This week marked the first Pre-Law Society meeting of the fall 2024 year, and what better way to start the first meeting than by setting a membership record? For the first-time ever, we topped 100 members, totaling 107, an indication of the strong lure of students to pre-law at SHSU.
Moreover, we were fortunate to mark this special occasion by having the first ever Pre-Law Society President as one of this month’s speakers! MacKenzie Smith and past Pre-Law Society president, Megan Chapa, spoke to members about their lives as prosecutors and what that entails.
The two shared their unique experiences from their time at Sam Houston State University, their law school journeys, and their work in the counties in which they currently reside. Both gave great advice to future law students, encouraging them to work hard and have drive, as law school requires hard work and ambition. The presentation was highly informational and useful for pre-law students considering entering the field of prosecution.
After a great presentation, next on the agenda was the elections! The students, who had plenty of time to build up their nerves were finally able to give their three-minute speeches explaining why they would be a good fit for their selected positions.
For the role of Historian, runners were Katherine Burnett and Lillie Bourgeois; for Vice President of Treasury were Maggie Betancourt and Christina Biello; for Secretary were Emily Alfaro and Madison Cawthon; and for Vice President of Membership were McKenna Nonnenmann and Jacqueline Santos-Romano.
After a long suspenseful wait while the votes were being counted, it was time to read the results!
The historian role was filled by Katherine Burnett (as I am writing this blog now). The winner for the role of Vice President of Treasury was Christina Biello. The new secretary is Emily Alfaro. Lastly, the role of Vice President of Membership was given to McKenna Nonnenmann, the former historian! As the positions of Olivia Discon and Cinthia Villareal went uncontested, they will continue to do an amazing job in their respective roles. After the outcome of the election was delivered, the meeting was adjourned. Overall, the meeting was a great success and we thank everyone who came to the meeting, especially Megan Chapa and MacKenzie Smith for taking the time to come and speak with us!
Our second day at the Texas Tribune Festival started early, ambitiously, and promisingly. But with an itinerary that included sessions on Criminal Justice, the next legislative session, Dan Crenshaw, the world of philanthropic foundations, local government, and a visit to the TX Capitol, the day was also daunting. But we were beginning with an always popular topic—criminal justice—and that provided just the juice for a good start to a busy day.
CJ and the 89th Legislative Session
by Michelle Moya
Kicking off day two at the Texas Tribune Festival, we started our day at the Criminal Justice and the 89th Legislature panel. The panel featured two prominent Texas State Representatives: Republican Jeff Leach and Democrat Joe Moody. The session started off with a broadcast opening statement from charismatic actor, Glen Powell, explaining the importance of entering the festival with an accepting mind. This opening set the tone for the thought-provoking intersection on criminal justice and its place in the Texas Legislature.
Rep. Jeff Leach takes a “selfie” with Glen Powell
In a time of huge political division, Leach and Moody are proving that bipartisan cooperation is possible and can create a major impact. What makes their partnership so powerful is their commitment to finding common ground, rather than simply occupying entrenched positions. Rep. Leach explained in the discussion that it is not about changing the other’s mind, but finding a way to compromise.
One pressing issue they touched on was the death penalty in Texas and what it involves in the current system. This topic, I am particularly enthusiastic about learning more about, yet it is considerably more intricate than we realize. As seen by national debates over capital punishment, Leach and Moody are leading attempts to have a significant impact in the state of Texas. Their work, aimed at reforming Texas’ death penalty system, reflects a dedication to upholding justice while also acknowledging the system’s fallibility. This case is depicted within the Melissa Lucio case, in which both representatives have worked tirelessly to try and get her off death row. Leach and Moody are helping to ensure that Texas avoids the irreversible tragedy of a wrongful execution. They stated that their biggest desire was to bring Lucio home for Christmas.
Ending this educational and insightful session, one realization I had was as Texans, we are fortunate to have these two dedicated public servants working tirelessly on our behalf. Their collaboration serves as a powerful reminder that, despite our differences, we share a common commitment to justice, fairness, and the well-being of our state.
The Future of Local Control
Most people don’t think about their local government until they need it. Citizens will vote in presidential elections, and maybe for US Congress, but if elections exclusively involve local officials—mayors, county commissioners, and district attorneys—less than a fifth of eligible voters will turn out. It is precisely these officials, however, that control many essential functions: water, emergency services, roads, sewage, and trash, and recently, these officials have been asked to do more with less.
Some of these officials were on hand today to discuss “The Future of Local Control.” Travis County Commissioner Ann Howard; Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee; and Mackenzie Kelly, the only conservative on Austin’s City Council discussed challenges facing local government. Increasingly, these challenges have involved the loss of discretion. The State of Texas has passed a series of laws restricting how cities can set their own policies in areas such as taxes, pandemic response, homelessness, and employment law.
Generally speaking and understandably, local officials don’t look at such restrictions favorably. Indeed, Commissioner Howard and County Attorney Menefee argued that the State of Texas was actually targeting specific local governments—notably Travis and Harris Counties. In the past, cities had almost complete control over their tax rates; today, following the passage of state laws, cities must lower their tax rates if citizens’ property values increase beyond a certain percentage. Homelessness, too, is no longer in the exclusive purview of the cities. After Governor Abbott signed a law banning homeless encampments, however, that is no longer the case. In short, cities must find new and innovative ways to solve problems.
The panelists did not devote their time to such solutions. Harris County Attorney Menefee highlighted many of what he saw as misguided regulations aimed at Harris County and “silly” characterizations of his policy positions. Commissioner Howard delved into some of the structural problems faced by fast-growing regions, shining light on the rural-urban divide, particularly when it comes to issues such as infrastructure, traffic, and development. Councilmember Kelly offered an interesting view of the councilmember’s role, describing her process of learning from her constituents, educating her constituents, and working with residents, businesses, and other governmental entities to ensure the right information is being considered and that saving taxpayers’ money remains a goal.
As if to punctuate the different challenges facing local governments, the questions from the audience covered various topics. One question involved affordable housing; another related question involved the paperwork and seemingly needless bureaucracy of filing for homelessness benefits; still another asked about what cities can do about relieving loneliness in communities.
The particular questions often related to a specific city’s problems, or even a specific resident’s problems. Looked at broadly, however, the questions all related to the essential role of cities in modern life, and whether state governments or the federal government should encroach on local governments’ discretion in solving its own problems. These issues, we found out throughout the day, would be raised repeatedly in different contexts.
Giving Their All
by Caitlin Nortonen
After enjoying the morning session, Saara, Cinthia, Katherine, Maggie, and I decided to spend our afternoon gaining more knowledge on the impacts of philanthropy in the state of Texas.
The panelists included: Allan Golston, U.S. Program President of the Gates Foundation; Peter Miller, CEO and President of the Meadows Foundation; and Maribel Perez Wadsworth, President and CEO of John S. and James C. Knight Foundation. It was evident that their main goal is investing into communities and addressing some of Texas’s most pressing problems.
Mr. Miller’s main focus within the Meadows Foundation is funding grants for those in need pertaining to the environment, education, mental health, and the issues revolving around homelessness in Texas. He shared with us that his foundation alone has practically eliminated homelessness among veterans.
After Mr. Golston educated us on the funding for schools that don’t have significant resources, he stressed to us that our leaders need to give Texas schools more attention. Something quite interesting and saddening was that many educators leave their position after only two years even though they have invested so much money into their teaching careers.
This session was very interesting, and made us all have a better understanding and further respect for our educators!
Higher Aspirations
by Olivia Discon
Higher education is a field of multitudes. A quality education doesn’t just rely on professors and classrooms-it’s shaped by the politics of healthcare, workforce development, the economy, and the state of Texas.
Who better to hear about the current state of Texas higher education than from the experts themselves?
We had the opportunity to hear from the Chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, Tedd Mitchell;
…President of The University of North Texas and former Commissioner to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Dr. Harrison Keller;
…and President of Northwest Vista College, Amy Bosley.
Each brought their respective experience and insight into what makes a good education and what it takes to build a “Talent-Strong” Texas.
A major point of discussion in the political sphere, and on this panel, is workforce development. A thriving community requires a strong quality of life, which depends on good-paying jobs—and these jobs demand high-quality education. As you could imagine, this can become quite the headache. Fortunately, Texas universities, alongside the state legislature, are working to meet these challenges in real-time. Chancellor Mitchell emphasized the need to pivot our education system to align with industry needs, and all panelists agreed that adopting an “outcomes-based” approach is essential to putting students, and Texas’s future, first.
I found it incredibly interesting to gain a higher-level perspective on the issues Texas universities face while appreciating the resilience and investment that have led to their many successes. The discussion inspired me, as a student, to think about how I can contribute to the growth and service of our great state.
The Senate Next Time
by Katherine Burnett
A Democrat and Republican in the same room, who would’ve thought! Well, for the Texas Senate, this is a common situation. Texas Senators, Carol Alvardo, Nathan Johnson, Kevin Sparks, and Phil King sat down together at the Texas Tribune Festival. Despite party differences, they talked about issues that both Democrats and Republicans can equally agree need to be handled.
The representatives agreed on various topics, such as the misconception that Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is “running the building.” Further, the current electricity concern and the need for future alternatives.
It was a unanimous consensus between the representatives that despite arguments over beliefs and personal feelings, both sides need each other, and everything is put aside when it comes to the well-being of the State of Texas. After a discussion about the importance of working together, Nathan Johnson and Phil King filled the room with tension over talk on the school choice bill; though, the kerfuffle did not get far. Nevertheless, it did not stop little slights from being thrown for the remainder of the discussion.
The senators ended on a note of high hopes for the future of housing, electricity, rehabilitation, and various other problems that were brought to their attention during the closing remarks of the session.
One on One with Dan Crenshaw
by Maggie Betancourt
With feelings of anticipation and obscurity filling the theatre as Congressman Dan Crenshaw took the stage, we knew we were in for a contentious discussion. Known for his profound achievements as a former Navy Seal and his work to combat the Mexican drug cartels, Congressman Crenshaw stressed the importance of upholding the values and traditions on which our country was founded. The first question of “who is Dan?” set the tone for the conversation as Congressman Crenshaw defined himself as a “classic Reagan Conservative.” How does that differ from a regular conservative? Well, in the words of Congressman Crenshaw, a classic Reagan conservative believes in trying to conserve the nation’s founding and less on “making people happy.” He emphasized that instead, there is need for “protecting the laws that give people the ability to be happy.”
The crowd began to express strong emotions as Congressman Crenshaw articulated his opinion on how conservatives are viewed in the media. As he explained that people tend to let personal distaste for political figures cloud their judgment over policies, the crowd began to “boo.” The tension subsided as Congressman Crenshaw began to speak about his accomplishments with the FIZA Act, which allows wiretapping to detain the cartel members integral to the organization. He also discussed his works with the “Youth Summit,” which is a non-partisan program that prides itself on educating high school students on how government works along with how to make it a career.
Although Congressman Crenshaw’s beliefs were deemed as controversial, his patriotism and love for the American people and the nation shined brighter. The conversation ended with questions from the audience with one asking what he would be doing for a career if not a politician. Wrapping back around to his introduction, Congressman Crenshaw answered by saying he would have never left the military, as being a Navy Seal was all he dreamed of as a child.
Texas State Representative Salman Bhojani by Saara Maknojia
The 88th legislative session marked a historic moment when two Muslim Texas State Representatives were sworn into office. To have a deeper understanding of this moment, we headed to the Capitol to meet with Jordan Villarreal, the District Director for Representative Salman Bhojani.
Mr. Villarreal began with giving us a brief overview of Representative Bhojani’s office and explained the role of a District Director, who can be referred to as a “hawk,” as his daily duties comprise of keeping a close eye on all the counties that fall under District 92. While engaging in the conversation with Mr. Villarreal, we learned that Representative Bhojani stresses the importance of allowing local governments to have the freedom with their policies. Mr. Villarreal expressed how Representative Bhojani will continue to fight against the recent controversial topic over the legislation concerning school vouchers. Additionally, that he would continue representing students of different religions by endorsing bills that allow public holidays for respective religions or cultural festivals, without being penalized.
To our surprise, Representative Bhojani just so happened to be in his office before session! We had an incredible opportunity, before the hustle and bustle of the 89th session, to learn a bit more about him as a person. Since I have personally followed his campaign closely throughout the past legislative session, I had the chance of showing my appreciation for all that Representative Bhojani has accomplished. As the first Muslim State Representative of Texas, along with Representative Lalani, Representative Bhojani has diversified our state legislation. For the first time in history, we witnessed two Muslim representatives being sworn into office with a Quran!
Representative Bhojani then showed us the Quran which he had been sworn into office with. We were shocked to hear the 200-year-old Quran was read by John Adams and the other Founding Fathers so that they could better understand the religious texts; this provided an outline for Sharia Law when drafting the United States Constitution.
Our unexpected, yet wonderful meeting with Representative Bhojani was definitely a learning experience, as we embraced the historical impact of his term in office!
To start our fall 2024 semester with a sweet treat, the Pre-Law Society (PLS) held an ice cream social, sponsored in part by Student Legal and Mediation Services (SLMS) and the LEAP Center.
LEAP Ambassadors, current PLS Officers, and a few prospective PLS Officers (Lillie Bourgeois, Chrissy Biello, and Maggie Betancourt–thank you!) helped out, hosting an ice-cream social for all the opportunities and services offered by LEAP, SLMS, and PLS.
The ice cream social was an amazing way to meet people of all majors and classifications and it was exciting to see our returning members again after the long summer break.
Apart from the ice cream and the multitude of its toppings, we had a spin-the-wheel game featuring prizes made up of school supplies and for some extra lucky members, a Sam Houston State University mug!
Personally, I got a pencil case with some sticky notes, pencils, and a very nice highlighter. I can’t wait to use them! Others were similarly happy with their wins.
We also had a chance to meet some prospective new members, people we hope will get more involved with LEAP, PLS, or the University at large. In all, more than 100 people attended!
Following our ice cream social, we held an informational meeting to show our prospective members what to expect during our monthly meetings. The Pre-Law Society President, Olivia Discon discussed our future events such as the first official body meeting on September 11, LSAT seminars, the Mock LSAT, and guest speakers throughout the semester.
Since this is a new semester, we are once again holding elections for all positions. This year the President and the Vice President of Marketing are uncontested resulting in the automatic election of Olivia Discon and Cinthia Villarreal. This year running for Historian are Katherine Burnett…
…and Lillie Bourgeois;
…for Vice President of Treasury: Maggie Betancourt…
…and Christina Biello;
…for Secretary: Emily Alfaro has announced she is running for this position…
…as is Madison Cawthon;
…and for Vice President of Membership, McKenna Nonnenmann has announced her intention to run…
…as has Jacqueline Santos-Romano.
Although elections were not held at this meeting, all office runners were given a chance to speak about their qualifications for their respective positions.
Each candidate will be given a chance to speak again at our next meeting when the elections will be held. I look forward to seeing how each person grows into their role as a member and/or officer.
I’m excited to see what the Pre-Law Society has to hold this semester, and to all the future memories our members are going to make. This meeting was a great way to start the new Fall 2024 semester, and another addition to the book of memories.
After a morning devoted to taking our LSAT Prep Course, we headed out to Charleston, the capital of West Virginia. This was a chance to build on some of the relationships we had built at the Southern Legislative Conference, and also to learn about the workings of other state capitals–the latter being of particular interest to those of us interested in the Austin Internship Program.
West Virginia State Capitol Building
by Michelle Cardenas
The West Virginia State Capitol Building, designed by the renowned architect Cass Gilbert, is a testament to the state’s resilience and rich heritage. Gilbert, who also designed the nation’s Capitol in Washington, D.C., which we visited during our spring break, was commissioned to construct the West Virginia Capitol in 1921. His style is unique, and you can see the similarities with many of his works.
Upon entering the Capitol, we were immediately struck by the grandeur of the dome. The murals here vividly depict various significant stages in West Virginia’s timeline, including the Civil War…
…the scenic beauty of Seneca Rocks, the historical significance of Harpers Ferry, and even the contemporary state of West Virginia.
The intricate design elements throughout the Capitol reflect West Virginia’s unique character. Gold leaf is a recurring theme in the chandelier and lamps inside, mirroring the golden dome on the exterior.
Some of the ceilings are adorned with floral motifs resembling the magnolia, oak, and sugar maple trees, symbolizing the state’s natural beauty.
Our visit even included a House of Representatives and Senate tour. In the House, the room is divided by party lines and organized by committee memberships, leadership, and seniority.
The layout and décor, including more gold leaf accents, highlight the importance and formality of the legislative process. We also had a chance to stand where Speaker Hanshaw presides over the House Chamber, a point that had special meaning since we have met Speaker Hanshaw.
The Senate chamber was equally impressive, seating a total of 34 senators.
We observed intricate decorations outside the chamber with a border on the ceiling representing various disciplines central to West Virginia’s identity: the bull symbolizes agriculture, the eagle with books represents education and art, the shield stands for coal and mining, and the scales of justice denote the legal system. We also admired their state seal, which has two figures representing agriculture and industry; the date that West Virginia was admitted to the Union; and their motto, “Mountaineers are always free.”
Adding to our understanding of West Virginia’s history, we learned that it became the 35th state due to its decision to remain loyal to the Union during the Civil War, primarily influenced by President Lincoln. Due to Lincoln’s role in the formation of the state, there is a large monument depicting the former president in front of the Capitol.
The West Virginia State Capitol has a fascinating yet tumultuous history; six buildings have served as the state’s government seat over time, and these buildings have experienced various expansions, relocations, and even two tragic fires. Each element of the Capitol, from its design to its décor, tells a part of West Virginia’s story, seamlessly connecting its storied past with its vibrant present. This rich history adds to the significance of our visit, making our exploration of the current Capitol a deeply enriching experience.
West Virginia State Museum
by Cinthia Villarreal
After visiting the beautiful West Virginia State Capitol Building, we stopped by the West Virginia State Museum. After driving through the state for the past few days, we looked forward to learning more about West Virginia’s rich and varied history.
As we entered the front doors, the museum greeted us with a magnificent exhibit of colorful quilts.
Founded in 1892, West Virginia has a storied past that reflects its resilience and unique cultural heritage.
The museum meticulously chronicles this narrative, from the Native American tribes who first inhabited the land to European settlers’ arrival and the state’s eventual formation during the Civil War.
One of the museum’s exhibits pays homage to John Brown, a pivotal figure in American history and a passionate abolitionist whose raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859 marked a significant turning point in the fight against slavery. Brown’s legacy is intricately woven into West Virginia’s history, showcasing his commitment to justice and equality.
No aspect of West Virginia’s identity resonates more deeply than its connection to coal mining. From the early 19th century to today, coal has been vital to the state’s economy, fueling industrial growth and shaping communities.
The museum’s section on coal mining explores the industry’s evolution, labor struggles, technological advancements, and environmental impact, providing a nuanced perspective on its complex legacy.
A highlight is the 4,000-pound piece of coal, once enclosed in glass and used as a reception desk.
West Virginia’s blown glass industry is cherished in its cultural tapestry. The museum celebrates this tradition with a dedicated exhibit showcasing beautiful glassworks crafted by skilled artisans.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply curious about West Virginia’s rich past, the West Virginia State Museum highlights pivotal moments and key figures that shaped the state’s identity.
Cathedral Falls
On our return to Lewisburg, WV, we stopped at Cathedral Falls. Despite literally being a road-side stop about a mile from Gauley Bridge, it offered a great view.
The falls are approximately 60 feet, and they descend from a concave area in bluffs–likely the reason for the name “Cathedral.” We stopped for about 20 minutes, savoring the beautiful site that capped an activity-filled day.
Attending a World Affairs Council meeting is always an enriching experience, but the recent event featuring Jen Psaki was particularly enlightening. As a key figure in modern American politics, Psaki’s perspective was a refreshing and exciting one to hear , and her book, Say More: Lessons from Work, the White House, and the World, provides a deeper understanding of the intricate world of political communication.
Jen Psaki’s tenure as the White House Press Secretary under two administrations has cemented her reputation as a master communicator. During her talk–which also featured our favorite moderator, Ronan O’Malley– she delved into the essential skills required for the role.
Psaki discussed the importance of knowing your audience, which she made sure to clarify was not “everyone”, as well as connecting emotionally with the audience.
Whether it’s addressing the nation during a crisis or discussing policy changes, evoking empathy and understanding is crucial. This emotional connection can often be the difference between a message being heard or ignored, exacerbated or undermined. To emphasize her point, she quoted Maya Angelou’s famous line “people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” The ability to convey complex information clearly and succinctly is vital. Psaki shared anecdotes about how meticulous preparation and anticipating questions helped her deliver concise and effective responses.
Jen Psaki’s unique experience of working under both President Obama and President Biden offered intriguing insights into the differences between their administrations. She described President Obama as an introverted yet incredible communicator, whose well-spoken nature and thoughtful deliberation were key assets. In contrast, President Biden is extroverted, bringing a different dynamic to the administration. Psaki emphasized that working with these presidents required recognizing their “superpowers” and leveraging those strengths in various situations. For Obama, this meant utilizing his eloquence and calm demeanor to inspire and reassure. For Biden, it involved harnessing his relational skills and accessibility to connect with the public and foreign leaders.
Psaki also noted that listening skills are often undervalued, but crucial for effective communication and leadership. Another significant difference she highlighted was in handling times of conflict. Obama tended to communicate passively to the public regarding diplomatic matters, whereas Biden has been more proactive in declassifying information, especially to counter misinformation and call out Russian falsehoods.
Psaki’s discussion on the current polarizing political climate was particularly relevant. She reflected on how the rise of misinformation and the fragmentation of media have contributed to increasing division. Within this discussion, she stressed the importance of transparency and consistent reporting in rebuilding public trust. In an era where clear and empathetic communication is more crucial than ever, Psaki’s lessons resonate.
The ability to connect, listen, and convey messages with integrity and clarity remains a cornerstone of effective leadership and public service.
With the semester drawing to a close, the Pre-Law Society hosted its Spring Social, a fun-filled evening with a lot of snacks. What’s better, we held it at the Wynne Home, where we surrounded by its beautiful art!
Although the evening was designed with fun in mind, the activities we all law-themed. Thus, we have a debate tournament based on childhood cartoons such as Scooby-Doo and Sponge-Bob SquarePants, the latter of whom was charged with a DUI in our retelling.
Then the jury groups switched with prosecution and defense for the next case: the murder of Scooby-Doo (spoiler alert: Velma did it with poisoned Scooby-Doo snacks in the kitchen). All groups reviewed their charges….
…and were given a four-minute time frame to explain key points of their positions and a one-minute rebuttal. The jury from both cases decided on the best arguments for both cases choosing the two teams to go head-to-head for the final debate: Texas v. Bradley.
Both teams argued very well, and the jury decided Emily Albright, Lillie Bourgeois, Katherine Burnett, Nicole Erazo, and Natalie Mujica won the debate, with good sportsmanship shown all around.
Next after a long break of Italian soda and snacks…
…our members played a game of Jeopardy. If our debate game did not bring out our members’ competitive sides, our game Jeopardy game certainly did! The question consisted of information about past Pre-Law Society Meetings, “Is it legal”, Sam Houston University, The Wynne Home, and Spring. After lots of debating, yelling, and cheering…
…Neehal Ahmed, Chrisi Biello, Olivia Discon, Mark Harkrider, and Isaac Mokrane won by a landslide!
Our members finished out the night with chips, cookies, and Scooby-Doo snacks (not poisoned of course) and shared funny stories from home and or work.
This social brought out the competitive sides of all our members who attended, forged new bonds, and created new friendships. Thank you to the Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center for providing us with a space to host our social; and thank you to our Spring 2024 Semester Planning Committee for creating these activities and a fun-filled night.
With the end of the semester approaching, we had a busy Pre-Law Society meeting in order. Not only did we have a terrific guest speaker, we also had our semesterly cording-ceremony for our graduating seniors.
So, after a bit of preliminary business…
…we had the honor of having Judge Tracy Sorensen of Walker County Court of Law present. Judge Sorensen is a graduate of Sam Houston State and South Texas College of Law at Houston. Before her time as County Court at Law Judge, Sorensen started her law career as a family court attorney and, later, criminal defense attorney.
She practiced law for almost a decade before assuming office in 2015; she has been reelected twice since then. Sorensen described her somewhat non-traditional path through college and law school, while also describing her career as a practicing attorney and as judge.
It was a great opportunity to hear about two different occupations involving law, both of which are of interest to pre-law students.
With this being the last meeting of the semester, we celebrated our 23 graduating seniors, three of which were Pre-Law Society officers!
At the end of the meeting, we created a small photo booth for seniors to show off their new regalia and take pictures with their pre-law friends. We are truly sad to see them go, but we wish them luck on their future prospects, and in law school!
Thank you to Judge Tracy Sorensen for taking the time to come and speak with us, and thank you to our seniors for their time and dedication to the Pre-Law Society. See you next time at our social on April 24 at the Wynn Home Arts and Visitor Center! please follow our Instagram @prelawsocietyshsu for more information and future events. We wish all students luck on their finals and have a good summer!
Bright and early on April 26, LEAP students traveled to Houston to attend the First-Generation Legal Regional Summit, hosted by the South Texas College of Law…
…sponsored by the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyer’s Division, Houston Young Lawyers Association, and the Texas Young Lawyers (among others). First, we started the day with a simulated Voir Dire activity. The attorneys were Armin Salek, prosecution, and Thuy Le, defense.
Salek began by informing us of his first-generation attorney background and his journey to establishing the country’s first high-school legal-aid clinic. Continuing his presentation, he meticulously explained the charges in this case, ensuring that every audience member comprehended the intricate legal jargon.
He then began a captivating analogy, unveiling fragments of the Mona Lisa painting. His analogy illuminated the concept of “beyond a reasonable doubt,” likening it to recognizing the iconic masterpiece even from incomplete glimpses, noting that it is a “high bar, but not an impossible bar.”
As we started to kick into gear with the selection questions, Salek began asking the audience about any personal convictions that might hinder their ability to judge others. He proceeded to have each person respond to questions aloud, one by one, rating their feelings towards law enforcement on a numerical scale. Additionally, he inquired about any connections individuals might have to law enforcement through friends, family, or other associations, prompting further explanation from those who answered in the affirmative. It was fascinating to observe his thought process as he skillfully formulated questions designed to gain insight into individual’s perspectives and beliefs. This approach enabled us to gradually piece together clues about the nature of the case.
Next, Thuy Le, who began her career as a prosecutor in the Galveston and Harris County District Attorney’s Office before opening her criminal defense practice, had her chance to question the potential jurors. She began by presenting a visual representation of the “level of proof staircase,” aiming to illustrate the high threshold of “beyond a reasonable doubt” and the gravity of decisions affecting another’s life. Using relatable scenarios, such as someone insulting her three-year-old niece, she prompted the audience to consider the difference in response between verbal insults and potential threats like kidnapping. This exercise highlighted the nuanced nature of legal reasoning and the significance of discerning justifiable actions in diverse circumstances.
After a short break, both attorneys called select jurors up to the stand for further questioning. Le clarified that there would typically be background noise during such proceedings, but in this simulated scenario, the audience could listen in to understand the jurors’ views. They then outlined the process, explaining that each attorney had six peremptory challenges.
Following deliberation, the chosen jury members were announced, with Olivia and me, unexpectedly, among them. The attorneys shared with the audience that quieter individuals with more neutral responses often made the final cut, removing the short-lived mystery of us being selected.
Trailblazers on the Bench: Judges Panel
by Michelle Cardenas
In a session titled “Trail Blazers on the Bench,” a panel of multiple judges shared insights into their career paths and experiences. Among them were Judge Alfred Bennett and Judge Charles Eskridge, serving on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, alongside Judge Diana Song Quiroga, a respected U.S. Magistrate Judge, and Judge Sarah Beth Landau of the Texas Court of Appeals. Moderated by Brandi Pikes, an Associate Attorney at Winston & Strawn LLP, the discussion explored the diverse backgrounds of these legal figures.
Throughout the conversation, the judges recounted personal stories of overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities. Despite the occasional setback, their journeys were marked by perseverance and a commitment to making a difference. What struck a chord with many listeners was the shared experience of being first-generation pioneers in their respective field, a testament to their determination in breaking barriers.
A particularly striking instance occurred when Judge Song Quiroga shared how her dedication to the law originated from advocating for her parents amid language barriers and cultural disparities. Her story deeply resonated with me, as my own passion for the legal field was ignited by a similar experience.In the stories of these judges lies a reminder of the transformative power of resilience and Grit that comes from being a First-Generation Student who is trying to navigate their way through life without a model or guide.
Your Next Dream Job: Legal Career Transitions Panel
By Cinthia Villarreal
For the next session, “Your Next Dream Job: Legal Career Transitions Panel,” Armin Salek, Founder and CEO of Youth Justice Alliance; Tamara Nash, Director of Experiential Learning at the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law; Lacy Durham, Assistant General Counsel at Benefits & Compensation Constellation Energy Generation, LLC; and Cecelia Mitchell, Associate Corporate Counsel at Amazon, came together to talk about their experiences with their broad career transitions.
Each of the speakers went on to narrate their personal stories, describing their reasons for switching career paths, some leaving decade-long jobs for something they truly felt passionate about. Among the reasons, burnout resonated with several of the speakers. Tamara Nash, for example, served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney where her practice focused on felony narcotics and firearms prosecution in the state and federal courts. She described that after eight long years of working file after file, she was mentally and physically exhausted.
Prompted by the moderator, Lacey Durham emphasized the importance of networking and making connections with other professionals, “the worst thing they can do is say no” she said. Tamara affirmed this by encouraging us to reach out to people and ask them to have lunch or coffee with us to learn more about them and their profession.
Concluding Thoughts
Following the main event, the Houston Young Lawyers Association asked us how the event went, and they filmed us trying to articulate our thoughts.
For us, it was a transformative experience. We had a chance to visit South Texas College of Law, benefit from the experience and advice of bright minds, learn about career options, and we were taught skills we can take with us where ever we go.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 