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Lorena Slomanson’s ’03 Passion for Social Justice Leads Her to Public Interest Law

April 7, 2016

Social justice was a large part of Lorena Slomanson’s childhood, which included working on political campaigns, attending demonstrations and volunteering.

It’s no wonder that the 2003 Thomas Jefferson School of Law graduate created a career focused on similar passions and pursuits, including her current role as a Legal Aid staff attorney, managing the high volume eviction clinic at San Diego’s Hall of Justice courthouse.

In addition to her day job, Slomanson finds time to contribute to the community in numerous other ways. She serves on the San Diego Human Relations Commission, the County Board of Trustees for the San Diego Law Library and the American Bar Association Commission on Homelessness and Poverty. She was recently appointed to the State Bar’s Commission on Access to Justice, by California Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins. The 26-member commission of lawyers and judges, as well as academic, business, labor and community leaders, explores ways to improve access to civil justice for Californians living on low and moderate incomes.

Slomanson’s appointment is just the latest notable achievement in a legal career marked by community service, professional success and law school pride.

With a mother who was an educational guidance counselor and often the only Spanish speaking employee in the counseling offices where she worked, and a father who taught international law at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Slomanson says her parents were significant role models. At a young age she was exposed to the world through travel, and to the plight of poor families. In addition, Slomanson’s Catholic school education reinforced the importance of service to others as a routine and wonderful part of life.

All of these factors played a role in the professional path to public interest law which Slomanson ultimately pursued.

“Being a lawyer is amazing because it has provided so many opportunities that have profoundly influenced me,” Slomanson says now, when reflecting on her multifaceted career.

“I use my platform to help people and causes about which I’m passionate,” says Slomanson. “The most rewarding thing in my daily job is helping vulnerable populations genuinely understand their legal rights and responsibilities relating to their cases.”

Some of Slomanson’s other notable efforts include being president of the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association and serving as a member of the Thomas Jefferson School of Law Alumni Association.

“The Thomas Jefferson Law Alumni Association was the perfect conduit for the pride I feel for my law school,” she explains. “It’s important that alumni support the students who will eventually become part of our impressive alumni network.”