10/16/2024

At Widener University Delaware Law School, students don’t just receive a legal education; they form relationships that drive personal success and make meaningful contributions to the community. For many, these connections serve as critical support systems and launchpads for impactful initiatives. The Latin American Law Student Association, known as LALSA, is a prime example of this, offering resources to its members and all Delaware Law students while making a real difference in the broader community.

“Last year was our ‘Phoenix year,’” shared Dalmiry Puello, president of LALSA. “We had experienced a devastating loss with the passing of our vice president, April Garcia, and paused many of our activities to grieve. But we came back stronger, organizing significant events, including our first major community service initiative: the Naturalization Clinic.”

This clinic, organized by Puello and organization Treasurer Carolina Parra, marked the first immigration-related service at Delaware Law since 2020. It was a response to students’ growing interest in immigration law and aimed to help the local community navigate the complex naturalization process.

“Naturalization is expensive and time-consuming, and offering this service for free is really impactful,” she explained. The clinic allowed students to gain hands-on experience while providing vital services to community members seeking U.S. citizenship.

LALSA’s mission of community empowerment extends beyond legal services. The organization also hosts events and study sessions to support students academically. Puello, Parra and their peers create spaces where students feel connected and have access to the resources they need to succeed.

"We’ve started study sessions—not necessarily group studies where everyone talks, but a quiet space where we can work individually and support each other if needed. It’s not just about passing exams—it’s about building confidence and a sense of belonging,” said Puello.

For many LALSA members, serving the community is deeply personal. Parra recalls her journey growing up in California to Delaware Law, where her passion for immigration law solidified. “I never thought law school was in the cards for me,” she said. “But after working in immigration and connecting with clients on a personal level, I realized I had to do more to help my community. Law school gave me the tools to do that.”

LALSA members understand that success in law school isn’t just about individual achievement. It’s about lifting others up. They embody the belief that relationships formed in law school create opportunities for success both inside and outside the classroom. As Parra puts it, “You need to help your community, and through law school, I’ve found more ways to do that than I ever imagined.”

Through initiatives like the Naturalization Clinic, LALSA is driving meaningful change for both students and the community. They continue to honor their mission of offering support, building connections, and making a positive impact on Delaware Law and beyond.

The law school’s collaborative environment also plays a key role in supporting students’ academic and professional growth. LALSA members take part in a variety of academic and social events, such as outlining seminars and networking mixers, which help students navigate coursework and build professional connections. This sense of community is enhanced by peer-led activities, study groups, and interactive exercises that equip students with practical tools for success.

One standout initiative is Ponte Las Pilas, a series of academic events designed to help law students from underrepresented backgrounds thrive. “Ponte Las Pilas,” meaning “putting in your batteries” in Spanish, is a motivational phrase that encourages students to be proactive. Outlining seminars, featuring interactive exercises, provide strong foundations in subjects like contracts and mutual assent. "We printed out three sheets for each of the three courses, picked a topic from each subject, and outlined it together," said Puello.

Beyond academics, events like the Hispanic Heritage Dinner, and Annual Networking Mixer help students network with legal professionals, leading to internships and job opportunities. Puello noted how these events resulted in summer internships for several international students, showcasing Delaware Law’s inclusive and supportive approach.

Bar exam preparation is another key focus. Delaware Law emphasizes bar preparation from the start, with classes that cover bar-related topics and specialized bar preparation courses in the final year. As Parra shared, "When I told other students about Delaware Law’s focus on the bar, they said, ‘I wish my school did that.’" The school’s commitment to bar exam success is reinforced by Dean Todd Clark’s mantra: "We will pass the bar on the first try." Even for those who don’t pass initially, Clark’s support remains unwavering. "If you don’t pass the bar the first time, you are still his student, and he will do everything in his power to help you pass the second time."

This focus on academic support, intentional learning, and bar exam preparation fosters an environment where students feel empowered to succeed. As Parra summed up, "At Delaware Law, everything we do is with purpose, and that should give students confidence that they will benefit from that purpose."