LUCHA officially launched at Nashville School of Law during Hispanic Heritage Month with an inaugural event on Thursday, September 18, 2025. The program began with refreshments and student networking, followed by keynote remarks from Dean Alberto R. Gonzales, Doyle Rogers Distinguished Chair of Law at Belmont University College of Law and the 80th Attorney General of the United States.
The evening marked LUCHA’s commitment to advocacy, leadership, and service within the legal community. Students also had the opportunity to participate in a raffle for signed copies of Dean Gonzales’s book, True Faith and Allegiance.
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Student-Led Organization LUCHA Launches at Nashville School of Law During Hispanic Heritage Month
New Latiné Student Group to Host Inaugural Event with Former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales
NASHVILLE, TN – September 1, 2025 – Students at Nashville School of Law (NSL) announce the official launch of LUCHA – Latinés United for Change, Hope, and Advocacy, a new student-led organization dedicated to supporting the Hispanic and Latiné legal community through advocacy, leadership development, and service. The organization will celebrate its inaugural event during Hispanic Heritage Month with a keynote address from the Honorable Alberto R. Gonzales, former U.S. Attorney General.
“LUCHA was founded to create a supportive space for all students while uplifting and celebrating the voices of Hispanic and Latiné students at Nashville School of Law,” said founding member Ronal Bueso. “My hope is that our organization fosters unity, representation, and inspiration for every student’s journey in the legal profession.”
LUCHA (pronounced "LOO-cha") is a student-led organization at Nashville School of Law, welcoming all students who share its mission of advancing justice through education, community building, and professional development. The term "Latiné" (pronounced "la-tee-NAY") is an inclusive, gender-neutral alternative to "Latino/Latina" that encompasses all individuals of Latin American heritage.
The organization’s inaugural event will take place on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. and will feature the Honorable Alberto R. Gonzales. Gonzales currently serves as Dean and Doyle Rogers Distinguished Professor of Law at Belmont University College of Law. He previously served as the 80th Attorney General of the United States and as a Justice on the Texas Supreme Court.
About LUCHA’s Mission and Activities
LUCHA operates under the principle of “Together in Learning, Leadership, and Service,” creating spaces where Hispanic, Latiné, and ally students can connect, develop as leaders, and make meaningful impact both within the school and in the broader legal community.
The organization’s key activities include:
Hosting events with distinguished legal leaders and speakers
Partnering with nonprofits and legal organizations to provide pro bono opportunities
Fostering mentorship, networking, and professional development programs
“LUCHA at NSL began as a dream to unite students through culture, service, and justice,” said founding member Jesus “Jesse” Gonzalez. “I am grateful to see it come to life and proud to welcome everyone into this community that I believe will make a lasting impact on our school and beyond.”
The organization extends its mission beyond the classroom through service initiatives, mentorship programs, and meaningful dialogue aimed at strengthening the legal community and ensuring that the pursuit of justice remains accessible to all.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m. (refreshments), 5:45 p.m. (keynote address)
Location: Nashville School of Law
Keynote Speaker: The Honorable Alberto R. Gonzales
For more information about LUCHA and the inaugural event, visit https://sites.google.com/view/nsl-lucha/home.
Media Contact: Ronal Bueso | BuesoRonal@gmail.com | 305-607-5213
PDF Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZL8NEGtCGOiJ5IeFR-ShBAR5jJw18VXK/view?usp=drive_link
Press Materials
Latines United for Change, Hope, and Advocacy (LUCHA) is a student-led organization at Nashville School of Law dedicated to advocacy, leadership, and service within the legal profession. Open to all NSL students, LUCHA builds community, supports the Hispanic and Latine legal community, and creates pathways for students to engage in meaningful pro bono work.
What We Do:
Host events with distinguished legal leaders and speakers.
Partner with nonprofits and legal organizations to provide pro bono opportunities.
Foster mentorship, networking, and professional development.
LUCHA in the News
We are proud to share that LUCHA is being featured on the Michael Patrick Leahy Radio Show on Friday, September 5, 2025 (11:00–11:45 a.m.). The segment will highlight our mission of empowering Latinés law students, equipping them with mentorship, resources, and community to ease their integration into the legal profession after graduation.
This recognition underscores the importance of developing future leaders in the legal community and the meaningful impact LUCHA continues to have on the lives of our students. We are excited to see our story shared with a broader audience and remain committed to strengthening the path forward for the next generation of Latinés lawyers.