The LAW Way

Volunteering at the HNBA Corporate Counsel Conference in Seattle: A Transformative Experience

Becoming a volunteer for the HNBA Corporate Counsel Conference (CCC) is no easy feat. It’s a competitive process, with law students from all over the country applying. I was fortunate to be selected. As a volunteer, HNBA covered my admission to the three-day event, which usually costs around $1,400, though travel, hotel, and food expenses were my responsibility.

Volunteering at CCC 2024 in March of this year offered me unique opportunities. I connected with top legal professionals, became a member of the Law Student Division of the organization, attended enriching conferences, and met wonderful people, including fellow law students from across the country. I also had the chance to explore the beautiful city of Seattle, home to Pearl Jam and Nirvana—my favorite grunge band of all time.

Orientation and Preparation

Volunteers arrived a day early for orientation. I was warmly welcomed by Sabrina Milos, the volunteer coordinator, and the rest of the staff. I was pleased to meet the organization’s president, Daniel Mateo, and the elegant Alba Cruz-Hacker, HNBA VIA Fund President. We received thorough training and spent the day preparing swag bags for the event attendees. The volunteer schedule was well-organized, with each person having clear tasks to complete. When we weren’t volunteering, we could attend conferences and meetings.

Challenges and Rewards

The first day was the toughest. We had to organize badges for over 1,000 attendees in alphabetical order, ready for distribution as they arrived. My duties also included restocking swag bags and working shifts at designated conferences and CLE panels.

Networking and Learning

The best part was meeting so many talented, hardworking, and intelligent people in my field. As a Hispanic, I felt incredibly proud to see U.S. attorneys of Hispanic origin in high-level positions at major companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Sony, and more.

Exploring the Exhibition Showcase

The event featured an impressive exhibition showcase with booths from various companies and organizations, including the American Arbitration Association, GE Aerospace, Amazon, LawPay, FDIC, Microsoft, PlayStation, Air Force Judge Advocates, Go Army JAG, Prudential, and The Navy JAG.

Attendees and volunteers received a “passport” at check-in. By visiting each exhibitor’s booth and collecting signatures, participants could enter a raffle held during the Gala on the last day. I was thrilled to win third place—a swag bag from Texas, complete with an authentic cowboy hat, a drink cooler, a Texas-shaped cutting board, and more.

Sessions and Events I Attended

I had the opportunity to attend a variety of sessions and networking events:

• Tuesday, March 19, 2024:
• Law Student Volunteer Orientation
• Wednesday, March 20, 2024:
• PODER25™ Elevar Showcase
• Young Lawyers & Law Students Networking Reception
• Thursday, March 21, 2024:
• Plenary Breakfast
• Exhibitor Showcase
• Plenary Lunch
• HNBA Familia Networking Reception
• Top Lawyers Under 40 Awards Reception at Chihuly Garden and Glass
• Friday, March 22, 2024:
• Plenary Breakfast
• Latina Commission Plenary
• Continued Legal Education Panels – Standing Out in Your Organization, Including as a Foreign-Trained Attorney
• Plenary Lunch
• Gala Reception, Gala Dinner & Closing Celebration

One of the most unforgettable experiences was attending the Top Lawyers Under 40 Awards Reception at Chihuly Garden and Glass, an event sponsored by Holland & Knight. This venue, located right next to the iconic Space Needle, brought together everything I love—art, elegance, and glamour—all in one place. The exhibit showcases the stunning glass artwork of Dale Chihuly, with the Glasshouse as its centerpiece. This 40-foot-tall structure houses a breathtaking 100-foot-long sculpture in vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, and amber, which changes beautifully with the light as the day turns to night. The reception took place in the Glasshouse, and it was absolutely magnificent.

I worked the reception shift at the Gala. But afterward, I was able to enjoy the Gala, with absolutely delicious food, great music, and the company of hundreds of U.S. attorneys of Hispanic origin, along with law students from across the country. It felt like a big family. It was here at the Gala that they announced the raffle winners, and my name was called for third place. My roommate and fellow UM student Amanda Alvarino, who was then a 3L, took pictures of the moment.

Exploring Seattle

For those who know me, you know I love to travel and explore new places, customs, and cities. Since I was already on the other side of the country, I couldn’t miss visiting at least some of the iconic spots in this beautiful city.

A must-see was the Space Needle, Seattle’s most famous icon. The views from there are breathtaking, with snowy mountains in the background. It was a clear and beautiful day, and I could see them in all their glory. “The Space Needle is an observation tower in Seattle, Washington, United States. Considered to be an icon of the city, it has been designated a Seattle landmark. Located in the Lower Queen Anne neighborhood, it was built in the Seattle Center for the 1962 World’s Fair, which drew over 2.3 million visitors” Wikipedia

The city’s transportation system is effective, a pleasant surprise for someone from Miami, FL, where public transport is known to be quite deficient. I’ve always thought that a city worthy of being called a city should have an efficient transportation system that allows you the luxury of not needing your own car to get places on time. Seattle is such a city.

I also have to mention the warm and emotional reunion with my cousin Kimberly Mendez, who recently moved to Seattle. We went to the best place for dumplings I’ve ever visited. The food in Seattle is real and delicious.

I also visited Pike Place Market. It’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals, with plenty of fresh produce stalls and permanent stands filled with local fruits and vegetables year-round. The market also features fish markets, butchers, flower shops, bakeries, dairy and specialty vendors, and a wide range of restaurants. And of course, the first Starbucks coffee shop, which opened at Pike Place Market in 1971, can still be found with its original look and feel in the same location.

Seattle is definitely a city I would visit many times over (almost like my love for NYC). I fell in love with its views, food, and customs. I was lucky it didn’t rain a single day while I was there… though that wouldn’t have been a problem because I love cloudy and rainy days.

A Spontaneous Midnight Adventure in Las Vegas

My flight from Miami had a 5-hour layover in Las Vegas. I had never been to Las Vegas before. When the plane landed, I noticed from the window that I could see all the iconic buildings on The Strip that we see in movies, and they looked so close as if I could walk right to them. I arrived at the airport at midnight, and my flight to Seattle boarded at 5:30 am. I spent a few hours debating whether or not to leave the airport to at least explore The Strip during the few hours I had. Finally, I decided to go for it and called for a taxi. Luckily, the driver, an American man in his late 50s, was a lifelong resident of the city and knew it like the back of his hand. I was clear with him about my 5-hour layover and that I wanted to take the opportunity to see the city. This gentleman not only took me to all the iconic spots on The Strip but also got out of the car with me and took photos so I could have memories of being there. It was an amazing service. The first place we visited was the famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign at the start of The Strip. Usually, there are long lines, but since it was past 1 am, there was no one there, and I could take a picture without any hassle. As we drove along The Strip, he told me the most relevant facts about each building, when it was built, why it’s famous, etc. He also took me to the Old Las Vegas area. It was an incredible and very educational tour. By 4 am, I was back at the airport. The only annoying part was going through TSA again, but it was definitely worth it.

Special Thanks

I want to extend a special thank you to all the friends, family and loved ones who support and sponsor me and contribute in one way or another, making travels like this possible. You know who you are, and I am forever grateful for your unwavering encouragement and generosity. Additionally, I would like to thank the University of Miami for providing funding for this trip. Your support has been invaluable in making this experience a reality.

Final Reflections

The experience was incredibly enriching. I met amazing people who, like me, are giving their best and adapting to this culture without forgetting our roots.

Thank you, HNBA, for allowing me to be part of this wonderful experience!