The San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association awards law students with bar examination-related expenses in their final year of study.
The local association recently held a professional mixer in Chula Vista, where dozens of professionals came together for an evening of networking and honoring the SDLRLA Scholarship Fund Bar Stipend award. The scholarship fund bar stipend awards were given to over a dozen students in their final year of study.
The association was originally formed in 1979 and represents over three hundred Latino and Latina lawyers practicing in San Diego. SDLRLA is dedicated to embracing and strengthening equality, minority empowerment, and justice for the Latino attorney community through advocacy and professional service.
One of the recipients at the event was Vanessa Felix, who says that this award reflects her hard work and commitment to her young law school career.
“As I reflect on my law school journey, which led me to be a bar stipend award recipient, I am proud of my hard work and dedication,” Vanessa told ChulaVistaToday. From accelerating my studies to graduate a semester early, to balancing internships, attending SDLRLA events, and leading my law school’s La Raza organization as President, it has been a fulfilling journey. This award is a testament to my academic dedication and passionate commitment to serving the Latinx community. I am honored and excited to continue making a positive impact in the legal profession.”
Felix tells ChulaVistaToday that the San Diego La Raza Lawyer Association has played an impactful role in growing individually as a young law student and the opportunity to network with inspiring professionals within the law industry.
“SDLRLA has had a profound impact on my newly growing legal career. Since joining SDLRLA my 1L year, I have had the privilege of meeting inspiring legal professionals and feeling a sense of belonging within the organization. Coming from Arizona, joining SDLRLA felt like joining a supportive family that shares my values and identity. Their mentorship has motivated me to excel academically and help further their mission as President of my law school’s La Raza organization to advance the cause of equality, empowerment, and justice for Latino attorneys and the Latino community in San Diego County through service and advocacy.”
One of those professionals she credits is the Chief Deputy City Attorney, Heily Hernandez, who helped Vanessa get involved with supportive organizations such as the San Diego La Raza Lawyer Association. This connection introduced her to former SDLRLA president Irving Pedroza, who became her mentor throughout her law school journey.
“Aside from my amazing parents, I credit three individuals who have played pivotal roles in supporting me as an aspiring attorney. At the start of my 1L year, Chief Deputy City Attorney, Heily Hernandez encouraged my involvement in organizations like SDLRLA and Latinas in the law, providing invaluable guidance and connections. Through her, I was introduced to Attorney Marco Garcia, the current Vice President of SDLRLA, who has graciously served as a professional mentor since the beginning of my law school journey. Additionally, Attorney Irving Pedroza, a past President of SDLRLA, has been a steadfast mentor and source of inspiration, generously offering guidance and support as I navigate my legal career. I owe a profound debt of gratitude to these individuals for their unwavering support and mentorship, without which I would not be where I am today.”
For more information on The San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association, please visit https://sdlrla.com.