The student group Law Student United in Tollerance (LawSUIT) was founded in 2007 by David Ibarra (Law ’10). As a first-year student himself, Mr. Ibarra quickly realized the lack of resources for first generation college students and first-generation law students. Mr. Ibarra set out to create an organization focused on helping students survive law school, create fellowship among the student body, partner with faculty, and build a diverse community united in tolerance.
The resources LawSUIT provides to its members are as follows:
- A Mentorship Program: where first year law students are paired with an upper-level law student, who is also a LawSUIT member.
- Academic Workshops: taught by professors such as Professor Purvis and Professor Masters, just a few of the school’s longstanding and well-respected professors.
- Outline Banks: from other LawSUIT members who have done remarkably well and have gone on to Witkin courses (that is, the student with the highest grade in the class).
- Guest Speakers: who are practicing attorneys and judges in different areas of law. These speakers are great examples of the diverse career paths available to those with law degrees. Take advantage of these networking opportunities!
- A Book Club: for those who enjoy reading and staying up to date on current hot topics or are just simply open to learning more about the struggles of distinct communities within the great salad bowl that is America.
- Monthly Newsletter: to keep you up to date on LawSUIT news.
- Scholarships: our LawSUIT members are also eligible to apply for scholarships that are open to LawSUIT members only.
- Social Events/Gatherings: to give our students a much-needed break in the semester. Remember to recharge, do not burn out!
- Graduation Cords: for graduating LawSUIT members!
Today, LawSUIT lives on through the dedication of students who share the same passion as Mr. Ibarra. LawSUIT’s mission includes bringing attention to legal issues affecting underprivileged and underrepresented communities. LawSUIT aims to accomplish this mission through our pursuit of academic excellence, service to our school, and coordination of activities. Our objectives include the following:
- Providing support and encouragement to new students adjusting to their new workload
- Serving our school and community
- Promoting diversity on campus and throughout the Central San Joaquin Valley
In furtherance of these objectives, LawSUIT extends an invitation of membership to all interested parties.
This semester we have a ton of activities planned for our students which include an academic workshop on September 26, 2021, for our 1L members, our guest series speakers, and a mixer at the law offices of Goldberg & Ibarra (date TBA). Lastly, we want all students to know that we are all in the same struggle when it comes to obtaining our law degree, but we are here to support them through it. “If you help one, you help many.”