CU Law Profiles
Alumnus Profile

Crisanta Duran

Class of 2005

Age

24

Hometown

Arvada, Colorado

Family Status

Single

Undergraduate Institutions and Degrees

University of Denver, Public Policy & Spanish (Double Major), May 2002

Hobbies, Sports, or Extracurricular Passions

Spanish Flamenco Dance, Salsa Dance, Jogging

What were you doing before you came to the University of Colorado Law School?

During college, most of my professional experience was political in nature. I worked for United Food & Commercial Worker?s Union as a Political Coordinator / Legal Intern. In this role, I educated union members on political issues that affected their interests, coordinated voter registration activities, and managed staff to execute a statewide political plan. Further, I met with Colorado legislators regarding union member concerns.

What is one interesting, fun, or offbeat thing you have done in your lifetime?

In 2001, I won the 35th annual Miss Colorado Fiesta Queen pageant to represent the Hispanic people of Colorado! I competed with fifteen young Hispanic women from across the state and was graded on speech, talent, interview, evening gown, and an overall score. I had the opportunity to travel the state making various appearances, including; spoke to the Colorado legislature regarding issues that affect Hispanics, appeared on Spanish radio and television stations, and participated in community service activities to promote education. Best of all, I won a large sum of scholarship money to assist me with my studies!

As mentioned above, I love to dance! Throughout high school and college I was part of Ballet Folklorico de Colorado, a professional Latin dance company! My favorite performance was in 2002, when I performed with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra! Also, there is a photograph of my old dance group at Denver International Airport!

Where do you live now (e.g., Boulder, Denver, etc.)?

Denver

Why did you choose to live there?

I work in Denver. (I currently work for Justice Martinez on the Colorado Supreme Court.)

What do you like most about where you live?

I love downtown Denver because it has the feel of a big city with new sports stadiums, restaurants, museums, galleries, shopping, the largest performing arts center in the nation, and an amusement park. While at the same time, the view of the Rocky Mountains are visible from every street.

Favorite Place To Eat Out in Boulder

Hapa Sushi Den

What piece of advice would you give a 1L or 2L as they choose their 2L and 3L courses?

Take courses in the area of law that you would eventually like to practice.

What made you decide to come to the University of Colorado School of Law specifically?

I love Colorado and plan on practicing here in the future. The law school?s small size, stimulating intellectual environment, and stellar reputation in Colorado?s legal community convinced me to attend. Not to mention, our law school is one of the least-expensive top tier law schools in the country!

What do you like most about attending the University of Colorado School of Law?

Most of all, I like interacting with my fellow students! The students at the law school are not only incredible because of their intellectual capabilities, but also, because of their diverse experiences prior to coming to law school. Some have traveled the world, while others have come to the law school after taking a few years off to raise their children. I have met some of my best friends at the school and will stay in contact with them throughout my life.

What area of law do you want to practice, and why?

I want to serve in an area of public service. Upon graduation, I will travel to Washington D.C. to work as a Legislative Aide for one year. I believe my father inspired me to work in a position of public service. Growing up, it was common for my family to speak about our country?s political issues and this area of the law has always intrigued me. Further, my father is an attorney (a CU alumni!), and dedicated his career to serving in a role of public service. I find that the happiest attorneys, are those that are practicing in an area of law they enjoy and believe in.

What advice would you give a prospective student about how to get financial aid or how to understand the system?

Take the time to meet with the Financial Aid staff. The Financial Aid staff is dedicated to students and can help provide solutions to economic obstacles.

Why did you take the courses that you chose during your 2L and 3L years?

I took courses that I was interested in and would provide me with practical experience. For example, I took the Immigration Clinic and Wrongful Convictions Clinics. These courses were especially important to me because I believe the lack of access to quality legal services in the United States poses unreasonable challenges for many people. By taking a clinic, I felt as though I contributed to remedying this problem. In fact, in my Immigration Clinic, I won a grant of asylum for a man from Ethiopia that was severely tortured before coming to the United States.

What was your favorite Law School class? Why?

Professor Campos pushes his students to reach accelerated intellectual levels by thinking ?outside of the box,? while at the same time, incorporates humor and sarcasm in his lectures.

What student organizations have you been involved with at the Law School?

President, Student Bar Association:
The Student Bar Association (?SBA?) has two roles: (1) to provide a forum for opinion on student issues; and, (2) to fund student organizations. I was elected to serve in this role and will complete my term in mid-April. Since I began my term, the SBA has addressed the law school?s policies on ranks and grades, and, explored the possibility of implementing a public service requirement. The SBA has also helped organize school events, such as, a leadership retreat in which students and administrators met to discuss and provide solutions to school issues, and, a community blood drive.

President, Latino Law Student Association:
The Latino Law Student Association has three roles: (1) to ensure Latino students achieve academic success at the law school; (2) to promote diversity by hosting cultural events; and, (3) to engage in public service with the Latino community. I served as President of the organization for one year, and, served as an active member for two years.