Student Organizations

Mexican American Law Student Association

Fighting for Justice Banquet

The MALSA Fighting for Justice award is awarded annually to an individual or organization whose efforts have greatly increased access of legal services to those who have traditionally had little or no access to legal services.

History of Fighting for Justice

In 1996, the Mexican American Law Student Association (MALSA) initiated its first Fighting for Justice Banquet, an event celebrating and honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to the Hispanic community, both in the legal profession and beyond.

Past Recipients of the MALSA Fighting for Justice Award

Olga Pedrosa (1996)

For her commitment as a farm worker's advocate and for her work with the poor in southern New Mexico.

Antonio Silva (1997)

For his representation of Hispanic law enforcement agents in a nationwide employment discrimination action against the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Fred Hart, Professor Emeritus of Law & Former Dean of the University of New Mexico School of Law (1998)

For his relentless dedication to the recruitment and retention of minority students at the University of New Mexico School of Law.

Dwight Duran (1999)

For his passionate struggle for basic human rights for prisoners.

Honorable Steve Herrera (2000)

Posthumously, for his life long struggle to further the role of Hispanic lawyers in New Mexico jurisprudence and for reducing the disparity in bar passage rates between minority and non-minority applicants.

Placido Gomez, Professor of Law at St. Mary’s University (2000)

For his continuous commitment to the legal education of minority students and his unselfish support of indigent and under-represented individuals and groups in the criminal justice system.

Mexican Consulate of Albuquerque, under the leadership of Jaime Paz y Puente (2001)

For protecting and enforcing the human and legal rights of Mexicans living abroad.

Mirna Torres (2002)

For her public service work on behalf of undocumented women and children who have been the victims of domestic abuse.

Rolando Rios (2003)

For his significant work on redistricting to increase minority representation in voting districts.

Hispano Round Table of New Mexico (2004)

For their work toward parity for Hispanics in employment and economic opportunities in New Mexico and for their work toward the elimination of discrimination against Hispanics in hiring, retention, promotion, and salary by employers in New Mexico.

Arturo Jaramillo (2005)

For his efforts in establishing the State Bar Summer Clerkship Program and for his commitment to creating opportunities for minority law students.

The Honorable Daniel Sosa, Jr. (2006)

For his work as one of the first Hispanic attorneys in Las Cruces, for his contributions to the New Mexico Supreme Court, and for his efforts as a founding member of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF).