Contact:

Laurie Mellas-Ramirez, 277-5915

November 12, 2001

HISPANIC BAR NAMES STUDENT ASSOCIATION GROUP OF THE YEAR
UNM law students hold food drive through Friday

The Hispanic National Bar Association recently honored the University of New Mexico's Mexican American Law Student Association (MALSA) as "Law Student Group of the Year."

MALSA was noted for its mentorship program, voter registration drive, moot court and mock trial competitions and fundraising events.

A non-profit student organization, MALSA has a rich thirty-year history at UNM. Current Attorney General Patricia Madrid and New Mexico Supreme Court Justice Petra Maes are former members.

MALSA serves its membership and the community in many ways. The association is currently holding a food drive. Items can be dropped off in the UNM School of Law forum today through Friday, Nov. 16.

In August, MALSA sponsored a "School Supplies Drive" to raise money and collect school supplies for needy children in Albuquerque. The group hosted the 2nd Annual MALSA Golf Tournament in September to benefit members.

The association's primary goal for the 2001-2002 academic year is to establish the MALSA Foundation. The foundation will provide funding to members for participation in activities such as career and job fairs, moot court competitions, national conferences and conventions. The foundation will also assist third year MALSA members with bar scholarships.

In addition, MALSA provides a mentorship program for first year law students, which includes seminars on case briefing, outlining, legal research and test taking. The group coordinates a mock LSAT program at universities throughout New Mexico to provide support and answer questions from Hispanics who are interested in attending law school. Members also travel to the local middle and high schools to talk to youth.

In January 2002, MALSA will host a Hispanic Judges Reception to honor New Mexico judges.

In April of each year MALSA hosts its annual Fighting For Justice Banquet. The Fighting For Justice Award is presented to individuals or organizations who have fought for justice on behalf of historically underrepresented people. Last year the Mexican Consulate earned the award.

"MALSA is proud to be receiving the award for the Law Student Group of the Year. This award is a tribute to the tireless dedication and devotion demonstrated by MALSA members throughout the thirty-year history of our organization," said 2001-02 MALSA President Joseph A. Sapien.

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The University of New Mexico
Public Affairs Department
Hodgin Hall, 2nd floor
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0011
Telephone: (505) 277-5813
Fax: (505) 277-1981