Events
About the Lawtina Network Summit
In August 2021, inspired by the success of the Lawtinas in Training 1L Bootcamp, alumna Brianna Chapa (J.D. ’23) founded the Lawtina Network. The Lawtina Network — in partnership with the St. Mary’s University School of Law faculty, staff and community partners, and Lawtina Network student organization chapters — proudly invites you to attend the fifth annual Lawtina Network Summit on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, at St. Mary’s School of Law in San Antonio, Texas.
The Lawtina Network Summit celebrates Latinas at all stages of their legal career — from pre-law to practice. The summit will include info sessions, relationship-building activities and networking opportunities for pre-law and Latina lawyers across the country. For pre-law students, last year’s Law School Fair hit capacity with representatives from 12 law schools. This is a special opportunity for pre-law students. As the Lawtina Network continues to grow, Chapa hopes to make it into a nonprofit organization with chapters in law schools across the nation. This event is open to all Latinas in law and non-Latina allies who support their success.
Attending the Lawtina Summit was a life-changing moment for me. For the first time, I felt truly connected, seen and affirmed within the legal field. Being surrounded by Lawtinas who came before me and alongside me instilled a deep sense of pride in my culture and confidence in my place within the profession. I witnessed firsthand how we are breaking barriers and excelling in spaces where we have historically been underrepresented.
Immediately after attending the 2024 Summit, I knew I had to bring the Lawtina Network to the University of Texas at Austin. I founded the UT chapter so that other Lawtinas could experience the same sense of belonging, inspiration and empowerment that had such a profound impact on me. Today, Lawtinas at UT have a community that fosters connection, confidence and intentional preparation as they navigate their law school journeys and future legal careers. Lawtina fosters community, representation and collective empowerment, ensuring that Lawtinas know they belong and that their voices matter in the legal profession.
Alexia Barrera, first-year J.D. student, St. Mary’s Law
Tracks
Three tracks will be available for participants: Pre-Law (for aspiring law students), Lawtina-in-Training (for law students) and Lawtinas (for members of the bench and bar). Each track will address common issues, questions and concerns that a Latina in Law might face at that stage of their legal career. All three tracks will converge for shared sessions, fostering cross-track networking and relationship building.
Pre-Law Track
Focused on aspiring Lawtinas, our Pre-Law Track will cover law school application basics, financing and selecting a law school, including a law school fair where attendees will network with law school admissions officers.
Lawtinas-in-Training Track
Focused on accepted or enrolled J.D. students, Lawtina-in-training will explore how to develop and discover one’s law school identity, creating a healthy state of mind, surviving finals, balancing family commitments, time management, managing relationships and academic success.
Lawtinas, Members of the Bench and Bar Track
This track focuses on growth, mindset, and personal and professional development. This includes personal branding and navigating employment, from seeking to negotiating to excelling. Most of all, we provide the opportunity to connect and collaborate with other Latinas in the legal profession.
The Lawtina Network Summit was a turning point in my law school career. I’m a first-generation law student who juggles school, working and keeping up with my husband and kids. I didn’t understand the importance of networking. When I attended my first Summit, I was able to connect with legal professionals who inspired me to dream bigger. Hearing their stories gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities I thought were out of reach. At the Summit, I found mentors who introduced me to employers that ultimately offered me my first legal internship! I also built connections with other students who shared helpful study tips, and over time, our study sessions grew into meaningful, lasting friendships. I will be forever grateful for the Lawtina Network Summit and the positive impact it has had on my legal career.”
Zoe Quiroz-Banks, May 2026 J.D. graduate, St. Mary’s Law
2025 Lawtina Network Summit Chair
Registration
Registration is now open for the 2026 Lawtina Network Summit.
All Summit registrants must complete the Participant Questionnaire. The link to the questionnaire will be in the registration confirmation email.
Please contact us at lawtinanetwork@gmail.com with any questions.
Schedule
| Time | Track | Location | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 to 9 a.m. | All | University Center (UC), Mengler Conference Room | Check in and Breakfast (Mariachi starts at 8:30) |
| 9 to 9:15 a.m. | All | UC, Mengler Conference Room | Welcome |
| 9:15 to 10 a.m. | All | UC, Mengler Conference Room | Plenary: Powered by Passion – Gabriela “Gaby” Pacheco, President and CEO, TheDream.US |
| 10 to 10:15 a.m. | All | UC, Mengler Conference Room | Break |
| 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. | All | UC, Mengler Conference Room | Panel Discussion 1: Powered by Community Building Supportive Networks Professionally and Personally – The Hon. Angélica Jiménez (J.D. ’10), Bexar County, 408th Civil District Court – Emma Cano, J.D., Founding Member, Jefferson Cano – Elizabeth Sandoval Cantu (J.D. ’99), Managing and Founding Member, Ramon Worthington Cantu LLC |
| 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. | All | UC, Conference Rooms | Break and Split into Tracks |
| 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. | Lawyers | UC, Conference Room B | Panel Discussion 2: Powered by Experience Strategies for a Sustainable and Ethical Litigation Practice (Accredited CLE credits: .75 Hour/.50 Ethics Hour) – Leslie Vásquez Rodriguez (B.A. ’07, J.D. ’14), Personal Injury Attorney, Gamez Law Firm – Dannick Villaseñor-Hernandez (J.D. ’11), Partner, Espinoza & Brock |
| Pre-Law and Law Students | UC, Mengler Conference Room | Helix Session | |
| 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. | All | UC, Mengler Conference Room | Lunch and Networking Opportunity |
| 12:45 to 1:30 p.m. | All | UC, Mengler Conference Room | Panel Discussion 3: Powered By Purpose Public Service and Lasting Impact – Ofelia Delgado, J.D., Owner/Managing Attorney, Delgado Law Firm PLLC – Claudia Galan (J.D. ’17), Owner and CEO, The Galan Law Firm |
| 1:30 to 1:45 p.m. | All | St. Mary’s School of Law | Transition |
| 1:45 to 2 p.m. | Pre-Law | Law Classrooms Building, Joe A. Gamez Courtroom | Pre-Law Panel: How to Pick Your Law School |
| 2 to 3 p.m. | Pre-Law | Sarita Kenedy East Law Library, Law Alumni Room | Law School Fair |
Law School Fair
These law schools will be participating in the Law School Fair at the Lawtina Network Summit:
- Ave Maria Law
- Michigan State University College of Law
- Notre Dame Law School
- South Texas College of Law
- St. Mary’s University School of Law
- Texas Tech University School of Law
- University of Houston Law Center
- UT Austin School of Law
Attending the Lawtina Network Summit allowed me to experience being surrounded by hardworking, intelligent women. This made me feel like anything is possible. Being around other Lawtinas gave me the hope that there will be more Lawtinas who will pursue becoming attorneys. I left feeling empowered and inspired for the future of Lawtinas cause it’s only up from here.”
Juliana Figueroa, May 2026 J.D. graduate, St. Mary’s Law
Become a Sponsor
Every aspect of our summit is organized by volunteers who believe deeply in our mission. From planning sessions to event day logistics, our team contributes countless hours to ensure a meaningful experience for our attendees.
While our people power is volunteer-driven, the summit itself is made possible through the generosity of sponsors.
Below is a list of available sponsorship levels, along with the benefits for each level. Our goal is to obtain sponsorships to fully defray the cost for our student chapters, and provide scholarships. We sincerely appreciate your support! Sponsorships received before Sept. 5 will be listed on our website. Questions? Email lawtinanetwork@gmail.com.
Sponsorship Levels (donation link is below)
MADRINAS – $3,000 or more:
- Registration for six (6) individuals to attend the summit and welcome reception. Any number of tickets may be donated to law students and pre-law attendees.
- Recognition of your contribution during the dean’s address.
- Acknowledgement of your sponsorship on the Lawtina Network webpage.
- Company name listed as a sponsor on television monitors in the opening slideshow and event signage.
- One (1) featured social media post on Lawtina channels highlighting your organization, plus three (3) additional mentions.
COMADRES – $2,000 or more:
- Registration for four (4) individuals to attend the summit and welcome reception. Any number of tickets may be donated to law students and pre-law attendees.
- Recognition of your contribution during the dean’s address.
- Acknowledgement of your sponsorship on the Lawtina Network webpage.
- Company name listed as a sponsor on television monitors in the opening slideshow and event signage.
- One (1) featured social media post on Lawtina channels highlighting your organization, plus two (2) additional mentions.
AMIGAS – $1,000:
- Registration for two (2) individuals to attend the summit and welcome reception. Any number of tickets may be donated to law students and pre-law attendees.
- Recognition of your contribution during the dean’s address.
- Acknowledgement of your sponsorship on the Lawtina Network webpage.
- Company name listed as a sponsor on television monitors in the opening slideshow and event signage.
- One (1) featured social media post on Lawtina channels highlighting your organization, plus one (1) additional mention.
QUERIDAS- $500:
- Registration for two (2) individuals to attend the summit and welcome reception. Any number of tickets may be donated to law students and pre-law attendees.
- Recognition of your contribution during the dean’s address.
- Acknowledgement of your sponsorship on the Lawtina Network webpage.
- Company name listed as a sponsor on television monitors in the opening slideshow and event signage.
COMPAÑERAS- $300:
- Recognition of your contribution during the dean’s address.
- Acknowledgement of your sponsorship on the Lawtina Network webpage.
- Company name listed as a sponsor on television monitors in the opening slideshow and event signage.
Sponsors
Title Sponsor
Madrinas Sponsors
The Hon. Cynthia Chapa (J.D. ’06)
Bethbiriah Sanchez (J.D. ’15) of Sanchez Law
Leah Wise (J.D. ’16)
Comadres Sponsor
Sara E. Dysart (B.A. ’74, J.D. ’81)
Amigas Sponsors
The Hon. Antonia “Toni” Arteaga (J.D. ’00)
Espinoza & Brock, PLLC
The Hon. Marisa Flores (B.B.A. ’03), J.D.
Gamez Law Firm
Queridas Sponsor
Deborah Cordova (J.D. ’02)
The Hon. Robbie Partida-Kipness (J.D. ’98)
Compañeras Sponsor
Professor of Law Albert Kauffman, J.D.
Sponsorship payment can also be made by check to St. Mary’s University School of Law, specifying Lawtina Network Summit in the subject line.
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Checks can be mailed to:
St. Mary’s University School of Law
Attn: Office of the Dean
1 Camino Santa Maria
San Antonio, TX 78228
Never have I experienced a community as united and inspiring as the Lawtina Network! From pre-law tailored events to networking with Latina attorneys and judges, the Summit provides a powerful space where Latinas at every stage of their legal journey can connect and uplift one another. As a co-founder of the Lawtina Network branch at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, I’ve seen firsthand the impact this community has on aspiring Latina attorneys.
The 2025 Summit will be my third year attending, and each year it continues to exceed my expectations. I was also honored to receive the 2023 Lawtina Network Summit LSAT Scholarship, which helped cover the cost of my exam and showed the Network’s true commitment to helping Lawtinas succeed. This community continues to remind me why I’m so proud to pursue a legal career.”
Daisy Gonzalez, pre-law student, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Co-Founder, UTRGV Lawtina Network Chapter
The reason I am a third-year J.D. student at St Mary’s School of Law is all thanks to the Lawtina Network Summit. As an immigrant without any guidance, I knew what my path was, but I did not know how to get there. Brianna Chapa, the founder of this wonderful organization, took me under her wing and showed me the ropes. Attending the first-ever online summit was an experience that will forever shape my legal career. Attending the in-person summit last year was a testament to how many lives the Lawtina Network has impacted, and I can’t wait to see what the next year brings.”
Yuliana Gaytan Portillo, May 2025 J.D. graduate, St. Mary’s Law
2024 Lawtina Network Summit Chair