Written by: WSCL Marketing Team
Leading as a First-Generation Law Student
When you meet Eleni Martinez, it’s immediately obvious that she is passionate and committed to her community and legal education. Entering her 2L year at Western State College of Law as the Community Outreach Chair of the Latinx Law Students Association (LLSA) this Fall semester, Eleni’s story is a shining example of the power of resilience, service, and community, values that are at the heart of Western State, the oldest law school in Orange County.
As a first-generation law student who grew up in a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood, Eleni’s journey to Western STate was inspired by a desire to help others and give back to the community she grew up in. “Growing up in a low-income Hispanic neighborhood, I saw so many families, including my own, struggle with immigration issues. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be able to help, to ease that burden for those who need it most,” she reflects.
Now, Eleni wants to be the person who can offer hope, guidance, and support to families facing similar issues.
The Significance of Winning a Scholarship
Eleni’s commitment to advocacy has gained recognition. This year, she was awarded the Wally R. Davis Memorial Scholarship from the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association (OCHBA). The scholarship is given annually to first- and second-year law students who are actively engaged in the Latino community. This is an honor that is very meaningful to her, both personally and professionally. “Receiving this scholarship made me feel like I belong here,” she says. “It means so much to be recognized by my peers who have walked a similar path. It has opened doors for networking. To be in the same room as many successful attorneys is a really big deal.”
For Eleni, winning the scholarship gave her a sense of encouragement and validation, especially as a first-generation law student forging her own path at Western State.
Creating Safe Spaces
As Community Outreach Chair of LLSA, Eleni is excited about helping to create a welcoming environment for all students, especially first-generation students like herself. “Law school can be intimidating, especially when you’re a first-generation student navigating it on your own,” she explains. “LLSA gave me a safe space where I could meet people like me. I hope others also see themselves in me and feel comfortable reaching out, knowing there’s someone who understands.”
The events LLSA hosts have had a positive impact on her, showing her that diverse leaders, like herself, can succeed in the law. Now, she wants to make sure other students have the same experience. “I went to an LLSA event for Latinas on the bench, and it was so inspiring,” she shares. “Hearing their stories made me realize that if they can do it, so can I. I want to keep that going for other students too.”
Through LLSA, students find mentors, make friends, and gain confidence to step forward in the legal profession. “It’s so important to have a safe space, especially for first-gen students,” Eleni says. “When you walk into a room and see someone who looks like you or has been where you are, it really helps. You know you’re not alone.”
Getting Involved Beyond Campus
Beyond LLSA, Eleni is a strong advocate for getting involved with organizations like the OCHBA, which awarded her the Wally R. Davis Scholarship. “Organizations like OCHBA open up many connections and opportunities,” Eleni states. “The attorneys I’ve met are so eager to help students. Every event is a chance to expand your network and get a glimpse of what it means to be a lawyer.”
Through volunteering at immigration clinics and attending events with the OCHBA, Eleni has learned the importance of building a professional network early. “Even if you’re nervous, take advantage of those opportunities! I was nervous too,” Eleni advises. It was through networking events that she was introduced to an immigration attorney, with whom she is now doing a summer internship. “Sometimes, all it takes is meeting one person, and suddenly your network starts to grow. And the best part is, so many people genuinely want to help you.”
Building a Foundation in Immigration Law
Before coming to law school, Eleni worked for over five years as a legal assistant in immigration law and at a nonprofit, gaining invaluable insight into the field she hopes to serve. These roles gave her a firsthand look at the legal system and strengthened her desire to go to law school. Eleni was drawn to the field of immigration law because she saw the direct impact attorneys can have on clients’ lives. “I want to help people and give them a sense of hope,” she says. “Meeting with clients and doing the work made me realize this is what I want to do.”
That hands-on experience has shaped Eleni’s approach to law school and her goals for the future. “Not everyone gets the privilege of an education or the chance to go to law school. I remind myself every day how fortunate I am, and that drives me to work harder so that I can be the best lawyer I can be for those I want to help.” Her experiences have made her appreciate the privilege of education, and she sees every day at Western State as an opportunity to prepare herself to serve her community.
Finding a Community at Western State
When she was choosing between law schools, Eleni wanted to find one with a strong sense of community, where she could see more people like her in the faculty and student body. She explains, “Diversity was so important to me. I toured other schools, but Western State stood out to me. I knew I’d find people who understand where I come from and make me feel like I belong.”
That sense of belonging has only grown during her time at Western State. She describes it as a place where faculty, staff, and students genuinely care about each other’s success. “It’s not like other schools. Here, everyone wants to help you,” she states. “If you miss a class, people offer you notes. The professors go out of their way to support you. It makes a huge difference, you feel like you’re part of a community.”
Eleni also praises how Western State supports students through wellness weeks, mixers, networking opportunities, and student organizations. “Law school is stressful, but Western State really cares about students. They want you to succeed in your studies and take care of your mental health. All the mixers and networking events really help you make connections and feel part of a community.”
From One Law Student to Another
Looking back on her own experience, Eleni knows law school can feel overwhelming, especially for students who are the first in their families to pursue it. “There will be days when you question yourself. Imposter syndrome is real, especially for first-gen students,” she states. “But you have to keep going. Connect with organizations, get involved, and find friends who understand what you’re going through. You’ll find your safe space, and you’ll realize you do belong.”
She emphasizes the importance of building relationships, seeking support, and remembering your purpose. “Don’t be afraid to reach out. Western State is really an uplifting community. The students, professors, everyone. You never have to be afraid to ask for help.”
Eleni knows it’s important to take breaks and enjoy life outside of law school, too. When she’s not studying, you’ll probably find her baking cupcakes for family and friends. “If I wasn’t a lawyer, I think I’d be a pastry chef!” she says with a smile.
Making Space for Everyone
As she enters her 2L year and steps into her new leadership role with LLSA, Eleni is ready to make an even bigger impact. She wants to serve, to lead, and to ensure that every student, especially those who feel uncertain or unseen, knows they have a place at Western State. “Law school is hard; it’s not easy. But having friends and the right support will help you get through it. I want to help make that support a reality for everyone.”
Eleni Martinez’s journey as a first-generation law student is a shining example of the strength, heart, and community spirit that defines Western State. As she says, “We’re all figuring this out together. We got this.” That simple promise is what she carries forward, and what she hopes every student will feel, too.
