Jose Hernandez

Loyola Project for the Innocent

Over two years with the Loyola Project for the Innocent (LPI), Jose proved himself to be that rare student who is a natural team player, always lending a hand with a smile, while having made a lasting mark on our clients' lives and our program.

Jose is a client-centered advocate in the truest sense. He understood from the start that behind every case file is someone whose freedom and future depend on the quality of the representation they receive. Jose never treated our cases as academic exercises. He took them on as his own, investing time well beyond what was asked of him to research, investigate, and dig deeper. His impact was immediate and concrete. In one case, Jose's independent research uncovered a years-old newspaper article revealing that law enforcement had offered reward money to witnesses. That discovery directly led to the filing of a habeas corpus petition. Jose chose to stay on an additional semester to see the drafting and filing of that petition through to completion.

Jose also proved invaluable in the field, earning the trust of reluctant witnesses through genuine listening and engagement, a skill that even seasoned attorneys can struggle to develop. Jose's instincts are sharp, his commitment is unquestionable, and his heart is with those who lack a voice. LPI was fortunate to have him, and the legal community will be better for his joining our ranks.

Congratulations, Jose.