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.
From the small island of Samoa to graduating from San Joaquin College of Law, Rodney Tuisavalalo (JD '21) started his first career in the medical field and transitioned to a second career in law. Learn more about Rodney, including how his military career mentally prepared him for law school, how he navigated school during the pandemic and why a supportive family unit was key for his success.
While her dream career may have changed over time, 3L and Fresno State graduate, Brittany Hieng, knew she always wanted to help kids and be a voice for those who did not have one. Learn more about our 1L 2019 Student of the Year, including how she originally wanted to become a doctor, how she managed a relationship in law school from both sides of the coin, and how much she has learned about herself through this experience.
San Joaquin College of Law student and UC Santa Cruz grad, Laura Higareda-Chapa, has always tried to be a voice for the voiceless. From translating for her mom through an unemployment claim case as a teenager to supporting friends and family through the legal system, helping others has always been her calling. Find out how her career journey went from politics to full-time mom to a second career in law and why she believes helping even just one person can have a big impact on their family and the entire community.
From a young age, Fresno State grad and 2L, Terrance Dennis, has always had big dreams journeying from professional sports to healthcare and now law school. He’s working hard to lay the foundation for a bright future that includes opening the first Black-owned, freestanding behavioral health hospital in the Central Valley. Find out how Terrance's father inspired him to open a hospital, how a judge's words in court inspired him to learn the law, and why his strong mindset is essential for persevering in law school.