Latino Lawyers Speak About Being in the Legal Profession
The Hispanic American Law Student Association (HALSA) sponsored a program titled "Latinos in Law" on November 8, 2001 at the Washburn University School of Law. Guest speakers were:
- Maritza Segarra, Chief Public Defender, 8th and 21st Judicial Districts
- Susana Valdovinos, Associate Director of the Office of Affirmative Action, Kansas State University
- Eduardo Collazo, Solo Practitioner, Defense and Immigration Law
- Tony Cruz, Geary County Attorneys Office, Narcotics Division
Each speaker provided insight and advice about how they dealt with the demands of law school, their life experiences following school, and factors affecting the legal careers they decided to pursue.
The speakers suggested current law students can cope with stress by communicating with other Latino law school students and that balancing school work is important in succeeding in law school as a Latino.
It is important for Latino and other law students who speak and write two languages to keep open lines of communication with professors. These students often think in a language other than English, but they must convey and articulate their thoughts in English. Student contact with professors is important to remind them a little extra understanding may be needed.
The event was co-sponsored by the Washburn University Multicultural Affairs Office.
Speakers visiting with students following the program.
