OUR HISTORY
MetroLALSA began in 2010, when twelve Latina/o law students from nine law schools across the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area met at a national conference and recognized a shared reality: Latina/o law students were underrepresented, often isolated, and in need of a stronger regional voice.
What started as a conversation became a movement. These students saw an opportunity to connect the many LALSA chapters across the region, build a network of support, and create a space where students could lead, advocate, and be heard.
Since then, MetroLALSA has grown into a student-led regional organization serving Latin American Law Student Association members throughout thirteen law schools in the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area. Through mentorship, professional development, community outreach, advocacy, and signature programming like the Pa’lante Conference, MetroLALSA continues to empower students, strengthen the pipeline into the legal profession, and uplift the communities we serve.
In 2016, MetroLALSA received recognition as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, further solidifying its commitment to charitable, educational, and community-centered work.
More than a decade after its founding, MetroLALSA remains rooted in the vision of its original members: to unify Latina/o/x law students, amplify our collective voice, and help develop the next generation of advocates, attorneys, and leaders. We are grateful to our founders for the foundation they built for future Latino lawyers.
“MetroLALSA affords every student the opportunity to be a leader. As an entirely student-run organization, there is no bureaucratic red-tape, no administrative advisor, and no executive who grants permission... You dictate your own experience, and are the engine of MetroLALSA’s future. Continue to organize initiatives, promote events, and celebrate successes. Maintain the original organizers’ organic passion and drive to make an impact and make our presence felt. Never settle with MetroLALSA existing to merely fill a void or be a placeholder: be proactive in defining your position within the Latin American legal communities of New York and New Jersey. Continue to develop allies, build relationships, and strive towards the goals ahead of you without forgetting those behind you. Use your time as law students to act as a bridge between where you’re going and where you’ve come from.”
Ernesto Papaleo | MetroLALSA Alum (Second OG Class)