SISTER SPOTLIGHT: Monica Lira

Monica Lira has been and is one of our most valuable members. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in French from Southern Methodist University in 2003 and she received her J.D. from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2007. Monica is a member of numerous organizations including the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association, Southern Methodist University Hispanic Alumni Association and the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico Board of Directors. Monica has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to our organization. Monica′s success in her career makes her a role model for all Gamma sisters, both within the DFWAA and across the country. Below, Monica shares her thoughts on life as a lawyer and her plans for the future.

Q: Congratulations on your recent success! You graduated from Law School, passed the BAR exam and now are working with a law firm. Could you please tell us what interested you in LAW and becoming a lawyer?
I′ve always liked helping people and I knew that by becoming a lawyer I would be able to help people. Specifically, my parents are immigrants and when they were trying to legalize they had an encounter with a bad lawyer. There are many bad lawyers out there that give the field a bad name and I always told myself that I wanted to be one of the ″good″ ones. I chose immigration law because it allows me to help the Hispanic community.

Q: In what area is your practice focused on?
I practice immigration law, which includes family based, employment based, asylum and deportation.

Q: What is the most challenging part about being in lawyer?
When I have to tell clients that the law is not on their side. The US immigration laws are very unforgiving and unfair at times.

Q: Can you tell us more about other organizations besides SLG that you are involved in?
I am the Secretary for the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico Board of Directors; member of the 2008 Leadership Class for the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, and am on a committee putting together a Public Service Announcement on consumer law issues; member of Dallas Hispanic Bar Association, through which I tutor 3rd graders in reading.

Q: How do you manage to be balance your family, friends, work and all the organizations you are involved in?
Its not hard, I learned to do it in undergrad when I had school, job, the sorority and other extracurriulars. There is 24 hours in a day for a reason, you have to utilize them to the fullest extent!!

Q: In your opinion, what is the best part about being a Gamma?
The sisterhood!! I love that I can always call on a sister for advice, moral support, financial advice, etc. Each Gamma woman is so different and provides a different kind of support in my life. I have been a sister for nine years now, I have grown up with some of these women and I could not imagine my life without Gammas in my life.

Q: Why do you think Alumnae Associations are important?
They are great support systems. AAs allow you to interact with women that shares similar values with you, has been or is going through similar things in their careers and families. Allow you to stay involved with the sorority without having to be affiliated to a college or university.

Q: What advice do you have for a new alumna living or relocating to the Dallas-Fort Worth area?
Come to one of our meetings or events. We are a diverse group of women who have much to offer a newcomer. We can give you insight on the Dallas job scene and social scene.

Q: We'd like to know a little about your personal favorites. What is your favorite thing to do in Dallas?
I love going out to new restaurants. Dallas has so many different restaurants, that there is always something new to try out.

Q: What are some of your hobbies?
In my spare time, I like to read.

Q: What is you favorite movie?
I recently saw the Curious Life of Benjamin Button, it was great!! But Girls Just Wanna Have Fun has been my all-time fave.

Q: What type of music do you like?
I listen to everything; lately I have been listening to Spanish rock and bachata

Q: What's your favorite food?
Chicken crepes from Café Brazil

Q: What’s your favorite book?
Anything by Alisa Valdes Rodriguez, Dirty Girls on Top, Make Him Look Good, Playing with Boys, etc.

Q: What does your typical day look like?
I go to work until about 6 or 7, then go work out or have dinner with friends or family, prepare for next day. I will typically have at least one meeting a week, either during lunch or after work.

Q: What are your plans for the next 5 years?
I would like to continue practicing immigration law, and seek Board Certification. Also, would like to eventually get married and start a family.

Thank you, Monica, for being an inspiration and a wonderful sister of Sigma Lambda Gamma!