Today we’d like to introduce you to Dean Leticia Diaz
Hi Dean Leticia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey to becoming the dean of Barry University School of Law is what I hope would be considered a reflection of dedication and resilience. Coming from a family with a strong legal background, I have always valued the significance of multi-generational lawyers and the importance of diversity. My family’s escape from Cuba to the U.S. in search of a better life is a testament to our shared dream of freedom and opportunity, a dream that I am proud to have realized as part of the American dream.
I decided to pursue a career in law, which was an unexpected but pivotal choice. While studying at Rutgers Law School, I faced the challenge of balancing my academic pursuits with the responsibilities of motherhood. However, with the unwavering support of my husband, I successfully overcame these challenges and graduated, planning to work at Merck Pharmaceutical.
As a founding faculty member at Barry University School of Law, I discovered my true passion: legal education. In this role, I had the opportunity to shape the curriculum, mentor students, and contribute to the growth of a nascent institution. It was during this time that I realized the profound impact that educating future lawyers could have on the legal profession and society at large. This passion for teaching and mentoring has been my guiding force, leading me to take on increasingly significant roles within the institution.
Since being appointed dean in 2007 as the first Cuban-American female dean of an ABA-accredited institution, I have been dedicated to advancing the school’s mission, enhancing its academic programs, and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that empowers students to achieve their full potential.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey to where I am today has certainly not been a smooth road, but it has been immensely rewarding. One of the significant challenges was navigating my path as an immigrant and a minority in the legal field. As a Cuban-American woman, I often found myself in situations where I had to prove my competence and overcome preconceived notions about my capabilities.
When I became the Dean of Barry University School of Law in 2007, I faced the challenge of transforming a relatively young law school into a recognized institution of legal education. This involved not only improving academic standards but also enhancing diversity and inclusion within the student body and faculty. Under my leadership, Barry Law has achieved national recognition for its diverse and inclusive environment, but this progress required persistent effort and innovative initiatives.
Adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic was another significant challenge. Transitioning to hybrid and remote instruction while maintaining educational quality required rapid adaptation and innovation. We ensured that our students had the necessary resources to continue their education effectively during this period.
Balancing professional responsibilities with personal life has also been a continual challenge, particularly as a mother and wife. However, I have been fortunate to have a supportive family and a strong network of colleagues who have helped me navigate these demands.
Despite these struggles, each challenge has been an opportunity for growth and has strengthened my resolve to advocate for diversity, equity, and excellence in legal education. It has been a journey of resilience and dedication, and I am proud of the progress we have made at Barry Law.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As the Dean of Barry Law, I lead a dedicated team in managing all aspects of the law school to ensure we provide an exceptional legal education while promoting diversity, social justice, and community engagement. Together, we oversee academic programs, faculty development, student support services, and strategic planning for the institution.
Under my leadership, Barry Law has gained national recognition for its Moot Court and Trial Team programs, diversity, and environmental law initiatives. I am particularly known for my commitment to increasing diversity within the legal profession. During my tenure, Barry Law’s minority student enrollment has grown significantly, and the school has consistently received high rankings for its diversity from several national publications, including several accolades in the past year.
One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is the development and implementation of the LSAT Boot Camp. This initiative aims to prepare a broader range of students for the LSAT, making legal education more accessible to underrepresented communities. Additionally, our community legal clinics provide pro bono services to underserved populations, offering students practical legal experience while addressing critical community needs.
Our emphasis here at Barry Law has always been on integrating social justice and service into our curriculum. Our mission-oriented clinics afford students real-world experience while providing legal assistance to those in need. Programs like the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Immigration Clinic are prime examples of how we combine education with community service.
I am also proud of our efforts to enhance the learning environment through significant campus expansions and modernizations, ensuring our facilities meet the needs of contemporary legal education. Moreover, my work on fostering an inclusive and supportive environment has been a cornerstone of my tenure, reflecting my deep commitment to equity and diversity.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Dr. Leticia M. Diaz: What matters most to me is serving as a role model and mentor, especially to underrepresented groups. As a Cuban-American woman, I feel a profound duty to inspire others to pursue their dreams and contribute positively to their communities. Leading by example, I hope students leave Barry Law embracing our emphasis on serving others, upholding the highest ethical values, and genuinely valuing diversity. “I believe the law school has benefited in that law students learn in an environment where all are represented and all views are respected,” I often say.
My commitment to social justice and education is both a professional endeavor and a personal mission. Throughout my career, I have sought to create opportunities for those who might otherwise be overlooked, ensuring that our legal education system is inclusive and equitable. This dedication has been recognized through numerous accolades, including being named to the Lawyers of Color Power List and receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award in Orlando Business Journal’s Diversity in Business Awards. However, these honors are secondary to the collective success of our institution and its students.
At Barry Law, we instill in our students the importance of using their legal skills to promote social justice and embrace the ideals that initially attracted them to the study of law. It is my hope that they carry forward the principles of fairness, service, and integrity into their professional lives.
I hope that my story is viewed as one of transformation, dedication, and impact. Transitioning from a scientist to a law school dean reflects my resilience and unwavering commitment to making a difference in legal education. Our law school continues to thrive as an inclusive institution, shaping future leaders of the legal profession who are dedicated to community service and committed to giving back by integrating social justice and community engagement into our curriculum, ensuring that our graduates are not only skilled lawyers but also compassionate and ethical advocates for change.
Ultimately, what drives me is the belief that through education, we can empower individuals to effect positive change in their communities and beyond. This vision fuels my work every day, reaffirms my dedication to the mission of Barry Law, and I hope it inspired my children, both of whom are licensed attorneys, and one has followed my footsteps to legal academia, and will one day inspire my grandchildren to pursue their passions and contribute meaningfully to society.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.barry.edu/en/c-vitae/professors/leticia-m-diaz/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barry.law/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarryLawSchool/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/barrylaw
Image Credits
Erin Kamalzadeh Graduation Image
