This spring, 2E CUA Law student Laura de la Torre completed a remote pro bono project in partnership with the Hope Border Institute and the Texas Civil Rights Project. The Hope Border Institute is a founding member of the Borderland Immigration Council, an El Paso, Las Cruces, and Ciudad Júarez based coalition of immigration attorneys, service providers, advocacy organizations, and concerned community members working to address serious concerns with immigration issues.

"I researched the various immigration agencies' jurisdiction and authority, including ICE, CBP, and USCIS. I used my research to draft FOIA's to these agencies. It was great to learn about such a timely issue, and insightful to hear about organizations like HBI, who closely monitor immigration activities and provide information to the public and policy makers," Laura said.

In addition, every month Laura volunteers with the Employment Justice Center which provides pro se legal advice, education, and advocacy to low-income workers facing employment and labor issues. "Every worker has a different and unique workplace situation they need assistance with, it can range from wrongful terminations to discrimination to not being paid the minimum wage or overtime. I interact directly with the workers themselves, after consulting with the EJC attorneys, I communicate the advice to the worker, sometimes the workers are representing themselves in court, or sometimes they just need to know what their rights are."

"I have found my pro bono work to be one of the most gratifying experiences of law school, not only is it educational and gives me insight into future career opportunities, but it's also very inspiring to work along dedicated attorneys and to directly help people."