Our Stories
I
wasn’t interested in law. I was already an engineer and a graduate of UC Berkley, working as an engineer and builder of affordable housing. Then several of my friends said, “let’s try law school. Let’s take the law entrance exam to see how we do.” I took it just to accompany my friends and to see what it was like. This was in 1970. I had a friend Luis Nogales, the Assistant to the President for Mexican American Affairs at Stanford University—and also a graduate of Stanford Law School. Luis was trying to recruit Chicanos and Latinos to Stanford Law School. Luis called me and said, I think it would be great for you. If you are accepted, “We can get you a scholarship if you apply.” So, I thought about it. I took the LSAT, applied, was admitted to law school, quit my engineering job, left my business to my partner, and started a new adventure. I soon learned that Stanford Law School admitted only five Latino and five African American students to the law school each year. I thought it was a limitation that was ridiculous. I organized a few other students and complained to the admissions staff. It took us six or eight months of demonstrations and demands to end the practice. By the time I graduated, our four-member group of Latinos was able to recommend 25 Latino applicants, of which 17 completed the process and were all admitted.
Taking Down Barriers By Retired Judge Rafael Arreola Cofounder La Raza Lawyers Association
Arriving In San Diego After graduating from Stanford University Law School in 1974, I was hired by Legal Aid in Alameda County, where I worked as a staff attorney. In 1975, the San Diego office asked me to interview and I was hired immediately, serving for 18 months before being promoted to Managing Attorney. Soon after, we opened the Chula Vista Legal Aid office.
Retirement Party from Legal Aid Society, 1980 (Photo courtesy © Rafael Arreola)
Rafael Arreola Appointed SD Municipal Court Judge, 1981 (Photo courtesy © Rafael Arreola)
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San Diego Latino Legacy – Timeline • Milestones • Stories
Chapter 6 – Perseverance
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