Students in Focus /law/ en 1L SPOTLIGHT: Nolan Anderson /law/2023/08/17/1l-spotlight-nolan-anderson <span>1L SPOTLIGHT: Nolan Anderson </span> <span><span>Anonymous (not verified)</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-08-17T12:53:40-06:00" title="Thursday, August 17, 2023 - 12:53">Thu, 08/17/2023 - 12:53</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/law/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/article-thumbnail/spotlights_1.png?h=1881f41d&amp;itok=Hj1vaXVY" width="1200" height="800" alt="Nolan Anderson"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/law/taxonomy/term/56"> News </a> <a href="/law/taxonomy/term/558"> Students </a> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-tags" itemprop="keywords"> <span class="visually-hidden">Tags:</span> <div class="ucb-article-tag-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-tags"></i> </div> <a href="/law/taxonomy/term/548" hreflang="en">News</a> <a href="/law/taxonomy/term/337" hreflang="en">Students in Focus</a> <a href="/law/taxonomy/term/249" hreflang="en">homepage news</a> </div> <span>Emily Battaglia</span> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default 3"> <div class="ucb-article-row-subrow row"> <div class="ucb-article-text col-lg d-flex align-items-center" itemprop="articleBody"> <div><p>With the academic year quickly approaching, Colorado Law is looking forward to welcoming the incoming class of new students. Over the next few weeks, we are highlighting some of our incredible 1Ls through a series of brief profiles. &nbsp;</p><p>Originally from Lamar, CO, Nolan Anderson (he/him) attended the United States Air Force Academy (Class of ‘16) and earned a B.S. in Political Science and a minor in Russian. In addition to his degree, he has completed various continuing education and training courses through the military pertaining to aviation, surveillance and reconnaissance, analysis, and leadership.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Meet the class of 2026’s Nolan Anderson!&nbsp;</p><p><strong>What inspired you to pursue a law degree?&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>NA</strong>: I've always known I've wanted to serve my community and found early on in my undergraduate studies that being a part of the decision making and dialogue within policy making is one of the most effective and impactful ways one can serve. I figure a law degree will equip me with the tools and understanding I need to do just that, and open networking opportunities other courses of study cannot.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>What is your current profession? &nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>NA</strong>: Up until the day classes start, I am an intelligence officer in the Air Force. Currently, I am working with a military trial defense lawyer in Colorado Springs through the DoD's SkillBridge program.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>What are your hobbies outside of work and school?&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>NA</strong>: I've been focused on exploring Colorado this past summer now that I have finally made my way back here, so anything outdoors at the moment! Other than that, lifting weights, running, cooking, catching a movie, video games, and I can't resist a good fiction novel, be it sci-fi, fantasy, or something else entirely.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>What are you most looking forward to this upcoming academic year?&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>NA</strong>: That’s a tough one because I know there’s still a lot I don’t know about law school. I’m very much looking forward to discovering which area of the law I feel most passionate about. I’m also excited to meet my peers and professors and finally get back into a true academic setting after having been away from one for so long.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Why did you choose Colorado Law?&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>NA</strong>: Colorado has always been a special place for me. I may be a little biased from growing up and completing my undergrad here. After visiting and living in several different states due to personal travel and mandatory military moves, I never imagined another area I’d want to set down roots and pursue law in other than Colorado. After researching the law schools here, I quickly learned Colorado Law was the right choice for me. From its stellar academics, particularly in environmental law, to the networking opportunities it provides, to its unbeatable location, I was sold after coming to visit for a tour last year.&nbsp;</p></div> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content-media ucb-article-content-media-right col-lg"> <div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--media paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle large_image_style"> <img loading="lazy" src="/law/sites/default/files/styles/large_image_style/public/article-image/spotlights_1.png?itok=SjBYLbeG" width="1500" height="844" alt="Nolan anderson"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div>With the academic year quickly approaching, Colorado Law is looking forward to welcoming the incoming class of new students. Over the next few weeks, we are highlighting some of our incredible 1Ls through a series of brief profiles. </div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Thu, 17 Aug 2023 18:53:40 +0000 Anonymous 11757 at /law 1L Spotlights: Hannah Cardozo /law/2023/08/15/1l-spotlights-hannah-cardozo-0 <span>1L Spotlights: Hannah Cardozo </span> <span><span>Anonymous (not verified)</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-08-15T14:45:30-06:00" title="Tuesday, August 15, 2023 - 14:45">Tue, 08/15/2023 - 14:45</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/law/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/article-thumbnail/hannah_cardozo.png?h=2f90e530&amp;itok=jp1iTi99" width="1200" height="800" alt="Hannah Cardozo"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/law/taxonomy/term/56"> News </a> <a href="/law/taxonomy/term/558"> Students </a> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-tags" itemprop="keywords"> <span class="visually-hidden">Tags:</span> <div class="ucb-article-tag-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-tags"></i> </div> <a href="/law/taxonomy/term/337" hreflang="en">Students in Focus</a> <a href="/law/taxonomy/term/249" hreflang="en">homepage news</a> <a href="/law/taxonomy/term/25" hreflang="en">students</a> </div> <span>Emily Battaglia</span> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default 3"> <div class="ucb-article-row-subrow row"> <div class="ucb-article-text col-lg d-flex align-items-center" itemprop="articleBody"> <div><p>With the academic year quickly approaching, Colorado Law is looking forward to welcoming the incoming class of new students. Over the next few weeks, we will be highlighting some of our incredible 1Ls through a series of brief profiles! First up, we have Hannah Cardozo (she/her).</p><p>Raised in Tampa, FL, Hannah graduated from the University of North Florida in 2021. While there, she was a member of the Women’s Soccer Team, and earned degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice. &nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-US">Meet the Class of 2026’s Hannah Cardozo!&nbsp;</p><p lang="EN-US"><strong>How have you been spending your time since you graduated in 2021?&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>HC</strong>: After graduating, I stayed in Jacksonville until moving to Colorado in June. In Jax, I worked as a medical malpractice paralegal at a personal injury firm. I also went on volunteer trips to Nicaragua and Hawaii that were very encouraging and confirmed I was on the right path.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Outside of work and school, what are some of your hobbies?&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>HC</strong>: I really enjoy going to the gym and being active. Since moving, I have tried to get out and hike as often as possible! When I am home, I spend time reading and hanging out with my two cats.&nbsp; Other hobbies of mine include traveling as much as possible and going to concerts. Hopefully, come winter, I will be adding snowboarding to this list, but I’ll definitely be needing some lessons.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><strong>What inspired you to attend Colorado Law?&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>HC</strong>: As far as my inspiration goes, I have always known that I wanted to help people. I realized after graduating that going to law school would provide me with the best means to help as many people as possible. I am currently torn between environmental law or civil rights law, but I know both would give me the opportunity to positively impact a lot of people. &nbsp;</p><p><strong>What are you most looking forward to this upcoming academic year?&nbsp;</strong></p><p>This year I am most looking forward to getting back into the academic environment! I have missed school so much and am incredibly excited to start this journey. I’m also excited to meet my classmates and professors. You hear a lot about the wonderful connections that people make in law school, so I am definitely looking forward to meeting some amazing people and mentors.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content-media ucb-article-content-media-right col-lg"> <div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--media paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle large_image_style"> <img loading="lazy" src="/law/sites/default/files/styles/large_image_style/public/article-image/hannah_cardozo.png?itok=q74y64L-" width="1500" height="844" alt="Hannah cardozo"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div>With the academic year quickly approaching, Colorado Law is looking forward to welcoming the incoming class of new students. Over the next few weeks, we will be highlighting some of our incredible 1Ls through a series of brief profiles! First up, we have Hannah Cardozo (she/her).</div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Tue, 15 Aug 2023 20:45:30 +0000 Anonymous 11754 at /law Vanessa Cortez ('20) Uses Legal Education to Give Back to Colorado Communities /law/2019/11/15/vanessa-cortez-20-uses-legal-education-give-back-colorado-communities <span>Vanessa Cortez ('20) Uses Legal Education to Give Back to Colorado Communities </span> <span><span>Anonymous (not verified)</span></span> <span><time datetime="2019-11-15T13:24:02-07:00" title="Friday, November 15, 2019 - 13:24">Fri, 11/15/2019 - 13:24</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/law/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/article-thumbnail/vanessacortez.jpg?h=0960167e&amp;itok=4uWn8mFz" width="1200" height="800" alt="Vanessa Cortez"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-categories" itemprop="about"> <span class="visually-hidden">Categories:</span> <div class="ucb-article-category-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-folder-open"></i> </div> <a href="/law/taxonomy/term/56"> News </a> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-tags" itemprop="keywords"> <span class="visually-hidden">Tags:</span> <div class="ucb-article-tag-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-tags"></i> </div> <a href="/law/taxonomy/term/337" hreflang="en">Students in Focus</a> <a href="/law/taxonomy/term/249" hreflang="en">homepage news</a> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default 3"> <div class="ucb-article-row-subrow row"> <div class="ucb-article-text col-lg d-flex align-items-center" itemprop="articleBody"> <div><p>As an incoming law student, <strong>Vanessa Cortez</strong> ('20) didn’t have many connections to the legal profession. She didn’t grow up with lawyers in her family or have opportunities to meet many before law school. Connections made at Colorado Law and beyond helped Cortez grow her support network and advance toward her goal of helping Coloradans in need.</p><p>As a first-generation law student, opening the door to opportunities in the field hasn’t been easy. At professional events, Cortez is often the only Latina. She still hears offensive terminology used against minorities within the occupation. These are daily experiences for students of color, both inside and outside of the legal profession, she said. "It feels like a fight all the time to make space in this profession as a student of color," Cortez said.</p><p>Cortez earned a BS in sociology from Colorado State University-Pueblo in 2017. It was during her time as an undergraduate student that she found a passion for law and public service. She came to law school to learn the necessary skills to assist low-income communities, people of color, and communities that typically have less access to legal services.</p><p>A Colorado native, Cortez always knew she wanted to remain close to the community where she was born and raised. By choosing Colorado Law to obtain her JD, Cortez was able to stay close to her family while building professional connections in the community to which she would later give back.</p><blockquote><p>"I’ve been able to connect with different communities in ways I wouldn't be able without a legal degree or legal education."</p></blockquote><p>An externship Cortez completed last summer at the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) Office for Civil Rights in Denver solidified her interest in public service.</p><p>Working alongside lawyers on cases of civil rights in the education system, Cortez supported students, teachers, parents, and administrators in the education system to give them access to legal protections, such as the ability to file a complaint about civil rights violations.</p><p>"I’ve been able to connect with different communities in ways I wouldn't be able without a legal degree or legal education," Cortez said.</p><p>Externships allow law students to earn academic credit while performing legal work at government agencies or nonprofit organizations. Last spring, about 75 students participated in externships. This semester, there is a record-high of 103 students completing externships at organizations such as the Colorado Attorney General’s Office, the ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ District Attorney’s Office, and the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.</p><p>"Externships give students an opportunity to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it in a real-world legal setting," said <strong>Emily Horowitz</strong>, Schaden Director of Experiential Learning and Public Service Programs at Colorado Law. She oversees Colorado Law’s <a href="/law/node/117" rel="nofollow">externship program</a>.</p><p>In many cases, including Cortez’s, externships show students the extent to which an attorney can make a positive and powerful impact on people’s lives. The face-to-face interactions Cortez experienced at her externship humanized her view of legal work, she said. After completing the program, she knows not only how to help people in communities with less access to legal protection, but also how much it matters.</p><p>Back in ºù«ÍÞÊÓƵ, connections made at Colorado Law have been instrumental in helping Cortez achieve her professional goals. In particular, Cortez said that Horowitz supported her on both an academic and personal level. Horowitz not only facilitated her externship, but also visited her onsite at the DOE and connected with the lawyers Cortez was working with. On top of these efforts, Horowitz invited Cortez to speak at the Law Alumni Board after the completion of her externship to discuss her experience.</p><p>"She makes room for me at the table where there's never been room for someone like me," Cortez said.</p><p>Cortez’s support network extends outside of the law school as well. She mentors minority and low-income undergraduates who are interested in law through the Law School...Yes We Can program. She volunteered at the "I Have a Dream" Foundation, which provides tutoring, among other forms of social, emotional, and academic support, to children of low-income communities. Last year, she was vice president of Colorado Law’s LatinX Law Students Association, which works to build community for underrepresented law students.</p><p>Her supervisor at the DOE, <strong>Angela Martinez-Gonzalez</strong> ('89), also became a valuable mentor and connection for Cortez. "[Vanessa’s] passion for wanting to make a difference and serve the public was evident immediately," she said.</p><p>"While all of my supervisors have been great, this was just a special connection," Cortez said.</p><p>Cortez’s future is bright. She has accepted a postgraduate position at the Law Office of Michael L. Garcia in Pueblo, Colorado, where she will work on criminal defense, dependency, neglect, and other family law matters alongside <strong>Michael Garcia</strong> ('95), another mentor of Cortez’s.</p><p>"He is another personal and professional mentor who has helped me learn, grow, and to get to where I am today," Cortez said. She hopes to integrate civil rights work into her practice and work on immigration cases pro bono.</p><p>Horowitz said she has no doubt Cortez will go on to do incredibly meaningful work. Despite the challenges she’s faced as an underrepresented student, Cortez has thrived at Colorado Law and hopes to make a difference for underrepresented communities in Colorado.</p><p>"I am confident that Vanessa will continue to vigilantly work to ensure equity and protect civil rights in her life's work," Martinez-Gonzalez added.</p></div> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content-media ucb-article-content-media-right col-lg"> <div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--media paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle large_image_style"> <img loading="lazy" src="/law/sites/default/files/styles/large_image_style/public/article-image/vanessacortez.jpg?itok=Ph-UB0u3" width="1500" height="1001" alt="Vanessa Cortez"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div>As an incoming law student, Vanessa Cortez ('20) didn’t have many connections to the legal profession. Relationships built at Colorado Law and beyond helped Cortez grow her support network and advance toward her goal of helping Coloradans in need.</div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Fri, 15 Nov 2019 20:24:02 +0000 Anonymous 9027 at /law