LUCHA is pleased to share an upcoming continuing legal education program presented by Athena’s Court focused on the intersection of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and the justice system.

Human Trafficking & the Courts will bring together attorneys, judges, and community partners for a practical discussion of identifying human trafficking, understanding the dynamics facing survivors, and responding effectively when trafficking intersects with the courtroom. The program will include Human Trafficking 101, a panel discussion examining cases in which the victim is also the defendant, and an inside look at Athena’s Court and its work providing survivors a path toward safety, hope, and opportunity.

The CLE will be held Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 1:30–3:30 p.m. at the AA Birch Building in Nashville. CLE credit is available for $4, and attendance is free for those not seeking CLE credit.

LUCHA appreciates Judge Ana Escobar’s invitation to participate and encourages our members, law students, attorneys, and others interested in the justice system’s response to human trafficking to attend.

LUCHA was proud to support the Nashville Bar Association’s 2026 Diversity Summit, with LUCHA President Ronal Bueso, LUCHA Vice President Jesus Gonzalez, LUCHA Secretary Ali Hendrix, and LUCHA Communication Director Ashley Martin serving throughout the event and representing LUCHA within Nashville’s broader legal community.

Beyond volunteering, the Summit provided our students with an exceptional opportunity to network with judges, attorneys, professors, and community leaders. Those conversations and new connections were among the most valuable parts of the experience, giving students an opportunity to engage with the profession outside the classroom.

A particular highlight was hearing from Dr. Karen Korematsu, whose presentation brought Korematsu v. United States, a case familiar to virtually every Constitutional Law student, out of the casebook and into a deeply personal, real-world context. It was a powerful reminder that the cases we study are not merely doctrines and holdings; they involve real people, families, and consequences that extend far beyond the pages of a law-school textbook.

LUCHA’s inaugural event marked more than the beginning of a student organization  it signaled the rise of a community of future advocates answering the call to lead with purpose. In his keynote address, Dean Alberto R. Gonzales challenged us to view the law not merely as a profession, but as a lifelong responsibility to justice. His words continue to guide LUCHA’s mission: to learn boldly, serve faithfully, and lead with conviction in the pursuit of equity and hope. 

LUCHA and CJI's Executive Director Dawn Deaner came together last night and hosted a successful information session. Participants learned more about Dawn and DJI's mission to end wealth based disparities in the criminal justice system. Attendees were introduced to an upcoming research project involving youth life sentencing and how LUCHA members and NSL students can partner with CJI working with newly eligible individuals under the 2022 Tennessee Supreme Court ruling that mandatory life sentences for youth is cruel and unusual punishment, a violation of the 8th amendment.  

LUCHA hosted its Corporate Law Panel featuring Van Santos (Senior Counsel, Metropolis), Joshua Mayo (Senior Corporate Counsel, Cracker Barrel), and Lamar Moore (Vice President & Senior Credit Officer).

The discussion provided students with direct insight into corporate governance, transactional strategy, risk management, and the realities of practicing law within large organizations. With leadership represented from both legal and executive financial management, the panel offered a practical look at how legal strategy integrates with business operations in the corporate environment.

The program drew strong student engagement and thoughtful discussion throughout the evening.

LUCHA members attended the NHBA ERTC End-of-Semester Happy Hour hosted at Bradley in downtown Nashville. The event brought together law students, attorneys, and community leaders for an evening focused on networking, mentorship, and community engagement.

Following the event, LUCHA had the opportunity to meet with NHBA ERTC leadership to continue discussions surrounding LEAP, the LUCHA Experiential Advocacy Program, including plans for a kickoff call and potential future expansion opportunities involving Belmont Law and Vanderbilt Law.

The evening reflected the growing collaboration between LUCHA, NHBA, and ERTC as efforts continue to create meaningful experiential opportunities for law students across Nashville.

LUCHA is proud to support Belmont Law's Black Law Students Association (BLSA) for Confections & Connections: Raising the Bar Night. This networking event brings together attorneys, law students, and future legal professionals for an evening of meaningful conversation, relationship-building, and community. Whether you are exploring a legal career, seeking mentorship, or looking to expand your professional network, this event offers a welcoming space to connect with others who are passionate about the law and justice. Join us on July 23 from 5:00–7:00 PM at Belmont University College of Law.

RSVP Required: Use this Form to RSVP