UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

JAMES E. ROGERS COLLEGE OF LAW

AUGUST 28, 2024

UPCOMING EVENTS

September 4

Short Story Reading Club

September 17

Legal Paraprofessional Liability Insurance Info Session

October 19

Homecoming

Greetings,

This week, we introduce you to our Student Bar Association President for the new academic year, Maelene Rosales. Maelene and the rest of the SBA are already hard at work welcoming new students and planning events, both fun and educational, for all. The SBA has also been a regular channel for making suggestions, raising concerns and offering student perspectives on legal education.

Until the footnotes,

Marc

FEATURE

Q&A with 2024-25 Student Bar Association President Maelene Rosales

Meet the 2024-25 Student Bar Association (SBA) president at University of Arizona Law, Maelene Rosales. From fostering a supportive community to enhancing student engagement, Maelene is ready to lead with passion and purpose.

Name: Maelene Rosales

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

Undergrad: Abilene Christian University (Abilene, TX), political science with minor in criminal justice

What first inspired you to pursue a law degree?

I was inspired to pursue a law degree when I was thirteen after some research into how I could help other Native Communities protect their land against a pipeline being built through their reservation. As a young Native person in Texas, I felt powerless and wanted to know more about how I could make a difference. I then learned about environmental law and policy. Eventually that evolved into my personal pursuit of helping indigenous peoples.

What do you hope to do with your law degree?

I hope to become a public defender and create law and policy regarding criminal justice and lowering recidivism rates through rehabilitation.

What are you looking forward to this year?

I am looking forward to so many things this year, but I think that the Welcome Back Picnic will be my favorite because it was the first event that I worked on during my 1L year, so it will feel like an incredible full circle moment for me.

What do you think everyone should experience as an Arizona Law student?

Personally, I think that SBA’s Trivia Nights are some of the best memories that I have made during my time at Arizona Law!

What do you think everyone should experience living in Tucson?

I think that everyone should experience hiking A Mountain while living in Tucson! It’s a quick hike that has a gorgeous view the entire time.

Favorite restaurant in Tucson? What do you order?

Noodleholics is my #1! I get the Guilin with crispy pork! It hits the spot every time!

Favorite hangout spot on campus?

I have two spots that you will find me at on campus, either the courtyard or the dean’s lobby on the couches!

What legacy or impact do you hope to leave as SBA president?

As SBA President I hope that my impact is on all of the students that I have had the privilege of interacting with have the opportunity to make Arizona Law their home and that they all felt that I did everything in my power to advocate for them because I truly care about each of them as individuals.

This interview has been edited for length. To read more, see the full story here.

AROUND THE COLLEGE

University of Arizona Law Veterans Advocacy Law Clinic Expands Staffing, Services with $300,000 Gift

The Veterans Advocacy Law Clinic (VALC) at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law was awarded a $300,000 gift from Philip Morris International (PMI) enabling the clinic to expand staffing and provide additional services to current and former military service members in Arizona.

VALC is a multi-disciplinary legal clinic that offers pro bono legal services to veterans, their families and their communities. Students in the clinic work under the supervision of experienced attorneys to represent veterans in various legal matters, including cases before local veterans treatment courts, federal courts and administrative hearings as well as policy issues related to military service.

The gift from PMI will allow VALC to hire additional attorneys, enabling the clinic to enroll more law students, therefore expanding services to veterans. Funds will also be used to support a new initiative, operating a mobile law clinic to increase access to legal services and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for rural and Tribal veterans.

“As Director of the Clinic, I have long wanted to expand our free legal services to underserved veterans—those who live in ‘legal deserts.’ Research shows that the majority of rural and Tribal veterans do not access the services they need or are entitled to due to factors such as geography, lack of infrastructure and technology, and distance from the VA and legal providers,” said Kristine Huskey, director of VALC. “We are so thrilled to start this project!”

For the full story, see here.

Two Arizona Law Students Help Lead National Black Law Students Association

Two third-year JD students are in leadership on the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA) Board of Directors for the 2024-25 academic year. NBLSA, the largest student-run 501(c)(3) national organization, aims to increase the number of culturally responsible Black and minority law students who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community. Troi Madison Newman is the Western Regional Chair. In this role, she oversees a region of ten states, 40 schools and over 350 NBLSA members. Mattie King serves as a Member-at-Large.

Last year, Troi and Mattie led the Arizona Law BLSA chapter as president and vice president. The chapter hosted events for law students and the community throughout the year, including the fireside chat with local law firm leaders pictured above.

Save the Date: Two Months Until Homecoming

Mark your calendars: University of Arizona Homecoming is coming up in just two short months! We hope you will join us the weekend of October 19 for all the traditional festivities, including the Arizona Law Red & Blue BBQ.

Learn More Here

IN THE NEWS

Recent AZ Supreme Court rulings show a divided court, not a biased court, UA professor says

KJZZ, featuring Barbara Atwood

Who’s Taking America’s Water?

Climate Town, featuring Robert Glennon

Do You Have News?

Your success is the college’s success and we want to celebrate with you! If you have landed a new job, received an award or recognition, stepped into a leadership role or have good news in general, let us know.

Share Your News Here

Instagram, @uarizonalaw

My regular meetings with the SBA President provide valuable insights into student priorities. Most years and most meetings the SBA President and other SBA leaders come prepared with an agenda of current issues, and there are topics where I request feedback and guidance. I always welcome direct outreach from any student – the regular SBA meetings expand the path for communication, and I look forward to working with Maelene and the SBA board this year.

Warmly,