To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month 2022, the CBA’s YLS D&I committee is shining a spotlight on local Hispanic/Latinx attorneys and law students in the Greater Cincinnati legal community. CBA members nominated Hispanic/Latinx attorneys and law students for recognition, and members of the YLS D&I committee conducted interviews to learn more about them.
Meet Annelisse Velazquez, a third year law student at the University of Cincinnati College of Law.
1. What is the best way in your opinion to enhance diversity and inclusion in the Cincinnati legal community?
I do not think many minorities, at least Hispanics, know about law school. Law school was never mentioned to me– it is not really advertised to minorities that much. People who know about things, have contacts, know about graduate programs like law school. If you do not know about law school or have these contacts, it makes it harder to try and find things within or about the legal community. In order to enhance diversity and inclusion, more minorities need to be aware that law school is an option/ be exposed to different opportunities that affords them the opportunity to secure these contacts.
2. How has being Hispanic impacted your law school experience?
Coming to UC after a negative experience with racism at my previous law school, I have not had an issue with the school. Because Spanish is my first language, sometimes it is hard to not understand things completely, it takes a bit to comprehend things. Additionally, I am having to wrap my head around concepts that were taught here but not in Puerto Rico. There are a lot of concepts and things that other people and even professors assume I know that I have no idea what they are talking about, so that has been something to work on throughout my law school experience.
On the other hand, it can sometimes be a positive experience when looking for jobs as a lot of organizations and places need Spanish-speakers; it just depends on the scenario, sometimes it can be an advantage and sometimes it can be a disadvantage.
3. Why do you believe it’s important to celebrate Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month?
Hispanics are such a big part of the community right now and every year it grows more and more– we deserve a moment to shine and have the spotlight; to highlight everything we do and contribute to the community because we do have a lot of achievements, which are sometimes pushed aside.
4. What advice do you have for young people interested in law/ law students?
If you are in undergrad, talk to law students just to gain some perspective. For people who are already in law school, reach out to attorneys/lawyers as soon as you can. Additionally, your 1L job is super important, something I was not told at my previous law school and that you can miss out on opportunities if you do not land a job in an area of interest your first year. Finally, networking and reaching out are super important as connections are everything in the legal field.
5. What inspires you everyday?
My daughter
6. What is your favorite comfort dish?
My Dad’s Lasagna
7. What’s a fun fact about yourself?
I was on Puerto Rico’s National Taekwondo Team
8. If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self in law school, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to get out there and network and meet people. Do not be afraid to get cold-called on – it is not that bad after it happens the first time!