Belonging at Baylor Law School: Cultural Heritage Propels Advocacy
During his time at Baylor Law School, 1L Román Martínez has quickly learned how his heritage influences his ability to advocate for others. After spending the first nine years of his life in Monterrey, Mexico, Martínez moved to McAllen, Texas. His bicultural childhood and fluency in English and Spanish have proven to be an asset to his legal journey. His story highlights the importance of representation within the legal field and offers an inspiring example of how one’s culture can be a powerful asset in the pursuit of justice.
Martínez confirmed his passion for law during a gap year between his time at the University of Texas and Baylor Law School when he interned at a civil law firm in McAllen. In his first case as an intern, he saw firsthand how important his cultural identity and bilingualism were. “We had a client who did not speak much English at all, so even though a lot of the members of our firm also spoke Spanish, I definitely would say that I spoke the most fluently,” he said.
It was a great strength to communicate clearly with the client. Not only did this build attorney-client trust, but it aided Martínez in making the client comfortable through support and recognition. From prepping for trial to communicating with opposing counsel, Martínez felt certain his native tongue gave them an advantage. “[I got] to know his needs, day in and day out,” he said, “I would say that my fluency of both languages really helped in that situation.”
Martínez’s heritage has deeply embedded roots, and he is no stranger to the importance of representation within the legal field. “At the end of the day, we are all representatives of our clients; we speak for them,” he said, “we are their voice because not everyone is trained in all of the procedures that you have to go through in the legal profession.” To Martínez, culturally diverse lawyers are essential, as lawyers are someone else’s voice. “If we’re going to be the voice for someone else, we have to understand what being that voice means to them. We need to grasp what it means for them to be in their current situation, where you have to represent them and their interests,” he said. Martínez seeks more from being a lawyer than acing every test–he aims to understand the lived experiences of those he represents, many of whom he hopes will share his cultural background.
Martínez’s journey from Mexico to Texas has impacted his views on justice and equality. His story as an immigrant has personalized his perspective of the opportunities and freedoms available in the United States. “As an immigrant, I really take [the United States’ views of freedom and liberty] to heart, because coming to the United States changed my entire life,” he said. His appreciation for this system based on equity and justness has led him to see the U.S. legal system as the best means for every citizen to ensure their chance to succeed.
“I want everyone to be able to have the same opportunities I had to completely change my life,” Martínez said. “I think it’s very important to remember where you come from and can stay connected to your roots, your family, your culture, what makes you who you are.”
Martínez cites Camille Vasquez, the attorney who garnered support during the 2022 Depp v. Heard trial, as someone from his heritage whom he was proud to see in the courtroom. “I saw the cross-examinations, the opening and closing statements, and even though she’s not a historical figure for my culture, I was still able to see that reflection of myself and my culture when watching,” he said. Watching Vasquez during the trial inspired Martínez to envision the level of excellence he aspires to achieve in his future practice.
Martínez was quick to provide advice to other students from similar diverse cultural backgrounds. He stresses the importance of staying connected to your roots and lists America’s diversity as an example. “We’re a country of all different kinds of cultures that have been adopted and merged into one big melting pot,” he said. “When you’re advocating for someone else, it’s important to bring your experiences and your culture with you.” To Martínez, connecting with one’s roots is essential to being an effective voice for others, especially those from his own community.
Cultural heritage is more than an asset to the courtroom for Martínez; it’s an aspect of his identity he celebrates daily. Martínez’s favorite way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is to reflect on traditions that make him feel at home. Growing up in northern Mexico, Martínez found a deep-seated love for carne asada, a tradition of grilling that he will carry with him forever. He reminds himself of this by “get[ting] together with friends, grilling steaks, making tacos, and singing karaoke,” he said, “which really makes me feel like I’m back home with all my cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandparents.”
As Martínez’s law school journey progresses, he will continue to use his heritage as a guiding light in his approach to justice, representation, and equality. He hopes to inspire future Baylor Lawyers to make their mark by advocating for others and staying true to his roots.