Diversity Scholar Spotlight - Q&A with Nicholle Lamartina Palacios

At 13 years of age, Nicholle Lamartina Palacios faced the unthinkable when her mother died. Because of this, she learned to be independent at a young age and in high school worked to help support her family. In 2015, she graduated from Yale University with a bachelor’s degree in Ethnicity, Race & Migration.

Currently a law student at NYU Law, Nicholle is a 2018 Milbank 1L Diversity Fellow and looks forward to spending this summer gaining experience at the firm. Nicholle has dedicated herself to serving Latino and LGBT communities and was a founding member and Associate Editor for Yale’s first recurring LGBT print publication, Q Magazine. In the upcoming academic year, she will chair the NYU Law Host Committee of the annual National Latino Law Students Association Conference and serve as the Outreach Chair for OUTLaw.

PracticePro

Tell us about any leadership positions, student journals/organizations, or projects you're involved with in law school or in the community.

Nicholle

My first year of law school I was a 1L representative for the Latinx Law Students Association. This upcoming year I am the Outreach Chair for OUTLaw and the NYU Host Committee Chair for the upcoming annual National Latino Law Students Association Conference.

PracticePro

Where are you working this summer (Summer 2018) and what are you hoping to accomplish during your internship?

Nicholle

I am a 2018 Milbank 1L Diversity Fellow. I am excited to learn more about the private sector of law, as before law school I worked as a public interest paralegal assisting survivors of domestic violence with family law matters.

PracticePro

What do you do for fun? Tell us one fun or interesting non-law related thing about yourself.

Nicholle

For fun I love to salsa dance and do Escape the Room challenges.

PracticePro

Tell us about a struggle or challenge you faced growing up, how you overcame it, and how it shaped who you are today.

Nicholle

My mother passed away when I was 13 years old, and I was raised by my abuela. I had to learn how to be independent and provide for myself from a young age. My friends and family helped me a lot growing up, and it has made me very grateful for the mentorship and kindness I received and continue to receive. I hope to be able to pay it forward and support other people in challenging situations.

PracticePro

What was your favorite law school experience -- one you would suggest other students look into?

Nicholle

My favorite law school experience has been becoming part of the community of amazing affinity groups such as LaLSA and OUTLaw. These groups have provided me with so much academic and career support and have led to great friendships and social circles that have made 1L an enjoyable experience.