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Jonathan Lucero: President of the Native American Law Students Association, University of Colorado School of Law
[By Jen Woods] Law school is tough, and its easy to feel overwhelmed by the enormous workload. But, as University of Colorado School of Law student Jonathan Lucero points out, you just need to figure out how to make work fun!

For Lucero, that meant joining the Native American Law Students Association (NALSA). I love working with people to develop common goals. I have gained so much value in the relationships that have developed as a result of my involvement [in student groups], said Lucero, who joined NALSA as a first-year student. Lucero is now the president of NALSA. He leads the group in its efforts to promote awareness of Native American issues, develop a community atmosphere for indigenous law students, and organize activities that will enhance the law school experience and help NALSA members with career development. There are a multitude of very serious and challenging issues in Indian law, of which many people are not aware, Lucero said. The association works with Indian law leaders to present new perspectives to law students and community members. This is especially challenging in a country where Native Americans seem to be a mythological antiquity or are simply degraded to nothing more than mascots, he added. The group works to create a nondiscriminatory environment that supports the universitys indigenous students and faculty. Most surprisingly, many of these negative attitudes and perceptions persist in the 2st century to a much greater degree than [those of] any other ethnic group, Lucero said. Lucero has been involved with several other student groups during his law school career. He has served as the treasurer of his class, and he is a former member of the Latino Law Students Association and the Republican Law Society. This year, he is also a member of the University of Colorado Moot Court Board.
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to compose such a fantastic document. Talk about dynamic leadership! Luceros desire to help others initially sparked his interest in law. In my mind, a lawyer is an advocate and a leader, he said. However, he didnt meet a single lawyer until he enrolled in law school, at which time he realized that his The experience gained from working with student groups is invaluable. If I had abstained from participating in these groups, I would have been much more miserable. Besides, it is a lot of fun to look back with pride when all is said and done, Lucero said. Internships have also played a significant role in Luceros education. He recently interned with the Eighth Judicial Districts Office of the District Attorney in Fort Collins, CO. It has been a fabulous experience, he said. During his internship, Lucero was involved in bargaining and arguing bond amounts and conditions. He also had the opportunity to prosecute two trials, which he ultimately won. It was an opportunity that I could have never imagined. I am very thankful, he said. When Lucero reflects on his education, he said he appreciates the tremendous growth law school has fostered, noting that he is an extremely different person than he was three years ago. The new perspectives that I have gained from the rigors of law school are probably what I enjoy the most, he said. Constitutional law was one of Luceros favorite classes. I am a constitutional law nerd, he admitted. Even though the course was challenging, he found it to be the most interesting. It is so foundational to almost all things legal in the U.S. It never ceases to amaze me [] how the framers were able University of Colorado School of Law www.colorado.edu/law Native American Law Students Association www.colorado.edu/Law/students/nalsa.htm City of Boulder, CO www.ci.boulder.co.us community needed legal professionals. I want to fill that void in a dynamic way, Lucero said. Lucero, who is finishing his last year of law school, intends to join the military and practice law as a JAG (Judge Advocate General) officer. I entered law school with the desire to serve. I have been blessed with so much in life because of the freedoms that many take for granted. I simply want to help defend the freedoms that have provided me with so much, he said. Military service will also fulfill Luceros desire for adventure and challenge, he said. Besides, at 24 years old, I will never be in a better position to do something like this again, he added. Lucero said he is proud of his achievements, which make his hard work and dedication worthwhile. He will always remember the law schools end-of-the-year barbecue, where he and his friends ate good food, smoked their favorite cigars, and celebrated. There is nothing that can replace the feeling of accomplishment! ON THE NET