“When I applied to law school, as part of my application I was asked to write an essay about why I wanted to be a lawyer. As a first generation immigrant (I moved to the US from Argentina when I was 13 years old), one of the things I mentioned I wanted to do with my law degree was to provide free legal help to new immigrants who did not speak English fluently. My essay was chosen by a KU Law donor who provided funds for me to have a full ride scholarship. I have never forgotten the amazing opportunity I was given. I am now blessed to work at a law firm where pro bono work is valued and encouraged, so now I get to give back to the community and make good on the things I said I would do with my law degree.

 

It is important to point out that when we help a victim of a crime attain her legal status, we are not only helping that person, but we are also helping our community as a whole. For example, last month, I had the honor of working with a very brave rape victim. This woman’s testimony will help prosecutors put away a very dangerous man who has been charged with more than sixteen felonies. She is helping make our community safer, and I am happy to be the attorney who gets to help her attain legal status so she can be in the United States legally to testify in court.”