MTO Partnership
LEAP announced a transformational partnership with Munger, Tolles & Olson (MTO) to broaden LEAP’s reach to serve at least 20 additional fellows per year, beginning with the 2024 program year. In 2024, this resulted in LEAP serving 65 fellows, and more than 20 MTO attorneys served as attorney mentors. Additionally, MTO hosted four in-person workshops at its Los Angeles office.
Broadening Access
MTO’s partnership with LEAP serves as the next iteration of the MTO Fellows Program, which was previously run entirely in-house at MTO. “We always intended to scale the work we were doing with our MTO Fellows, and we have been thrilled with this extraordinary partnership with LEAP to do just that, and continue our efforts to expand opportunities for new voices to join the legal community,” said MTO partner Wesley T.L. Burrell. “Programs like LEAP strengthen our profession. We hope our commitment to LEAP inspires others in the legal community to make similar investments in broadening access to the law school pipeline.”
LEAP’s March workshop hosted at MTO’s Los Angeles office.
MTO attorneys with LEAP fellows at our kick-off workshop.
Shared Vision
LEAP founder and CEO Cindy M. Lopez expressed her enthusiasm when MTO approached LEAP in the summer of 2023, noting their unwavering dedication to a shared vision of supporting aspiring law students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. “While many firms make promises, few deliver like MTO has with LEAP,” she said. “Their partnership has accelerated our ability to expand LEAP’s programs, enabling us to reach more students across California.”
Mentorship
As LEAP finishes its 2024 program year, we wanted to highlight two mentor-mentee relationships made possible through MTO’s partnership.
Felipe Hernandez (MTO Associate) and Samia Noor
Felipe: I decided to become a mentor because I benefited greatly from the generous mentorship of so many and I want to pay it forward. I would not be where I am now if it were not for the amazing mentors in my life. My favorite part of mentoring is learning about Samia. I am amazed and inspired by Samia’s journey, tenacity, vision and purpose; she has taught me so much and I have no doubt that she is going to be an excellent law student and future attorney. I enjoy working with Samia through similar challenges and questions that I faced before becoming an attorney as well as new challenges that are unique to her experience.
Samia: I had the opportunity to be mentored by Felipe Hernández during my time as a LEAP Fellow in the MTO chapter. Coming from similar backgrounds and sharing the same values, we quickly formed a connection that was deeply meaningful and supportive. Beyond just editing my essays and helping me learn more about law school, what truly stood out was his unwavering confidence in my potential. There were moments in the application process when I doubted my ability to get into law school, but Felipe never wavered in his belief that I had what it took to become a successful lawyer. He didn’t just encourage me to apply; he made me believe that I deserved to be there, that my voice and perspective was needed in the legal community. This confidence he had in me was transformative— it helped me believe in myself and solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in law.
Lauren Bilow (MTO Associate) and Jaquelinne Rodriguez-Lopez
Lauren: I became a LEAP mentor to discuss my enthusiasm about law with a person who did not buy into the false cliches about the boredom and drudgery of the legal profession. That person is now my dear friend Jaquelinne Rodriguez-Lopez. Jaquelinne has approached the process of applying to law school with curiosity, insight and dedication. It is a pleasure to be invested in her success.
Jaquelinne: When I met Lauren, I instantly knew I wanted to be her mentee. From the first conversation, we already had so much to talk about. Her approachable and energetic character allowed me to share my story freely, especially regarding my why law school purpose. Through conversations, I could sort through my thoughts and view new angles I had not considered thoroughly. I am incredibly grateful for the LEAP’s mentorship program. Lauren’s mentorship, impact, and wisdom are invaluable and will forever model the kind of attorney I’d like to be one day.
