This Hispanic Heritage Month, we are pleased to highlight Julie Diaz, a legal practice assistant in our Baltimore office. Julie, who also is a law student at the University of Baltimore School of Law, explains how her heritage has shaped her values and impacts her work.

“Growing up as an only ch​ild and a first-generation Latina, I was raised with a strong emphasis on respect, community and hard work, all of which are pillars in the Latine culture. My mom, who was self-employed, taught me the importance of earning my way in life and that nothing worthwhile is ever handed to you. This work ethic has been engrained in me since childhood and has directly translated to my professional persona. I am always ready to roll up my sleeves and put in the effort.

“The Latine community has long been underrepresented in various professional fields, but this disparity is especially pronounced in the legal sector. I've seen how factors such as language barriers and limited access to information can create significant obstacles for individuals and families navigating the legal system. In professional spaces, the lack of people who look like me — and a notable absence of those who can communicate in my native language — highlights this gap.

“It's why I feel a deep personal and professional responsibility to make myself available for translating calls, documents and to be present for any Spanish-speaking-client interactions. This not only allows me to practice my Spanish legalese, a skill that can never be sharpened enough, but it also helps bridge a critical communication gap for people in need.

​“My dream is to help empower the next generation of Latine leaders and broaden the scope of what is possible for us in this country. My mother's emphasis on education as the key to unlocking opportunities is what led me to pursue a law degree and dedicate myself to this cause."