La Alianza: Law Students of Latin American Descent
Law·By Culture
La Alianza has supported Latinx students at Berkeley Law since 1969, running weekly programming to show members the ropes of the legal profession. A typical year includes 70+ events: biweekly study halls with dinner, networking panels with Big Law and government attorneys, Latinx Leaders speaker series, bar prep workshops, and social outings. Members also gain access to the Cruz Reynoso Fellowship for public interest internships, alumni mentorship, and a dedicated community space in Simon Hall.
1969
Year founded
70+
Events per year (2022-23)
84%
Female share of board composition (2022-23)
96%
Members who participated in OCI and got jobs (2022-23)
150%
Increase in Latinx representation on California Law Review (2022-23)
10%
School funding as share of total budget
Events They Host
Hon. Cruz Reynoso Gala
Annual fundraising gala supporting the Cruz Reynoso Fellowship for Latinx students pursuing public interest internships and judicial externships. The 23rd Gala is April 12, 2025 at 6:00pm at Residence Inn by Marriott, 2121 Center St. Berkeley. Started in 2002.
Annual Latinx Judicial Panel
Panel featuring Latinx judges and attorneys to expose members to Latinx role models in the judiciary. The 2nd Annual edition was held April 19, 2019.
Latinx Leaders Speaker Series
Intimate conversations with prominent Latinx figures. Past guests have included Cecilia Muñoz (Director of Domestic Policy Council under Obama), Julie Chavez Rodriguez, Justice Cuellar of the California Supreme Court, and Judge Elizabeth Guerrero Macias.
Big Law Unveiled Panel
Panel with Latinx and Black Big Law attorneys discussing private practice careers, job hunting as a 1L, and 1L diversity positions. Co-hosted with LSAD and/or Morrison & Foerster in various years.
Cross-Affinity Mixer
Joint mixer with Law Students of African Descent (LSAD), Asian Pacific American Law Students Association, and Native American Law Students Association.
Cross-Affinity Group BBQ
Outdoor BBQ co-hosted with LSAD at Lake Merritt, open to all affinity groups.
Know Your Rights Workshop
Immigration rights workshop co-sponsored with Berkeley Immigration Group and the National Lawyers' Guild, held at the multicultural community center.
MALDEF Voting Rights Talk
Co-sponsored talk with MALDEF attorney Tanya Pellegrini on Latinx voting rights.
National Latinx Law Student Association (NLLSA) Conference
Three-day national conference co-hosted with UC Hastings in March 2020, featuring panels, moot court competition, networking, job fair, keynote, and pro bono session.
Latinx Family Dinner for Prospective Students
Co-hosted with Berkeley Law's Office of Admission for prospective Latinx applicants. First edition held in Los Angeles in December 2019.
Dia de los Muertos Altar
Installation of an ofrenda in the law school's centennial lobby from October 31 to November 2.
Association of Latino Marin Attorneys (ALMA) Mixer
Members attended the ALMA mixer in San Francisco to network with practicing attorneys and connect with UC Hastings La Raza students.
Member Experiences
Raza Tahoe Retreat
Annual weekend retreat to Lake Tahoe with snowman building, board games, and family-style meals.
Biweekly Study Halls
Every other Friday study sessions where the organization provides dinner for attending members to review the week's material together.
Meet Your Professors Mixer
Annual casual mixer for 1L students to chat with their professors in Steinhart Courtyard early in the semester.
Raza-ing The Bar Prep Series
Multi-event bar exam preparation series for 3Ls, covering exam structure, costs, study strategies, and confidence-building.
Renato Puga Garcia Memorial Scholarship Ceremony
Annual dinner ceremony recognizing scholarship recipients in memory of former member Renato Puga Garcia.
Alianza Alumni Scholarship Ceremony
Annual recognition of incoming 1L scholarship recipients funded by the Alianza alumni community.
Alumni Weekend Mixer
Annual mixer during Berkeley Law's alumni weekend bringing together current students and Raza alumni across graduating classes.
La Raza Board Dinner with Faculty Advisors
Dinner at a faculty advisor's home for the board and faculty advisors to connect and discuss upcoming events.
Lunch with Judges-In-Residence
Private lunch for La Raza students with Berkeley Law's Judges-In-Residence to discuss clerkships and judicial careers.
Womxn's Potluck Brunch (Lawtina Brunch)
Intimate brunch hosted at a member's home with Latina attorneys and judges for conversation about being Latina in the law.
Financial Planning Workshop
Workshop on managing student debt, budgeting, credit, loan repayment, and retirement planning, presented by a CPA.
Hot Job Summer: Diversity in Government Jobs
Alumni panel featuring Raza graduates working in government legal roles including DA, Attorney General, public defender, and city attorney offices.
California Supreme Court Visit
Trip to observe oral arguments at the California Supreme Court, followed by a private visit to Justice Cuellar's chambers.
Anti-Bar Review Bowling Outing
Members-only bowling night at Plank in Oakland followed by arcade games, held as an alternative to the typical law school bar review social.
Dodgers v. Giants Game Outing
Annual fall trip to a Dodgers vs. Giants baseball game at AT&T Park.
Fridays at Oakland Museum of California (OMCA)
Group outing to OMCA's Friday event featuring food trucks and live music.
Welcome Carne Asada BBQ
Annual welcome cookout at the start of the school year for new 1Ls and returning students.
Zumba with Maribel
Sunday morning Zumba session in the school courtyard led by a member who is a certified Zumba instructor, followed by healthy snacks.