Opinion: There are not enough Latino lawyers or judges in San Diego. We created this program to change that.

Magaña is an employment defense attorney and president of the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association Public Benefit Fund. She lives in San Diego County. Jimenez is a San Diego County deputy district attorney and board member of the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association Public Benefit Fund. He lives in San Diego County.

The San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association Public Benefit Fund is honored to share the impactful programs our organization champions, particularly that of the Trial Advocacy Program — just one facet of our multifaceted approach to serving and uplifting our community.

The Trial Advocacy Program reaches into the hearts of six high schools in lower socioeconomic neighborhoods. Our mission is clear: to bolster existing high school mock trial programs and inspire high school students to set higher academic standards. At the trial program, we provide invaluable mentorship, guiding students through the justice system’s intricacies and nurturing their potential as future legal trailblazers. Students from Oceanside, King-Chavez, Lincoln, Sweetwater, Southwest and Crawford high schools volunteer their time and talents to be part of this enriching program, which exposes them to the larger San Diego County High School Mock Trial Competition.

Our involvement in the San Diego County High School Mock Trial Competition assists the students in testing their newfound skills, fostering growth, camaraderie and healthy competition. Though we do not administer the competition, our support for these schools underscores our commitment to educational excellence and equitable opportunities for all.

The Trial Advocacy Program’s goals are manifold, each aimed at enriching education and shaping future leaders. By educating high school students on the justice system, students are empowered to navigate its complexities with confidence and integrity. Exposure to professional role models inspires students to raise academic aspirations, striving for excellence in all endeavors.

The benefits for students are immeasurable, as they learn advocacy, strengthen their public speaking skills, and develop confidence and self-reliance. Additionally, networking opportunities with legal professionals provide invaluable insights and mentorship, propelling students towards higher education and a brighter future.

Our commitment to community empowerment extends beyond the courtroom. Through programs like Project L.E.A.D. (Legal Enrichment and Decision Making), offered in partnership with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, we instill positive values and life skills in fifth-graders, fostering informed decision-makers and responsible citizens.

Additionally, our En La Comunidad program embodies dedication to serving the broader San Diego community. By providing vital information and resources on education, tenant rights, immigration and employee rights, we empower our Latinx community to navigate legal challenges with confidence.

With great pride, the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association Public Benefit Fund serves to empower members of the San Diego community — both young and old — through educational programs that provide leadership development, mentorship and access to justice. By doing so, we create a more just and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

The Trial Advocacy Program is spearheaded by co-author Hector Jimenez, San Diego County deputy district attorney. Project L.E.A.D. is spearheaded by attorney Alara Chilton, owner and founder of the Law Office of Alara T. Chilton. En La Comunidad is spearheaded by Claudia Ignacio, tax attorney at Hone Maxwell, and Michelle Reynoso, criminal defense attorney, owner and founder of Reynoso Law. Co-author Arcelia Magaña, employment defense attorney at Jackson Lewis, P.C., is the president of the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association Public Benefit Fund and past president of the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association.

The San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association Public Benefit Fund was founded in 2021 as one of two charitable arms of the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association, an association of attorneys, judges and law students with an over 45-year history of empowerment and advocacy in San Diego.

If you would like to learn more about the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association Public Benefit Fund, including ways to contribute to the success of these programs, please visit SDLRLA.com or email us at larazalawyersPBF@gmail.com.