LUCHA’s inaugural event marked more than the beginning of a student organization  it signaled the rise of a community of future advocates answering the call to lead with purpose. In his keynote address, Dean Alberto R. Gonzales challenged us to view the law not merely as a profession, but as a lifelong responsibility to justice. His words continue to guide LUCHA’s mission: to learn boldly, serve faithfully, and lead with conviction in the pursuit of equity and hope. 

LUCHA and CJI's Executive Director Dawn Deaner came together last night and hosted a successful information session. Participants learned more about Dawn and DJI's mission to end wealth based disparities in the criminal justice system. Attendees were introduced to an upcoming research project involving youth life sentencing and how LUCHA members and NSL students can partner with CJI working with newly eligible individuals under the 2022 Tennessee Supreme Court ruling that mandatory life sentences for youth is cruel and unusual punishment, a violation of the 8th amendment.  

LUCHA hosted its Corporate Law Panel featuring Van Santos (Senior Counsel, Metropolis), Joshua Mayo (Senior Corporate Counsel, Cracker Barrel), and Lamar Moore (Vice President & Senior Credit Officer).

The discussion provided students with direct insight into corporate governance, transactional strategy, risk management, and the realities of practicing law within large organizations. With leadership represented from both legal and executive financial management, the panel offered a practical look at how legal strategy integrates with business operations in the corporate environment.

The program drew strong student engagement and thoughtful discussion throughout the evening.

LUCHA members attended the NHBA ERTC End-of-Semester Happy Hour hosted at Bradley in downtown Nashville. The event brought together law students, attorneys, and community leaders for an evening focused on networking, mentorship, and community engagement.

Following the event, LUCHA had the opportunity to meet with NHBA ERTC leadership to continue discussions surrounding LEAP, the LUCHA Experiential Advocacy Program, including plans for a kickoff call and potential future expansion opportunities involving Belmont Law and Vanderbilt Law.

The evening reflected the growing collaboration between LUCHA, NHBA, and ERTC as efforts continue to create meaningful experiential opportunities for law students across Nashville.