The goal of HLSA is to unite Hispanic law students and to provide a support network to connect students with alumni around the world. The organization is created to aid new students make the transition into law school, and to encourage prospective Hispanic students to come to Duke. HLSA brings together a variety of individuals in order to discuss the issues they will face as Hispanic lawyers in the future, such as: the responsibility of a Hispanic lawyer in society, the need for positive role models in Hispanic communities, and the availability of inexpensive/free legal aid. These discussions are usually intermingled with social activities where Hispanic and other law students can experience the richness of the Hispanic culture. HLSA is also very active in the university Hispanic group MI GENTE, which sponsors salsa parties and other social events. We endeavor to expand Duke Law School's environment by sharing the richness of Hispanic culture with the school.

The 2001-2002 Officers for the Latino Student Association:

President: Marcella Harshbarger
Vice President: Forrest Deegan

Executive Board Members: Alicia Corbett, Marta DeLeon, Iliana Peters

LL.M. Liaisons: Federico Lander and Santiago Sturla

Pro Bono Chairs: Olga Flores and Shana Ortiz

For other organizations and programs highlighting Latin American culture, please see the following Web sites:

Duke Mi Gente
Consortium in Latin American Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University
Duke Council on Latin American Studies