Seton Hall Law's Latin American Law Students Association (LALSA) received the Hispanic National Bar Association's (HNBA) Law Student Organization of the Year Award

On September 7, 2023 Seton Hall Law’s Latin American Law Students Association (LALSA) received the Hispanic National Bar Association’s (HNBA) “Vision in Action” Law Student Organization of the Year Award. Accepting the award at the HNBA Annual Convention were Co-Presidents, Taylor Lugo-Maestas ’24 and Justin Perez ’24, along with Natalia Sifuentes ’24, LALSA’s HNBA representative.

The Annual Convention, which attracts hundreds of lawyers, judges, and law students from across the country, was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. LALSA was selected from a large pool of highly qualified student organizations after a rigorous review process. The award is presented to the group that is making a difference in the legal profession and a difference in Latino communities.

“When we heard that we won the award, current and past members of LALSA were filled with joy,” said Lugo-Maestas. “This award signifies for affinity organizations, such as LALSA, that having pride, passion, and support for their communities are characteristics that should be recognized and rewarded.”

LALSA’s mission is to educate the law school community on the benefits of diversity and create awareness of the challenges that Latino communities currently face. The group provides academic, professional, and social support to its members and emphasizes quality mentorship. LALSA encourages its members to get involved with groups like the HNBA, the Hispanic Bar Association of NJ, and local bar associations during law school and beyond.

Sifuentes, who also serves as the National Chair of HNBA’s Law Student Division, added, “The HNBA has been critical in providing resources, networking opportunities, and mentorship to Latino students across the country, especially to my fellow Seton Hall Law colleagues and myself. Joining the HNBA, as a first-generation law student, was the best decision I could have made. It is an organization that provides community and opportunities all in one—something we are so lucky to have as we increase Latino representation in the legal field.”

“We would like to thank the past iterations of the LALSA e-board for laying the foundation for us to win this award. It is an honor to represent Seton Hall Law at a national convention and bring the award home to New Jersey. None of this is possible without the unwavering support from our esteemed alumni network,” emphasized Perez.

Students of all ethnic backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to join LALSA. More information can be found on the group's website (https://law.shu.edu/Students/organizations/latin-american-law-students-association.html) or the group’s Instagram: @shulawlalsa.