Undergraduate institutions attended and degrees earned
University of Maryland University College – Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice
Extracurricular and co-curricular activities
Senior Paralegal for Carey Law Clinical Law Program
Post-graduation plans
Staff attorney at CAIR Coalition
What was your most memorable moment?
My most memorable moment was representing standing in the Baltimore Immigration Court representing my first client as a student attorney.
Finish this sentence: I could not have gotten through this experience without…
I could not have gotten through this experience without my family and friends.
Who are your mentors? How have they impacted your journey?
My mentors are Professor Maureen Sweeney and Gabriela Kahrl. In the last 2 and half years, I have worked closely with them and they have helped shaped me into the attorney I will be after graduating. They have helped me understand the client representation differently and have pushed me into being better. They were always there for me and will continue to be there after I leave.
What did you learn about yourself while earning this degree?
I learned that you have to believe in yourself and trust in yourself. As a first generation college and now law student, there were times where I felt that I could not do this. I thought that it would be easier for others who had more access to resources or could obtain help from family members. There were many times that I doubted myself and my abilities. I learned to trust in myself and my entire journey to this point. Once you believe and trust yourself, you know that you can’t let anything hold you back. You will be successful. You will come out stronger than ever.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor is Professor Maureen Sweeney. She is an amazing professor and individual. Her passion for helping her students and the immigrant community in Maryland is unmatched. She has helped changes lives both as a professor and attorney. I worked closely with her since 2019 and she has shown me how much she cares about everyone. She has taught me so much and because of this, I will be able to help others. She looks out for her students and helps them become better individuals. Her classes were always fun. I can’t wait to work with her as colleagues. MAS is truly the best!
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was the Practicing Law in Spanish class. This class was completely different from any class take in law school. From the second you walk in the door, you speak only Spanish. It is a chance to work on your Spanish whether you are a native speaker or someone who is only conversational. It teaches your how to work with clients in another language and how to help clients through this difficult time in their lives. You get to know your classmates better and help each other better yourselves. It is fun, interactive, and a nice change of pace from reading case after case.
Write a message.
I really want to thank everyone who has interacted with me during my time at Carey Law. Carey Law was always my dream school. I was able to transfer-in in 2018 and have loved every moment of it. From being both a student and staff member at the school, I got to the chance to meet so many great people. Everyone of them has helped me become a better person. Thank you to all my classmates who worked with me in the last 3 years, who gave me tips and guided me when I was completely lost in class. Thank you to my professors who have prepared me for my future and have taught me how to better serve my community. Thank you to my clinic coworkers, supervisors, and bosses, who gave me a chance and have shown me how impactful pro-bono representation is to our community. Thank you to everyone at Carey Law. Lastly, thank you to my family and friends. I would not have been able to do it without your support. Thank you for pushing me to do this and for believing in me.
Congratulations Francisco!