Tag: First-Generation Legal Summit

by Christina Biello

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.