It was during my college thesis research that Iwas able to understand the depth and trauma thatthe Hmong people endured during the VietnamWar. I realized that by focusing too much effortinto assimilating into the American culture, I, likemany others in my generation, had alienatedmyself from the Hmong culture and tradition. Itook this to heart when I became the CulturalDirector for the Hmong Student Association and

created the first Homng Culture Show at theUniversity of California, Riverside.

After graduating from college, I realized thatin addition to preserving the past, I also neededto help advance the future of the Hmong peo-ple. One of the areas in dire need of furtherattention was the Hmong’s relationship to theAmerican justice system. There are thousandsof attorneys, but how many understand theHmong traditions and culture in addition to thelanguage of the American legal system? Howmany will be able to translate complicated lawsso that the Hmong people can understandthem? I hope that my legal education will allowme to bridge this gap for the Hmong people.

I have spent a good portion of my time learn-ing about public interest law with a focus on publicbenefits and public housing. In the future, I wouldlike to either work for a non-profit organizationor be in a career that would allow me to do legalpro bono work for the Hmong community.

Personal Statement about the LOSThe Legal Opportunity Scholarship has helped

me greatly in easing the financial burden ofattending law school. This financial assistance hasalso indirectly impacted my parents by easing theirmind because they do not have any means tofinancially assist me with my legal education. Thescholarship has allowed me to focus more onschool and worry less about how I will be able topay for a legal education.

27

Dia MouaBackground

• University of California Davis School of Law, Class of 2006 • University of California Riverside—Bachelor of Arts in Political Science,

Class of 2001

“I wanted to attend law school so that I could serve as I voice for theHmong community within the U.S. legal system.”


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In His Own Words…I grew up in Ulm, a small city in the former

West Germany between Munich and Stuttgart.At age 13, our family immigrated to America,with little knowledge of the English language.My mother’s family lived in West Hartford,Connecticut. I remember having to look at amap to find the tiny state I could not even pro-nounce. Although I was not the first person inmy family to attend college, I was the first personin my family to attend law school.

I became interested in law at an early age.My mother asked our landlord to make repairsto a leaking pipe in the basement. When herefused, my mother withheld rent, and he retali-ated by coming into our apartment unan-nounced to show prospective tenants theapartment. His actions implied that he wasplanning to evict us. Although we did not knowwhether this was something that he was allowedto do, it felt instinctively wrong.

My sister and I went to the library in search oflaw books and were directed to what seemed like aforty-volume, cobalt-colored set of books. Weread, understanding very little. Eventually, westumbled upon the retaliatory eviction section andquoted that section in a certified letter to thelandlord. I still have a copy of that letter. Everytime I read it, I notice how awkward the prosewas, and yet how simple the legal argument. Ismile when I read that letter, because it worked. Afew days after sending it, the landlord called. “Justmow the lawn,” was all he said. The unannouncedvisits stopped.

Although I am in private practice now, Imake pro bono work a big and indispensablepart of my practice. I believe that it can narrow

the gap between poverty and dignity. And I alsobelieve that lawyers who have been given schol-arship opportunities like myself need to do theirpart for the less fortunate citizens of this country.

28

Alexander T.H. NguyenBackground

• Yale Law School, Class of 2003• Harvard University—Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies, Class of 1999

Employment• Litigation Associate—Kirkland & Ellis, LLP

Law School Activities and Honors• National Trial Competition

(New England Regional champions)• Yale Law School Association Executive

Committee• Clerkship, Sullivan & Cromwell • Clerkship, Brennan Center for Justice • Public Interest Law Initiative Fellow,

Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago

Undergraduate Activities and Honors• John Harvard Scholar • Woodrow Wilson Public Policy and

International Affairs Fellowship• Stride Rite Scholarship for Public Service• Institute of Politics Scholarship• Dean’s List (all semesters)• Winner—National Award for Education

Reporting (2000)• Intern, Public Defender Service for the

District of Columbia • Intern, Refugee Youth Summer Enrichment

Program • Intern, Greater Boston Legal Services • Writing Fellowship, The American Prospect • Reporter/Researcher, The New Republic


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Personal Statement about the LOSDuring law school, the Legal Opportunity

Scholarship affected me primarily on a practicallevel. Because of its generous support, I was ableto focus on my studies, write and publish an arti-cle on privacy law, train for and compete in anational mock trial competition and also helprepresent tenants in the New Haven area whowere facing eviction. Now that I have completedlaw school, the scholarship affects me on a per-sonal level. As a practitioner, I have come to seefor myself how much more we all have to do toensure that, as lawyers, we reflect the backgroundsand experiences of our clients. As a result, I havejoined my firm’s recruiting efforts and I look for-ward to contributing.

When I attended law school, we followed theSupreme Court’s consideration of the Grutter v.Bollinger and Gratz v. Bollinger cases about diver-sity programs at the University of Michigan.What was most arresting to me were not thearguments (they had been made before), but therealization that, even today, diversity is a valuethat has to be defended, affirmed, and supported.There are at least two drastically different ways,two views, in which affirmative action programsand efforts such as the Legal OpportunityScholarship can be justified.

In the first view, these programs help histori-cally underrepresented individuals. In 1996, theUniversity of Michigan Senate Assembly, theelected governing body of the faculty, passed aresolution subscribing to this goal. It urged com-mitment to “removing the barriers that tradition-ally have been encountered by individuals fromunderrepresented groups, to accepting such indi-viduals as full and respected members of the aca-demic community, and to enabling them toprogress and succeed in their profession.” Thatvision of individually centered diversity is onethat looks backward to correct past wrongs. It isa noble but also unsustainable goal, because thatvision of diversity is vulnerable. Under this view,

affirmative action can easily be characterized as ahandout or as charity.

In the second view, the one we should—andefforts such as the Legal Opportunity Scholarshipalready does—support, these programs help notjust the individual, but the entire community aswell. In 1998, the University of Michigan SenateAssembly’s resolution on diversity had changedsignificantly to embrace this focus on community-centered diversity:

Our commitment to diversity means at themost basic level a willingness both to rec-ognize the value of disparate experiencesand visions and to weave them into thefabric of our institution… In this way, wecan provide students with the unique educa-tional experience and intellectual stimula-tion that can only come from interactingwith and learning to respect a broad rangeof people with differing backgrounds, lifeexperiences, beliefs, and ideas. In order forthe university to retain its leadership rolewithin the educational community, it mustcontinue and expand upon these efforts toreach out and include all who compriseour diverse society in order to engageeffectively its students, faculty, and staffwith the major societal problems of thepresent and future. It is only through sucha commitment that the University ofMichigan can positively and effectivelyinfluence the future of American educationand the world of the twenty-first century.

This vision of diversity does not focus solelyon benefiting individuals, but also on benefitingthe entire community. This vision of diversitydoes not look backward, but forward. This visionof diversity, affirmative action programs, andefforts like the ABA Legal OpportunityScholarship is not indicative of a handout, butan investment.

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“I make pro bono work a big and indispensable part of my practice. I believe that it can narrow the gap between poverty and dignity. “

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In Her Own Words…My decision to study law is framed by my work

coordinating the delivery of human services inNew York City, my experience analyzing the fiscaland economic positions of developing countriesand my continuous interaction with legal issues.Having witnessed children being shuttled throughthe child welfare and homeless services systemswithout responsive support compels me to focuson public interest law.

Prior to law school, I was intimately involvedin the development and coordination of commu-nity services. In addition to completing a Mastersin Public Administration, I analyzed the povertystrategy initiatives of 100 developing countriesfor the United Nations Development Programand evaluated community-based primary healthcare models in Nicaragua. While completing myundergraduate and graduate programs, I used myposition as a teacher of first graders in an under-served, local public school to provide context formy coursework—such as the class titled “UrbanSchools in Crisis.” I learned first-hand how edu-cation services have limited success when chil-dren are homeless, neglected or hungry. I alsoworked with Agenda for Children Tomorrow(ACT), a public/private partnership, drafting

policies that promote neighborhood-based servic-es and planning and implementing communitydriven initiatives.

In addition to policy analysis, I have workeddirectly with early care and education providers,parents and public partners to develop the ParentAccess Point Initiative in WashingtonHeights/Inwood and Bushwick. This Initiative ispart of the New York City Early Learning Project,and is designed to promote each community’svision of how to increase access to local and city-wide information for parents. Through ACT, Ialso staffed the Council on Children of theAssociation of the Bar of the City of New York.This Council convenes members of all committeesof the Bar that address children’s issues and isdevoted to exploring legal questions that spantheir respective areas. Exposure to these issues ledto my decision to become a lawyer.

Largely, my passion stems from the valuesinstilled by my parents, who immigrated to theUnited States from Chile twenty-five years ago.Their strong work ethic, love of family, and sensi-tivity to common hardships guides their dailyactions. Their success in rebuilding their livesfrom little money, knowledge of English, or supportcontinues to inspire me to pursue my goals with

30

U. Pamela RivasBackground

• Rutgers School of Law, Newark, Class of 2007• New York University, Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service—

Masters in Public and Nonprofit Management and Policy, Class of 2002• New York University—Bachelor of Arts in Metropolitan Studies, Minor in

Journalism and Mass Communication, Class of 2000

Employment

• Summer Associate—Lowenstein Sandler, P.C. (2005)

“My passion stems from the values instilled by my parents, who immigratedto the United States from Chile twenty-five years ago.”


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the same spirit of self-determination. As a result ofour experiences, I empathize with and understandthe struggles of immigrant families seeking supportthrough the many U.S. public and private systems.I will use this empathy to defend laws and individ-ual rights and to promote fairness in the provisionof services to the most at-risk communities.

As a summer associate at Lowenstein Sandler, Ihave a unique position for a first year law student.In this position, I am gaining valuable first-handexperience on a breadth of corporate, litigationand pro-bono work to support teams of attorneys.During the academic year, I will be working withthe offices in the New Jersey legislature, governor’soffice or executive agency, or other governmentoffices to enhance my advocacy skills while con-tributing to the public policy agenda through theGovernor’s Executive Fellowship with the EagletonInstitute in Politics and Government. The fellow-ship will enable me to draw upon my previouswork experiences and developing legal knowledgeas I refine and target my professional goals.

Personal Statement about the LOSThe support I have received from the Legal

Opportunity Scholarship has provided the financialassistance critical to my success as a first year lawstudent. Furthermore, it has given me direct expo-sure to the legal community’s activities and providedme with a greater understanding of the professionaldevelopment resources and the networking avenuesthat are available to practicing attorneys

Without the contact with the ABA via theLegal Opportunity Scholarship I would not havesuch a heightened level of confidence in my pur-suit of a legal career. I credit the scholarship for itsforesight to support emerging lawyers during theirfirst steps in the education process. The LegalOpportunity Scholarship is a giant step forward in

supporting diverse students who have the potentialbut not the resources to become great leaders andprofessionals in the legal community. In return forthe support I have received, I promise to be a cred-it to the scholarship and to the profession I serve.

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Law School Activities and Honors• Vice President, Women’s Law Forum,

Rutgers School of Law-Newark (2005-06)• Treasurer, Association of Latin American

Law Students, Rutgers School of Law- Newark (2005-06)

• BARBRI representative• Domestic Violence Advocacy Project

Volunteer• Governor’s Excellence Fellowship, Eagleton

Fellowship Program in Politics and Government

• Jean Robertson Women Lawyers Foundation Grant

• Justice Morris Pashman Scholarship• CLEO/Thurgood Marshall Associate

Undergraduate Activities and Honors• Robert F. Wagner Public Service

Scholarship (2000-01)• Founder’s Day Award (2000)• Elizabeth Claster Memorial Scholarship

Award (1999)• Rudin Internship/Scholarship Award(1999)• Academic Achievement Program, NYU

College of Arts and Sciences (1996-2000) • Time Warner/National Hispanic

Scholarship Fund Scholar (1997-99)• Alumnae Club Scholarship (1999)

“Having witnessed children being shuttled through the child welfare andhomeless services systems without responsive support compels me to focuson public interest law.”

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In Her Own Words…Growing up in California’s foster care system,

I had a sense that I had little power over my life,and even less power over the world around me.My mother was severely mentally ill and myfather was incarcerated. At the time I enteredfoster care, I had been living on the streets. Infoster care, I received little of the basic founda-tion that children need to grow up happy andhealthy. I spent years being moved between grouphomes, shelters and psychiatric hospitals, neverliving anywhere that I considered to be home.

Like many other foster youth, I was emanci-pated from foster care only to face homelessnesson my 18th birthday. I did not have any jobskills, and was without a single functioning rela-tionship with an adult. I had spent years bounc-ing between schools in special education. I leftfoster care without a high school diploma andwithout having ever taken a single academic orvocational skills class. I couldn’t envision myselfever succeeding in college, let alone going tolaw school.

I entered Job Corps, where I earned myG.E.D. and received job training, housing andmedical care. I started my long educational jour-ney by attending community college, and thentransferred and graduated from U.C. Davis with a

32

Jennifer Rodriguez

Background

• University of California Davis, King School of Law, Class of 2004• University of California Davis—Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Class of 2001

Employment

• Legislative and Policy Coordinator—California Youth Connection

Law School Activities and Honors• Bergstrom Child Welfare Law Fellow

(2002)• Law Clerk, Youth Law Center (2002)• Writer and managing editor, Journal of

Juvenile Law and Policy (2002-04)• Co-Chair, Advocates for the Rights of

Children (2001-03)• Student Liaison, ABA Steering Committee

of the Unmet Legal Needs of Children (2002)

• Board of Directors Member, National Association of Counsel for Children (2002-Present)

Undergraduate Activities and Honors• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology High Honors• Sociology Honors Thesis, “The Emerging

Rights of Foster Youth”• Sociology Department Citation for

Excellence• UC Davis Blue and Gold Leadership

Scholarship Recipient• UC Davis Law School Martin Luther King,

Jr. Scholarship (2001)

“I felt the best purpose for my life was making sure that other foster childrendidn’t have to experience the things I did.”


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B.A. in Sociology in 2001. I had been so focusedon surviving, that I never had the opportunity toask myself what I wanted to do with my life untilthat point. When I considered this, I knew that Ireally only wanted one thing. Those children stillwithin the foster care system were the only familyI had. Since I had made it through the system, Ifelt the best purpose for my life was making surethat other foster children didn’t have to experi-ence the things I did.

As an undergraduate, I became involvedwith community organizing with other currentand former foster youth through the CaliforniaYouth Connection, a foster care advocacyorganization. I also had the chance to helpestablish the California Foster CareOmbudsman’s Office and to travel throughoutthe state educating foster youth about theirrights. These professional experiences, com-bined with my personal experiences, convincedme that going to law school would give memore skills to effect change for foster youth.

In 2004, I graduated from U.C. Davis LawSchool and passed the California Bar Exam. I amcurrently the Legislative and Policy Coordinatorfor the California Youth Connection. I now havethe opportunity to work on designing meaningfulfoster care reform policy and training other fosteryouth with the skills I have acquired, so they caneffectively engage in policy development. Finally,I am now the proud mother of two beautiful boys,the second of whom was born six weeks after Itook the bar exam!

Personal Statement about the LOSReceiving the Legal Opportunity

Scholarship not only offered much neededfinancial assistance in realizing my dream ofattending law school, but also validated thatothers believed in my potential. As a formerfoster youth, I didn’t have a family to supportmy higher education goals, and receiving thisscholarship confirmed that the American BarAssociation felt I had something important tooffer the legal profession—and that it wouldhelp support me financially and otherwise. Thisopportunity has allowed me to thrive in lawschool and to work where I feel I can be mosteffective, while lowering the financial burdensof law school.

I thank the Scholarship Committee forselecting me as a scholarship recipient and forsupporting my dreams. Not only have I greatlybenefited, but also every day thousands of fosteryouth continue to benefit from the opportunityI have been given. So few former foster youthever have the opportunity to access higher edu-cation, let alone a professional degree. Fosteryouth have important perspectives and experi-ences to offer that are lost when they are notable to receive the training and education theyneed to access power and become decision mak-ers. I am grateful I had that opportunity and amcommitted to ensuring many other foster youthwill have the same opportunity in the future.

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“I am grateful I had that opportunity and am committed to ensuringmany other foster youth will have the same opportunity in the future.”

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In Her Own Words...I was born in the Dominican Republic, where I

lived until the age of ten. My mother and I immi-grated to New York on April 22, 1992, in search ofa better life. I lived in Freeport, on Long Island inNew York. I received my Bachelor of Science inPolicy Analysis and Management with a LatinoStudies Concentration from Cornell University in2004. I also studied abroad in Ghana, WestAfrica, in the spring of 2003 and interned at thelaw firm of Skadden, Arps, Megher & Flom in thefall of 2003.

I have wanted to become an attorney for aslong as I can remember. My dreams werestrengthened, however, when I realized that alaw degree would give me the necessary tools tofight injustices in our society. As a Dominicanimmigrant from an underprivileged background, Ihave encountered a lot of racism and discrimina-tion. I want to use my law degree to fight all ofthese evils.

I am the first person in my extended family,including eleven aunts and uncles and hundreds ofcousins, to attend college as well as law school. AtHarvard Law School, I am an active member of LaAlianza and the Harvard Black Law StudentsAssociation. It has been a long road, but all of myhard work is definitely paying off.

During the summer of 2005, I have an intern-ship in the United States Attorney’s Office in theNorthern District of Georgia through theDepartment of Justice. I have not yet decidedwhat kind of law I will practice, but my experi-ences as an immigrant have heightened my inter-est in immigration law.

Personal Statement about the LOSThe Legal Opportunity Scholarship has made a

tremendous impact on my legal education. Itmade my decision to attend Harvard Law (overother institutions that gave me more in terms offinances) an easier one. With $15,000 less inloans, I will have more flexibility in the kind oflaw I decide to practice. I will be forever gratefulfor the LOS assisting me in realizing my profes-sional dreams.

34

Yaneris Rosa

Background

• Harvard Law School, Class of 2007 • Cornell University—Bachelor of Science in Policy Analysis Management,

concentration in Latino Studies, Class of 2004

Law School Activities and Honors• Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

Scholarship• Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholarship• Dominican Bar Association Scholarship• Puerto Rican Bar Association Scholarship• Mexican American Legal Defense and

Education Fund Law School Scholarship• Council on Legal Education

Opportunity/Thurgood Marshall Associate

Undergraduate Activities and Honors• Cornell Tradition Fellowship• Dean’s List (5 semesters)• Hispanic Scholarship Fund• Golden Key International Honor Society• SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student

Excellence• NHLI Latinas Learning to Lead Summer

Institute• Cornell LeaderShape Institute


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In His Own Words… I was only five at the time, but I can still

remember the night that my mother got the call.My father had gone out that night and, unfortu-nately, he had been drinking. The phone rangabout three times before my mother was able toanswer it. My sister and I watched as her usuallysincere smile abruptly turned into an expression ofhorror. She had just learned that my father hadbeen involved in a serious automobile accident.She wanted to protect us, but we knew that some-thing was very wrong. A somber silence filled myhome. In the following weeks, the tragic details ofmy father’s automobile accident came to light. Hissevere spinal cord injuries left him in need of con-stant medical care. I grew up accustomed to seeingmy father go in and out of hospitals, and I watchedas his physical and mental health deteriorated.

Prior to my father’s accident, my family livedbelow the poverty line. But after the accident, thepoverty became extreme. My mother was forced tocare for my father 24 hours a day, so she could notwork. The medical bills piled up. Every pennycounted. At times, I remember not being able towatch television because it required electricity,which cost money that we didn’t have.

My mother hid her emotions from her childrenand tried to make it seem as if nothing had hap-pened. She taught us English, and she encouragedus to read and write. By the time that I was sevenyears old, with the help of my mother’s instructionand thanks to a great Bilingual Education program,I was proficient in English.

At the age of 13, I became an active partici-pant in my church’s youth group, and I soonbecame aware that poverty and misfortune plagued

not only my household. My entire communitystruggled with financial difficulties. As I grewolder, I became increasingly aware of our dire situ-ation. Our financial troubles prompted me to get ajob at the age of 14, and I’ve worked ever since.

My mother taught me the value of education,and she instilled in me a desire to learn. I came tosee education as the means of solving our prob-lems: I would get a degree and a good job, not onlyto solve the financial problems, but also to cure mydad. I decided to study medicine and become adoctor. I saw my acceptance into the Silva Health

35

Israel Silvas

Background• Harvard Law School, Class of 2004• University of Texas at El Paso—Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

(summa cum laude), Class of 2001

Law School Activities and Honors• Co-Chair, La Alianza• Article Editor, Harvard Latino Law Review• Student Advocate, Tenant Advocacy

Project• Law School Representative, Harvard

Concilio Latino

• Primary Coordinator, 6th Annual Latino Law and Leadership Conference

Undergraduate Activities and Honors• Bill Gates Millennium Scholar• Top Ten Graduating Senior• Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar• Joseph M. Ray Award for outstanding

political science graduates• President, UTEP Chess Club• Vice-President, Hispanic Pre-Law

Association• Treasurer, Pi Sigma Alpha


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Magnet High School as the means to help me real-ize my goal.

Along the way, however, something curiousoccurred. I began to gain an appreciation forknowledge. I began to enjoy reading books writtenby Shakespeare, Plato, and even Heidegger, whichawakened in me a new desire to learn, not forwhat it could bring, but simply to satisfy my curios-ity. I found myself admitting that my area of inter-est was no longer medicine.

The economic troubles that plagued my com-munity had created a sense of urgency within me.Too much poverty existed in my neighborhood.While my mother had instilled in me a desire tolearn, and my faith had instilled in me a desire tohelp others, I also realized that other members ofmy community were not fortunate enough to havea sense of hope. I remember that in front of myhouse was an empty lot that was home to severalbeautiful trees. Unfortunately, drug users and alco-holics frequented this area. Those lovely trees hadto be cut down, simply because they created a dan-gerous environment. I have always wanted to find

a way to extinguish the flames that ignited alco-holism, poverty, and drug abuse in my community.Political action and participation seemed to be animportant way to address the problem. My godfa-ther had spoken to me about the power of politicsas a means of motivating social change. It was thisintroduction into the power of politics to mobilizesocioeconomic change that prompted me to pursuean education in political science and law. I realizedthat I could help my community by being its voicein the American political and judicial systems.

Ultimately, my desire to attend law schoolstems from two sources. I appreciate and enjoy thechallenge of considering analytical matters as away of expanding my abilities. In addition, I havea desire to bring about social change in traditional-ly disadvantaged areas. I want to educate, motivateand defend those who lack opportunities. My lifeexperiences have taught me that obstacles canindeed be overcome, and I am confident that I canhelp others to overcome obstacles that may impedethem from realizing their potential.

36

“An introduction into the power of politics to mobilize socioeconomicchange prompted me to pursue an education in political science and law.I realized that I could help my community by being its voice in theAmerican political and judicial systems.”

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In His Own Words…Although I use my father’s surname, my mother,

a first-generation Mexican-American, raised me in asingle parent household along with my two broth-ers. Work was emphasized more than educationbecause no one in our family had ever attended col-lege and the reality of our financial situation dictat-ed that we get jobs rather than college degrees.

This philosophy of work ethic over educationwas solidified when I was 13 and my motherbecame chronically ill. It was logical for me to fol-low the path my older brother was forced to takeand work to help support our family. I honoredmy obligation by working in construction and asan automotive mechanic. Ironically, it was my jobas a mechanic that not only fulfilled my familyresponsibilities, but also sparked my desire to geta higher education.

I often came across an all-too-common sce-nario as a mechanic: Latino laborers working veryhard to keep a client’s Mercedes running whilebeing denied their basic rights. Pay was typicallyminimum wage or below. In order to keep theirchildren clothed and fed, their wives also oftenworked one or more jobs. We worked together fix-ing cars that cost five times our yearly income.That experience led me to ask the question, “Whyare hard working people who are essential to oureconomy not being fairly compensated?”

The answer came to me when I was fixing anexpensive car and I noticed the “UCLA Alumni”license plate frame. I realized that the differencebetween the owner of this car and myself was thathe had acquired a formal education and was

therefore able to protect himself from theinequities that I was witnessing. With this inmind, I enrolled in college.

My ambition to become a lawyer evolved frommy university’s Phi Alpha Delta Pre-law Society.As President, I organized and participated inevents that led me to develop the desire to learnmore about practicing law. The most significant ofthese events was preparing a team for theAmerican Mock Trial Association competition,where I was able to work closely with a Pasadenadistrict attorney who had volunteered to coach us.I realized while studying the case that I had a pas-sion for argument. This affirmation and my coach’sinfluence encouraged me to look at law as a way toactively participate in the betterment of my com-munity. I also discovered that as a lawyer, there arecountless opportunities to work in fields that candramatically improve the lives of others.

Obtaining a law degree was necessary to allowme to practice in a field that will benefit publicinterests. It also allows me to serve as an examplefor my family as well as other disadvantaged peoplewhose aspirations have been limited due to a lackof emphasis on higher education.

Personal Statement about the LOSThroughout law school, the Legal Opportunity

Scholarship helped me financially and, in doingso, helped me successfully enter the practice oflaw. The fact that such an organization was will-ing to so generously assist me in attaining mygoals reaffirmed my commitment to attaining ahigher education and becoming an active memberin the legal community.

37

Richard J. SweetBackground

• University of California Boalt Hall School of Law, Berkeley, Class of 2004 • University of California, Los Angeles—Bachelor of Arts in History,

Class of 2001

Employment

• Associate in the Corporate Department—Jeffer Mangels Butler & Marmaro, LLP


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More About FelixFelix hails from El Paso, Texas, and earned a

Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science fromthe University of Texas at El Paso.

He plans to use the law to help immigrantswith legal problems in the United States. His phi-losophy is, “If we can change the way we thinkabout some problems, we will change the prob-lems themselves—hopefully for the better. Mygoal is to situate myself in the legal world so thatI can produce as much good as possible.”

Felix is the first person in his family toattend both college and law school and says,“Coming from a city where Hispanics are themajority, it was a shock to see the lack ofminorities in law school.”

He believes that the Legal OpportunityScholarship is helping to fill what he calls, “animmediate and visible void in the legal community.”

Felix spent the summer of 2005 as an internat Covington & Burling in New York and plans

to work as a judicial clerk upon graduating fromlaw school.

Personal Statement about the LOSI am grateful for the opportunities that the Legal

Opportunity Scholarship has afforded me, includingbeing able to attend Yale, my first choice of lawschools. Without the scholarship, I would neverhave been able to afford the cost of law schooltuition or the living expenses associated with it.

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Felix Valenzuela

Background

• Yale University Law School, Class of 2006• University of Texas at El Paso—Bachelor of Arts in Political Science,

Class of 2003

Law School Activities and Honors• Intern for the Hon. Philip Martinez of the

Federal Western District of Texas• Editor, the Yale Journal of Law and the

Humanities• Student Representative, Admissions Office • Research Assistant for Professor Bruce

Ackerman, Yale University

“If we can change the way we think about some problems, we will changethe problems themselves—hopefully for the better. My goal is to situatemyself in the legal world so that I can produce as much good as possible.”


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More About ThorAs a young child, Thor moved from a refugee

camp in Thailand to one in the Philippinesbefore reaching the United States in 1984. Hisfirst U.S. experiences were in the inner city inSacramento and Richmond, California, where hewitnessed poverty, housing shortages and gangviolence. His family later moved to Willows, asuburban town in Northern California. His expo-sure to inner-city life sparked Thor’s interest inthe law. He says that one of his main goals is towork through the legal system to help remedy theproblems he experienced in the inner city.

Thor hopes that by completing law school,he will be setting a good example for familymembers and relatives to follow. “Not only am Ithe first in my family to receive a Bachelor’sdegree, but I am also the first college graduateamong a dozen families of my close relatives aswell. These relatives are composed of close-knittribal members of the Hmong community, whodepended on each other heavily in everydaylabor back in the villages of Thailand. This isespecially important to me because many of myrelatives look up to me and describe me as arole model for the younger ones to follow. Mybiggest fear is to fail them.”

Upon graduation, Thor plans to focus hispractice in helping aid Hmong families in hiscommunity. He says that because the Hmonghave a different tradition then other Asiangroups, a vast majority of Hmong families stilllive in a similar fashion as they did in theirnative villages, except that the villiages arereplaced with large HUD apartment complexes,and the residents live at or below the poverty

level. He explains that many Hmong people areuneducated and fearful of change and, as aresult, rely heavily on government support sys-tems. Thor hopes to help by contributing hisvoice in the legal community on behalf of thisunderrepresented group.

Personal Statement about the LOSThe Legal Opportunity Scholarship helped

open the door to a legal education that I seriouslydoubted I would be able to afford. It helped me toremain focused on academics and less on theuncertainties of financial support. Additionally,the award has been a great icebreaker in manyinterviews with employers.

The Legal Opportunity Scholarship trulydoes make a significant difference in helpingstudents of underrepresented groups afford theescalating cost of a legal education. For individ-uals such as myself, who come from an impover-ished community, the scholarship not onlyreinforced my resolve to go to law school byhelping to eliminate a portion of the economicbarrier, but the contribution also enabled me tofinish my education.

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Thor Vue

Background

• University of California, Berkeley—Boalt Hall School of Law, Class of 2005 • California State University, Chico—Bachelor of Arts (magna cum laude) in

Philosophy, Class of 2001

Law School Activities and Honors• National Asian Pacific American Bar

Association Law Foundation Scholar• Asian American Bar Association Law

Foundation Scholar • Japanese American Bar Association Justice

Stephen K. Tamura Scholar• Major Walter Dinkelspiel Scholar


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Contributions of $50,000 or MoreBill and Barbara Paul

Crowe & Dunlevy, PCDLA Piper Rudnick Gray CaryHale and Dorr, LLPHunton & Williams LLP

ABA Section of Antitrust LawABA Section of Business LawABA Section of Intellectual Property LawABA Section of Labor & Employment LawABA Section of LitigationABA Section of Real Property, Probate & Trust LawABA Section of Taxation

Contributions Up to $50,000Abbott LaboratoriesAmerican AirlinesAnheuser BuschBellSouth CorporationBoston Lawyers GroupChadbourne & Parke LLPComericaConocoPhillipsCredit SuisseDay Berry & Howard LLPDewey Ballantine LLPDickinson Wright PLLCFannie MaeFoley & Lardner LLPFoster Swift Collins & Smith, P.C.Freddie MacFulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.Gable & Gotwals, P.C.Gardner Carton & Douglas LLP

Greenebaum Doll & McDonald PLLCHildebrandt InternationalJenner & Block LLPKerr-McGee CorporationMartindale-HubbellMiller & Chevalier CharteredMontgomery, McCracken, Walker & Rhodes, LLPNixon PeabodyONEOK Foundation, Inc.Pepsico FoundationProskauer Rose LLPRopes & Gray LLPSBC FoundationShell Oil CompanySimpson Thacher & Bartlett LLPSkadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLPSnell & Wilmer L.L.P.Sullivan & Cromwell LLPUnion Carbide CorporationVinson & Elkins LLPWachtell, Lipton, Rosen & KatzWeil, Gotshal & Manges LLPWilliams Companies, Inc.

ABA Forum on the Construction IndustryABA Government & Public Sector Lawyers DivisionABA Law Student DivisionABA Section of Dispute ResolutionABA Section of Family LawABA Section of General Practice, Solo & Small FirmABA Section of Health LawABA Section of International Law and PracticeABA Section of Law Practice ManagementABA Section of Legal Education & Admissions to the BarABA Section of State & Local Government LawABA Section of Tort & Insurance Practice ABA Senior Lawyers Division

40

Thank You!

We extend sincere appreciation to the following corporations, law firms, ABA entities andspecial friends for their contributions and/or pledges made since the inception of the ABALegal Opportunity Scholarship Fund in 1999.

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"We can best serve society ifmembers of the legal professioncome from all segments of thepopulation, reflecting the diversityof the United States—andfinancial aid during law schoolmust be a vital component of anyeffort to increase diversity in the profession."

William G. PaulABA President (1999-2000)

and founder of the ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund

The ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship is managed by The ABA Office of Diversity Initiatives, 321 N. Clark, Chicago, IL 60610, 312.988.6086.

The ABA Legal Opportunity Scholarship Fund is maintained within the ABAFund for Justice and Education (FJE), a 501(c)3 charitable organization. The FJEprovides support to the ABA’s public service and educational programs. For moreinformation on FJE, go to www.abanet.org/fje/home.html.


Profiles of ABA Legal Opportunity Scolarship Recipients

American Bar AssociationOffice of Diversity Initiatives

321 N. ClarkChicago, IL 60610

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