1L Ana Lozano grew up on the border of Mexico and the United States. She was born in El Paso, Texas, but she was raised and attended school in the border town Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. In high school, her dream of pursuing a legal career in the United States took form. Since then, she’s made every effort for that dream to become a reality.
“I was very intrigued by all the legal opportunities a JD degree offers and the chances to serve members in my community. I attended the University of Texas at El Paso and obtained a bachelor’s degree in accounting,” Lozano says. “I would cross the border from Mexico to the United States every school day, which can take two hours or more. I would use this time to study. My classes were in the morning, so I had to leave my house long before the sunrise to make it on time.”
When applying to law school, the S.J. Quinney College of Law appealed to Lozano for the experiential learning opportunities available. She appreciates that students are encouraged to apply their legal education through hands-on experiences, whether through in-house clinics, field placements, or the Career Development Office. She is eager to get her feet wet through the Pro Bono Initiative.
“I came to an Admitted Student Day, and the director of the Pro Bono Initiative gave a presentation, explaining where the Pro Bono Initiative existed. She mentioned that they are always open to creating new areas to serve the community. Knowing that Utah Law had a clear objective to give back made me realize I wanted to be a student here so I can serve the community and learn as I serve,” Lozano says.
Now a semester into her law school experience, Lozano enjoys her classes, and most especially her professors.
“Each professor gives so much time and energy to their classes. I enjoy seeing them teach with so much passion for a subject. The activities we do have changed my perspective of law school. I’m learning things in a way I did not expect, and it is better than what I could have ever imagined. Everyone is willing to help, and that makes me feel so happy and less nervous when I ask for it,” Lozano says.
She is also honored to be a recipient of the Arc fellowship through the Arc to Justice program, which provides scholarships to high-achieving first-year law students who have overcome significant challenges. These Arc fellowships are supported by four local law firms dedicated to supporting our underrepresented students: Kirton McConkie, Dentons Durham Jones & Pinegar, Parr Brown Gee & Loveless, and Parsons Behle & Latimer.
“As the first one in my family to attend graduate school and become a lawyer, the process is very unfamiliar, but this fellowship gives me hope that I will not be alone in this process. It offers mentorships and summer employment opportunities after the first year. I’ll get to know the legal community here in Utah and make connections,” Lozano says. “I feel deeply grateful for the Arc to Justice fellowship in helping me on my journey to become a lawyer. I hope one day I can help future law students and contribute to the community just like this fellowship does.”
Lozano is open to learning more about other areas of the law, but with an accounting background, she is currently drawn to tax law. As an undergraduate, she participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in her community and enjoyed searching for the “whys” in tax law procedures.
“During my time at VITA, I saw the impact knowledge can have on people and how knowledge is a tool to serve the community. My plan is to work in a law firm, but I also want to provide help to those who cannot afford a lawyer or legal services,” she says. “I’m excited to start work with the Pro Bono Initiative next semester, and I look forward to giving back to the community.”