Lauren Santibanez, rising 3L
June 05, 2025 – University of Houston Law Center student Lauren Santibanez has been selected as a fellow for the Workers Defense Project (WDP) by the Peggy Browning Fund. Named after prominent labor attorney Margaret A. “Peggy” Browning, the fund works to educate and inspirate future generations of workplace justice advocates by collaborating with more than 150 law schools and select mentor organizations.
As a fellow, Santibanez will enhance her employment and labor law skills by conducting legal research for worker and immigrant justice campaigns and training members on their rights at the WDP, a statewide member-led organization that organizes with those most impacted for immigrant and worker justice in Texas.
Santibanez has championed advocacy programs throughout her time at UHLC. She worked as a law clerk for the Freedom Law Group, a criminal defense firm and did a legal clerkship at Coalition for the Homeless, an organization aimed at moving people experiencing homelessness into permanent housing. In the latter role, she conducted policy research on homeless persons’ rights and analyzed proposed legislation for the 89th Texas Legislative Session.
“Seeing how legal work directly impacts people’s lives, whether it’s through policy work or direct representation, has confirmed for me that this is the field I am called to be in,” said Santibanez. “These experiences have shown me the real-world impact of legal advocacy for those whose voices might otherwise go unheard.”
Santibanez is looking forward to her new fellowship. “This fellowship will give me an opportunity to advocate for communities like my own,” she said. “Coming from a family of blue-collar working immigrants, I have witnessed firsthand the injustices that workers in these communities face.”
Applications for the Summer 2026 PBF Fellowships are now open. Vist the fund’s website for more information: 2026 First Round Fellowship Positions - Peggy Browning Fund
Q&A with Lauren Santibanez
When and why did you decide to go to law school?
LS: Law school had not been on my radar until my senior year of undergrad. But, after spending time as a community organizer throughout college, I kept hitting walls where real change needed legal knowledge that I didn't have. I saw how intimidating and confusing the legal system was for the people I was working with, and I wanted to help bridge that gap. I decided that becoming a lawyer would give me the tools and skills I needed to make the legal system more accessible and to be a more effective advocate for my community.
Why did you choose UHLC?
LS: As a first-generation Latinx student, starting law school felt pretty overwhelming. It felt like I was having to learn a whole new world all over again after finally figuring out college. But UHLC does a great job at helping students feel supported and find their way. Their support and encouragement made it clear this is where I belonged.
Have you had any notable role models who have influenced your law school journey?
LS: I have found my greatest role models in my family. Their unwavering dedication and resilience in all they do continue to inspire me and help me shape my work ethic and values as I pursue my legal education. Additionally, Professor Taylor, who taught both my Labor and Employment Law classes, has also helped affirm my interest in workers’ rights. His classes and his firsthand experiences in the field have helped me see how I could use my law degree to make a difference for working people.
What has been your favorite part about UHLC?
LS: My favorite part of UHLC has definitely been the incredible life-long friends that I have made. I feel so lucky to have found people who are not only so brilliant and inspiring, but who also keep me grounded and laughing through all the stress and craziness of law school. I’m grateful to have found my people here, they have made all the difference.
Any advice to your fellow UHLC students?
LS: Find ways to take care of yourself and don’t lose sight of why you started this journey. Law school can get intense, and it’s easy to get caught up in stress and lose sight of what matters the most. Take breaks when you need them and stay connected to your reasons for being here. And remember that things have a way of working out how they’re meant to!
