A first-generation Latina law student and the daughter of Mexican immigrants, Valeria Jimenez says her parents instilled in her the importance of education from a young age. That focus on learning inspired her to launch a scholarship program for first-generation students in her hometown of Heber City, Utah. While attending the University of Utah for her undergraduate degree, she also became passionate about community outreach.
“I noticed the information gap facing my community that was preventing active engagement in the voting process, prompting me to form a student organization centered on registering eligible Latinos to vote,” Jimenez recalls. “Understanding the voting process is the first step in meaningfully participating in civic engagement, and I was so proud to see the transformation brought by sharing that with my community.”
When she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in political science, Jimenez worked to increase access to education and improve civic engagement, building a statewide student-led college and career readiness platform and collaborating with Utah judges on demystifying the court system.
“I specifically became passionate about simplifying the eviction process in Utah and promoting the basics of a rental agreement to help tenants navigate housing issues. I expanded on this passion as the outreach/case manager at Mountain Mediation Center, providing critical information to tenants and landlords about the specifics of renting to prevent conflicts from occurring in the first place,” Jimenez says. “While the work I did as an outreach/case manager made inroads to develop effective programming and materials for communities, this pushed me to further my knowledge on stabilizing housing and finding alternatives to evictions.”
To learn more about fighting the root causes of complex eviction processes, Jimenez decided to attend law school. The small class sizes and the professors’ accessibility were just two reasons the Utah Law stood out for her.
“S.J. Quinney College of Law kept calling my name because of its collegial and collaborative environment that transforms aspiring attorneys into passionate lawyers. Before beginning law school, I worked with the Utah judiciary to expand judicial outreach among K-12 schools and community organizations. While I served as the public outreach and education coordinator, SJQ alumnae Justice Diana Hagen and Justice Jill Pohlman were appointed and confirmed to the Utah Supreme Court,” Jimenez recalls. “Seeing these two accomplished and intellectual women serving further compelled me to apply to the College of Law.”
She was also excited about the opportunity to receive support for law school through the Arc to Justice program, which provides full-tuition scholarships to high-achieving 1Ls who have overcome significant obstacles and offers Arc fellows additional mentoring and summer employment opportunities after their 1L year.
“The Arc to Justice program showed me that the law school and law firm partners are committed to integrating law students into the legal community,” Jimenez says. “I believe that SJQ will prepare me to bring communities together in Utah, while respecting and acknowledging our different stories and backgrounds.”
Jimenez says she is “beyond grateful” to be named a 2024 Arc to Justice Fellow.
“This award embodies my hard work, passion, and commitment to public service. I also feel honored that S.J. Quinney values my potential, community-oriented perspective, and strong desire to use my law degree to increase access to justice. Additionally, I look forward to interacting with the law firm partners supporting this program and expressing my heartfelt gratitude,” she says. “With the Arc to Justice program, I can confidently pursue a legal education, gain access to additional mentoring support, and become the first person in my family to earn a law degree.”
Though she’s only been in law school for about a month, Jimenez has enjoyed getting to know her professors and their areas of expertise.
“My professors are passionate about the law and make the learning process enjoyable, which motivates me to do my best and participate in class. I also really like the College of Law’s focus on making sure that law students are prioritizing their well-being and maintaining their passions outside of law school,” she says. “Personally, I like that I feel comfortable bringing my unapologetic Latinidad and community-building skills to the classroom.”
She also values the field of law because it provides unlimited opportunities for public service and correcting injustices while allowing her to express empathy for people’s stories.
“I am most passionate about utilizing my law degree to help people who cannot afford an attorney with their legal problems. My previous roles as case manager, nonprofit manager, and community outreach coordinator have taught me to work collaboratively and directly with communities, community partners, and other agencies,” Jimenez says. “I am excited that no matter which area of the law I end up pursuing, I can bring my experiences and background with me.”
While she says she is keeping her options open, Jimenez is hoping for a clerkship after law school.
“A judge’s role in our judicial process is vital. By having the opportunity to clerk for a judge, I can hone my writing and research skills, meaningfully learn from a judge, and gain genuine insight into a variety of legal issues,” she says. “As a law student, I look forward to expanding my professional network and learning about different areas of the law, including public interest, administrative law, and dispute resolution.”
Jimenez wants to remain in her home state as well.
“Ultimately, I see myself practicing law in Utah for the foreseeable future, and the S.J. Quinney College of Law will best facilitate my goals to make an impact in our state,” she says. “Choosing to attend SJQ will allow me to incorporate my life experiences and perspectives as a Latina and first-generation law student raised in Utah. Utah holds a special place in my heart, and I want to be a part of its legal legacy.”
Learn more about the Arc to Justice program and how you can partner to support law students.