Name: Heather Perez

Year: 2L (Class of 2017)

Organization: Latin American Law Students Association (President)

Undergraduate Institution: Boston University

Experiences between college and law school:

I worked in public service in Boston as the Legislative Aide for State Representative Willie Mae Allen. Later, I served as the Chief of Staff for Boston City Councilor At-Large Felix G. Arroyo, and helped lead his campaign for Mayor.

 Favorite event that your organization plans:

LALSA hosts a “Day in the Life” for local high school students to come to BC Law and get a personal look at being a law student from the perspective of LALSA members. Part of our goals as an organization is to provide mentorship and it’s great to be able to do that both within our BC Law community and in the Greater Boston community.

 Favorite event a different organization plans:

The Immigration Law Group organizes groups of students to volunteer in Citizenship Days run by Project Citizenship, where law students provide applicants help in completing the naturalization process. It is empowering to be able to play a role in helping people become citizens and I am proud of the number of BC Law students who decide to volunteer together.

Activities at BC Law (besides being in your organization):

 I am the Community Chair of the Immigration Law Group and coordinator of the Bond Project at BC Law. I also participated in the Immigration Spring Break Trip as a 1L.

Favorite class:

The Immigration Clinic with Professor Holper. You will see signs around campus for our clinical programs that say, “Why not start doing what you came to law school to do?” The clinic offers that opportunity and so much more. Students gain a deeper understanding of the law, develop lawyering skills, and make a positive impact on someone’s life.

Summer Employment:

1L – Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)

2L – Catholic Charities Refugee & Immigration Services

What will you do after graduation?:

I am developing a post-graduate fellowship to serve immigrant communities who are need of legal representation and advocacy.

Why law school?

Working in public service made me better aware of the issues immigrants face and the importance of legal advocacy as a solution to these issues. I decided to go to law school so that I can work towards social justice through the legal representation of immigrants.

Why BC Law?

Visiting BC Law, it was clear that it lives up to its reputation. I was impressed with the strong Immigration Law program and clinical opportunities. I also identified with its mission as a Jesuit institution and the supportive environment it fosters.

What most surprised you about BC Law when you got here?

Before coming to law school, people told me it’s best to keep your head down and just focus on your own work. The culture at BC Law could not be any different than that philosophy. The students here truly care about each other. Not only the students, but also the professors and administration here are supportive and work to ensure that everyone is able to succeed.

 

This new “Meet the” series introduces you to the diverse affinity student group leaders on campus. 

Heather Perez is a 2L at BC Law and the LALSA President. Feel free to contact her with questions about her experience, BC Law, or law school in general. Comment here or send her an e-mail at perezhe@bc.edu