![](/media/loyolalawschool/Melissa_Diaz_550x550.jpg)
Inspired by her pre-law experience volunteering with the Loyola Project for the Innocent (LPI), Melissa Diaz '22 transferred to LMU Loyola Law School (LLS) to gain the elite advocacy training that would later serve her career as a public defender.
"LLS was the best of both worlds: an amazing reputation and the feel of a really tight-knit community," Diaz said.
Diaz found her place at LLS through the Transfer Students Association, which she led as president, Latinx Law Students Association, the LPI and the Collateral Consequences of Conviction Justice Project. She was also a member of the award-winning 2021-22 Byrne Trial Advocacy Team.
"As a transfer student, being on that team was really pivotal for me because it not only helped me form lifelong friendships but also set me up for success with all the skills I'd need in my career," said Diaz, who after graduation earned a prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates Fellowship thanks to her achievements.