WHITTIER - Ferias Legales, a Downey-based non-profit organization focused on delivering free services to underserved communities and increasing diversity in the legal field, held a recent panel discussion consisting of two judges from the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.

Judges included the Honorable Connie Quinones and the Honorable Gregorio Roman, both judges in the Downey Courthouse.

Downey attorney Ricardo Perez moderated the panel as each panelist spoke to Rio Hondo College students about their individual journeys to becoming a Judge.

Judge Quinones highlighted her experiences as a young woman growing up in Paramount, highlighting the importance of believing in yourself and being prepared.

Judge Roman shared his experience as an immigrant and stressed the importance of never forgetting one’s roots as he shared the story of his father: a man who worked in the United States as a fieldworker under the Bracero Program.

Each judge, through their own perspective, echoed the theme of the evening: do not let anybody but yourself dictate how far you get in life. 

The panel was part of the Ferias Legales partnership with Rio Hondo College’s Pathway to Law School Program, which is designed to enhance opportunities in the legal profession for diverse populations, particularly those who will become the first attorneys in their families.

The program is sanctioned by the California State Bar’s Council on Access and Fairness and offers students early exposure to the law school experience; individual advisement and mentoring from law school advisors; financial aid counseling; LSAT preparation; and waived application fees for the participating law schools.

Vanessa Marquez, a Ferias Legales intern and current student completing her last semester in the Pathway program, was recently admitted to UC Irvine and will be starting classes there in the fall.  Marquez attended the panel discussion, commenting: "The panel was very motivating because the judges were very relatable; they faced and overcame tough challenges that I can relate to which made me feel inspired to one day be able to be in their position and serve as judge."

For inquiries about the program or about Ferias Legales, please contact Executive Director Maria Torres at mtorres@feriaslegales.org.