Campbell Law Spotlight: Julian Manrique ’24
Julian Manrique ’24 is an attorney with the
Q: Can you tell us about your educational background and any significant experiences during your undergraduate studies?
A: I attended Western Carolina University, where I pursued a degree in Business Administration and law with a minor in international relations. One standout experience was studying abroad Chongqing, China, for a three-week cultural exchange program.
Q: How did your interest in law develop, and what steps did you take to explore it further?
A: Initially, I wasn’t sure about pursuing law until the end of my undergraduate studies. To delve deeper into the legal field, I took law classes like mediation and media law. Having enjoyed those courses, I took a gap year during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I dedicated time to self-study for the LSAT.
A: I chose Campbell Law primarily due to its regional name recognition. I also knew that I had room for growth with public speaking and advocacy skills. So, I wanted to attend a school that is strong in that arena. As a first-generation undergraduate and law student, I lacked guidance on selecting a law school. When deciding on what school to attend, I often cold-called attorneys and asked for their advice on what school to attend. This was my first experience with how the legal field is happy to mentor and grow the next generation of attorneys.
Q: Could you share your experiences during your legal internships and involvement in various legal organizations during law school?
A: During my 1L summer, I worked at Soto Law Firm, PLLC, which is a multilingual real estate and estate planning firm in Charlotte, North Carolina. I thought that I would prefer a transactional practice but realized through this experience that I would appreciate a more fast-paced practice.
Later, I became active in the Hispanic Law Student Association (HLSA), serving as a social media coordinator where I focused on disseminating information to the community. This organization has been a cornerstone of my time at Campbell Law and has provided me with a community that has supported me through the challenges of law school. I have also served as a Peer Mentor to 1L students and I interned at Heidgerd & Edwards, LLP, where I further grew my legal knowledge.
Q: What clinic experiences have you had?
A: I have worked with Campbell Law School’s Pro Bono Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project, which partnered with Catholic Charities of Raleigh to host a Community Naturalization Clinic where I have assisted clients with their N-400 Application for Naturalization and navigating other necessary forms for citizenship. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to use my legal knowledge to help others navigate a difficult process.
Additionally, my participation in the Blanchard Community Law Clinic has provided me with opportunities to attend hearings before parole boards and conduct meetings with clients in prison settings. These experiences have offered me insights into prison culture and the profound implications of criminal sentences.
Q: How did your experiences abroad, such as the Ghana trip, contribute to your understanding of law and justice?
A: The Legal Study Abroad in Ghana, which is held in partnership with the University of Cape Coast School of Law, was eye-opening. Through this program, we learned more about the legal culture in Ghana, doing everything from attending court in Accra to meeting with tribal leaders. Experiencing different cultures highlighted the importance of access to justice and underscored disparities in legal representation.
Q: Can you tell me about how you secured an internship for your 2L Summer?
A: Through an On-Campus Interview (OCI), I was accepted into Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Martin Luther King Jr. Internship Program, which provides a paid opportunity for talented law students to spend their summer experiencing the real world of legal aid advocacy. MLKs work under the supervision of seasoned Legal Aid attorneys on projects across the state, bringing legal theory to life by doing substantive work on real cases for real clients. This program allowed me to choose which department I wanted to join, and I decided to focus on the farmworker sector, particularly in predominantly Hispanic communities.
I was also awarded a Summer Equal Justice America Legal Services Fellowship, which provides grants to law students who attend a qualifying law school and are working full time for a civil legal aid or civil rights organization.
These two programs allowed me to work for Legal Aid of North Carolina while also maintaining an income.
Q: Can you tell me about your experiences with Legal Aid and how they influenced your career choices?
A: Through this experience, I gained a deeper appreciation for farm workers and recognized the lack of representation for Latino communities, especially those where workers speak Spanish and owners speak English. This position led me to go out to farms, meet the workers, and distribute H2A booklets outlining their rights, how to track hours, ensure fair pay and fair living conditions. It was eye-opening to realize that these issues are right in our backyard.
Q: How has your time at Legal Aid of North Carolina shaped your career aspirations?
A: This experience further solidified my desire to assist the Spanish-speaking community and address the significant disparity gap. I became acutely aware of the lack of Hispanic representation in the legal field and the language barrier that impedes access to justice. My goal is to ensure that these communities are adequately represented and supported.
Q: What advice would you give to law students based on your experiences?
A: I’d emphasize the importance of confidence and seizing opportunities, such as externships, to broaden legal knowledge. Being open to new experiences and continually learning are key to personal and professional growth.