Meet the 2025–2026 leaders of the Criminal Law Association (CLA), a student organization at Western State committed to exploring every facet of criminal law. Through field trips to local courthouses, opportunities to meet judges and practitioners, and hands-on events, CLA gives students practical insight into the criminal justice system. The CLA welcomes all Western State students eager to deepen their understanding and make real-world connections in the field of criminal law.
Meet the Executive Board
Samantha Lopez, 2L
President
Favorite Field(s) of Law:
Criminal and Family Law.
Role Models:
One of my biggest role models is Justice Sonia Sotomayor. I really admire how she’s stayed true to where she comes from while making such a big impact in the legal world. As a first-generation Latina from a working-class, single-parent household, she’s faced a lot of the same barriers I’ve seen in my own life. The way she brings empathy, clarity, and a strong sense of justice to her work is something I really look up to. It’s the kind of presence I hope to bring to the legal field, especially in spaces that often overlook people from communities like mine.
Future Goals:
As a first-generation Mexican American and the child of a single parent, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that marginalized communities face, especially when it comes to accessing justice. My ultimate goal is to become a District Attorney, where I can use my position to advocate for underrepresented communities, ensure fairness in the legal system, and help restore trust between the justice system and the people it serves. I want to be the kind of DA who uplifts voices that are often ignored and brings compassion, integrity, and accountability to the role.
Hobbies:
In my free time, I love going to Dodger games, baking, swimming, and walking my dog.
Fun Fact:
My birthday is on September 21st – the exact date mentioned in the song September by Earth, Wind & Fire. And yes, people do sing ‘Do you remember the 21st night of September?’ to me every year!
Advice for new students:
Don’t underestimate the power of your story. If you come from a background where the path to higher education or law school wasn’t always clear, know that your experiences are not a weakness, they’re a strength. Stay focused on your goals, ask for help when you need it, and find mentors who believe in you. Most importantly, remember why you started. When things get tough (and they will), stay grounded in your purpose. That will carry you further than anything else.
Reena Boulis, 2L
Vice President
Favorite Field(s) of Law:
I am most interested in criminal law.
Role Models:
I look up to my parents and my little sister! Both of my parents have made countless sacrifices to get me to where I am today, and I would not be here without them. I hope to be as giving and as hard-working as they are. My little sister has always been my biggest supporter, and I strive to be as consistently upbeat, positive, and cheerful as she is.
Future Goals:
In the future, I hope to be successful in my future career in a way authentic to myself. I hope to help the community around me and leave a lasting, bettering impact wherever I go. Through this sought after success, I hope it keeps on giving, and I hope to inspire other young women to have the guts to go to law school. As a first-generation student, it was difficult to understand the process, but I want to be proof that law school is doable and within reach for anyone who has the passion to do it.
Hobbies:
I like to play video games in my downtime, but I also like to go outside and take walks, or go hiking if I have the time! This past summer, I got the chance to hike in Yosemite. Additionally, I like collecting figurines. Smiskis are my favorite!
Fun Fact:
A fun fact about me is that I can play the marimba!
Advice for new students:
Don’t overly stress yourself out! Law school is challenging but you are here for a reason. If you can’t stop stressing about something, put it aside and do something else until you can get back to it with a clear head. Focus your energy where it counts–you can do it!
Emily Rivera, 2L
Secretary
Favorite Field(s) of Law:
I feel like I’m really all over the place with my interests, but I definitely want to litigate. Family law, immigration law, and civl litigation are all fields that interest me.
Role Models:
My biggest role model is my mom. Without her I wouldn’t be the person I am today. She has taught me to be compassionate, to treat others with respect, and most importantly, that I can do anything I set my mind to.
Future Goals:
In the future I want to open up my own law firm and be my own boss. Straight out of law school I want to focus on my career and be a baddie lawyer. I believe it’s possible to be super successful and have a family, which is what I hope to accomplish one day.
Hobbies:
I love going to the gym, workout classes, keeping up with college volleyball, cooking, and spending time with my family and friends.
Fun Fact:
When I was two years old, I tipped over a tall metal chair that fell onto my hand and broke all of my fingers.
Advice for new students:
Believe in yourself. It’s easy to doubt yourself in law school, but trust that you wouldn’t be here if you weren’t capable and know that while it’s not going to be easy, you can do it.
Macyn Sherman, 2L
Treasurer
Favorite Field(s) of Law:
Criminal Law.
Role Models:
My mom and Natalie Portman (because she is so smart and hilarious).
Future Goals:
Becoming a prosecutor or Attorney General Of California.
Hobbies:
Gym, Line Dancing, Running, Volleyball.
Fun Fact:
I am allergic to peanuts.
Advice for new students:
Work Hard, Play Hard!!
Aaminah Islam, 2L
Marketing Chair
Favorite Field(s) of Law:
The fields of law that I am most interested in are Criminal and Immigration law.
Role Models:
My greatest role models are my sisters. From the very beginning, they have been my constant source of love, strength, and encouragement. Their unwavering belief in me is the reason I have been able to overcome obstacles and push forward, even in difficult moments. Everything I accomplish feels tied to their happiness and the dreams they continue to chase, which inspires me to keep striving for my own. Beyond my family, I also look up to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Her resilience, authenticity, and powerful voice remind me of the impact one person can have when they speak with conviction. She has shown me that passion and purpose can create real change, and I hope to carry that same spirit into my own journey.
Future Goals:
My future goal is to become a practicing immigration lawyer. Growing up, I witnessed the challenges faced by immigrant communities, and those experiences shaped my passion for advocacy. I aspire to dedicate my career to serving underserved populations, ensuring they have access to justice and the support they need to thrive. At the same time, I hope to build a future surrounded by my family and friends, whose support keeps me grounded and reminds me of what truly matters.
Hobbies:
Some of my hobbies are going to the beach and baking.
Fun Fact:
A fun fact about me is that I work at a coffee shop as a barista. I also love eating spicy food.
Advice for new students:
I would encourage new students to take things one day at a time, focus on their own journey without comparing themselves to others, and definitely invest in a good planner—it will become their best friend.