Center for Legal and Social Justice at St. Mary's University School of Law

Join Professor Schommer, Nelson Wolff, Congressman Tony Gonzales, and Sister Norma Pimentel for a panel discussion, ‘Finding Consensus on Immigration Reform’, on Tuesday, August 15th from 7pm to 8:30pm at the University Center Conference Room A. This panel discussion is a part of the series ‘Finding Common Ground for the Common Good’ hosted by St. Mary’s University Center for Catholic Studies.

We hope to see you there!

Finding Common Ground for the Common Good - St. Mary's University This panel discussion brings together public servants with years of experience navigating difficult discussions and tackling tough topics, working together with others to serve the common good.

Congratulations to Gerardo Villegas Juarez, current 3L and former Immigration and Human Rights Clinical student (I and II), who won AILA’s DEI scholarship this year. Read his blog, a testament to his remarkable achievements at StMU while riding the rollercoaster of DACA decisions.

Facing Challenges: DACAmented and Undocumented Attorneys Practice Immigration Law in Liminality - Blog: Think Immigration AILA DEI Law Student Scholarship recipient Gerardo Villegas Juarez knows firsthand the liminality experienced by DACA recipients, writing "DACA remains a temporary solution…DACA opens the door but also tethers you to the prospect of removal."

The Center for Legal & Social Justice is growing! We are looking to hire a staff attorney and paralegal for the Consumer Protection Clinic/Housing Rights Project, and a Director of Pro Bono Programs.

You can find the job description and application for all positions at https://stmarytx.applicantpro.com/jobs/. Deadline to apply is July 24th for all.

It's not too late to RSVP for tomorrow's Burning Barriers, an impactful community discussion on alternatives to incarceration!

is very excited to announce that prior to their event this coming Thursday the 16th, at 6pm, will be launching their new initiative, the FREED Texas Panel Series!!

These panel discussions will feature individuals and organizations that are out there doing the work as well as frontline advocates for alternatives to incarceration.

RSVP at freedtx.eventbrite.com!

It's not too late to RSVP for tomorrow's Burning Barriers, an impactful community discussion on alternatives to incarceration!

Black Freedom Factory is very excited to announce that prior to their event this coming Thursday the 16th, at 6pm, will be launching their new initiative, the FREED Texas Panel Series!!

These panel discussions will feature individuals and organizations that are out there doing the work as well as frontline advocates for alternatives to incarceration.

Head on over to Hopscotch San Antonio afterward and celebrate with a night of FREEDOM with vendors and organizations such as:






sanantonio

Don’t miss out on a stellar performance by the House of Rawzé, face painting by & some good soul food by Chef Don’s Catering!!

If you have a non-violent, misdemeanor outstanding warrant, and would like support in taking care of it - sign up for this clinic today! These organizations will be providing legal support, food, child care, and entertainment while you wait.

Sign up at https://form.jotform.com/211454491699163?utm_source=QR+Code&utm_medium=flyer&utm_campaign=satx_warrant_clinic.

Texas Organizing Project ACT 4 SA FREED Texas All of Us or None Black Freedom Factory Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) RAICES Texas Center for Justice and Equity

Read comments from Professor Erica B. Schommer, the Immigration & Human Rights Clinic professor at St. Mary’s School of Law, at the link below.

https://www.expressnews.com/opinion/editorial/article/Editorial-True-reform-not-Title-42-the-solution-17188304.php?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_medium=referral+

Editorial: True reform, not Title 42, the solution The very existence of Title 42 underscores the need for comprehensive immigration...

A whole lot of congratulations are in order for this year's Clinical and Pro Bono Service award recipients!

The Sue and Leonard Bentch Endowed Clinical Law Scholarship: Morgan Starr

Francisco Leos Award for Excellence in Clinical Studies
Family Law Clinic: Christine Patino
Consumer Protection Clinic: Daniela Virgen
Criminal Justice Clinic: Madison Schultz
Immigration & Human Rights Clinic: Fernanda Palacios Herrera

Marianist Green Award for Community Spirit & Cooperation: Jeanette Berlanga

2L Award for Greatest Participation in Pro Bono Service:
Third-Most Hours: Kaylie Morgan
Second-Most Hours: Joaquin Camero (not pictured)
Most Hours: Vanessa Ortega

1L Award for Greatest Participation in Pro Bono Service:
Most Hours of the Evening Student Cohort: Ivana Besteiro
Third-Most Hours: Leslie Espiricueta
Second-Most Hours: Analysa Casanova-Smith
Most Hours: Fanisleidy "F***y" Martin-Rodriguez

Yesterday afternoon, we had the great joy of celebrating our Clinical Program students, faculty, and staff for their hard work and successes this semester. For some, this was their final semester of law school, and we are so thankful to be able to send them off in style as they prepare for finals and graduation. We feel honored that they chose Clinic as part of their law school career, and can't wait to see their advocacy continue beyond their time at the CLSJ.

Thank you to the St. Mary's University Mariachi Cascabel for kicking off the party with their wonderful music! And to Chela's Tacos for preparing asada, cilantro chicken, and veggie filled tacos for our team. It would not have been a party without them!

Huge shoutout to the law students that participated in Texas RioGrande Legal Aid's Spring Expunction Clinic over the last two months, concluding this weekend. Eleven students trained, drafted, and worked with their clients to finalize pleadings. We look forward to seeing the impact of their donation of time and knowledge as these cases are potentially expunged!

Students advocates include:
Natalie Thamm, Student Coordinator
Karen Munoz, Student Coordinator
Mia Carranza
Emma Kypuros
F***y Martin-Rodriguez
Mozelle Moreno
Kaylie Morgan
Sofia-Rose Ramirez
Sabrina Rodriguez
Carin Wieters
Greg Zuschlag

If you are spending your summer in a public interest position, look into this funding opportunity ASAP! Applications are due this Wednesday, April 20 at 4pm.

For more info, go to: https://www.texasatj.org/atj-internship-program?fbclid=IwAR2HyD3be1_0fmZcidoilyato7qD_thv0q2ZATVUh9KhmJUOpCXmz6UV17g #:~:text=Summer%20interns%20receive%20a%20stipend,of%20low%2Dincome%20Texans%20qualify

We are still accepting applications for the Moody Foundation Veterans Law Fellowship program for the Summer!

The Fellowship pays a stipend of at least $2,500 and requires at least 120 hours of work with the placement site.

The application is open until April 27th at 11:59pm. For more information, go to https://law.stmarytx.edu/academics/special-programs/law-fellowships/

The three women you see here are impactful, tenacious, and kind. They highlight injustices in their community, and are a part of bridge gapping solutions. They are pillars of light and hope for our St. Mary's community, and role models to all that they encounter.

We feel very thankful to have experienced the powerful force of these women at our Center for Legal and Social Justice. Kellye Michelle Fernandez in the Criminal Justice Clinic, Morgan Starr in the Family Law Clinic, and Emily Parker as a Moody Fellow. We are deeply proud of them for being awarded the Sandee Bryan Marion "Excellence in Mentoring" Award, the Alma L. Lopez "Women in Law" Student Leadership Award, and the Catherine M. Stone "Rock of Justice" Award, respectively.

Thank you for removing barriers for others, cultivating welcoming spaces for all, and for leaving a legacy we can only hope to live up to in years to come.