Join Latino community events in Aurora, IL celebrating your cultural heritage. Find cultural festivals, professional networking events, religious celebrations, educational workshops, fundraisers, and social gatherings that bring the Latino community together. Stay connected with events that honor your traditions and create meaningful connections.
Full service law firm in the Back of the Yards neighborhood of Chicago. Our staff is bilingual and we pride ourselves in our ability to effectively communicate with our clients. Obtaining great results is our top priority.
U.S. immigration and citizenship law. Whether you are an individual pursuing the American dream, a family seeking to be reunited, or a business needing the services of foreign talent, we are capable of providing answers to your toughest immigration questions.
Beata Leja is a partner at the law firm of Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan, P.C. Beata’s practice includes both employment-based and family-based immigration law. She is an active member of the Chicago Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), where she currently serves as the Co-chair of the Fall Conference Planning Committee, co-chair of the LGBT Committee, and as a member of the Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Liaison Committee. She has previously served on the Social Security Administration (SSA) Liaison Committee and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) & Department of Labor (DOL) Liaison Committee, as well as other committees. She is also a member of the Federal Bar Association, the Women’s Bar Association, and the Advocates Society for Polish lawyers. In 2015, 2016, and 2017, she was named an Emerging Lawyer in Immigration Law by Leading Lawyers, a distinction given to only 2% of lawyers licensed to practice law in Illinois. She has also been recognized as a Rising Star in Immigration by Super Lawyers Magazine in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 and awarded the Pro Bono Guardian award by AILA for her pro bono services to the immigrant community. Beata has conducted seminars about immigration law for students, employers, employees and attorneys. She is admitted to practice law in the State of Illinois and in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Beata is a 2007 graduate of Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where she was a member of the Niagara International Moot Court Team (3rd Best Oralist). Prior to law school, she was a teacher in the Chicago Public Schools as a corps member of the national service corps Teach for America. She has a Master of Education from National–Louis University and two Bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and International Relations from the University of Southern California. She is fluent in Polish and conversant in Spanish.
At DePaul University in Chicago, IL, the Latino Law Student Association represents a vibrant community of law students united by their cultural identity and shared commitment to legal excellence. This student-led organization creates an inclusive space where Latino law students can build meaningful relationships, support one another through their legal education, and collectively work toward professional success.
The association embodies DePaul University's values of community engagement and social responsibility. By bringing together students from similar backgrounds, the organization fosters a sense of belonging within the law school community while celebrating the rich cultural perspectives that Latino students bring to legal education and practice. Members benefit from peer mentorship, shared experiences, and collaborative learning opportunities that enhance their educational journey.
Serving the Chicago, IL area, the DePaul Latino Law Student Association connects students not only with each other but also with the broader legal community and cultural organizations throughout the city. The organization recognizes the importance of maintaining strong ties to Latino communities while preparing members for meaningful careers in law that can address community needs and advocate for social justice.
Through its active participation in campus life and engagement initiatives, the association demonstrates that student organizations are essential to creating welcoming, supportive educational environments. The DePaul Latino Law Student Association stands as a testament to the power of community, cultural pride, and collective advocacy within legal education, empowering students to become leaders who bridge the gap between law school and the communities they serve.
The Hispanic Latinx Law Student Association at Chicago-Kent College of Law represents a dedicated community of students united by shared cultural heritage, professional aspirations, and commitment to advancing equity in the legal profession. Located in Chicago, Illinois, this student-led organization creates meaningful connections among Hispanic and Latinx law students while building bridges to the broader legal community. Members benefit from a supportive network that celebrates cultural identity while navigating the challenges and opportunities of legal education. The association champions the voices and experiences of Hispanic and Latinx students within Illinois Institute of Technology's Chicago-Kent College of Law, ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented in campus discourse and decision-making. Beyond academic pursuits, the organization fosters lasting friendships and professional relationships that extend well beyond law school. As Chicago-Kent's student organizations continue to evolve and strengthen their digital presence through the upcoming 312 Community Hubs platform launching in Fall 2025, the Hispanic Latinx Law Student Association remains committed to its mission of community building and mutual support. For current and prospective students interested in connecting with fellow Hispanic and Latinx law students and engaging in meaningful community initiatives, this organization offers a welcoming and empowering space within the Chicago legal education landscape.
The Latine Law Students Association (LLSA) represents a vital community within Loyola University Chicago School of Law, serving as the central hub for Latinx students pursuing legal careers in Chicago, Illinois. This student-led organization exists to create an academic and social support network where members can thrive, connect, and grow together throughout their law school journey. LLSA automatically includes all Latinx students at the law school while extending open membership to any student in good standing who wishes to participate.
At its core, LLSA is committed to amplifying the voices and experiences of Latinx communities within legal education and practice. The organization brings speakers who discuss pressing legal issues affecting Latinx populations domestically and internationally, ensuring members remain informed about critical developments in their communities. By keeping members updated on scholarships, community events, and employment pathways, LLSA empowers students to navigate their legal careers with purpose and cultural awareness.
Beyond academic support, LLSA serves as a bridge between law students and the broader Latinx community. Members participate in meaningful service initiatives and community engagement activities that extend their impact beyond the classroom. The organization deliberately fosters an inclusive culture where both Latinx and non-Latinx students build relationships and understanding. Led by dedicated student leaders and supported by faculty advisor Professor Sarah Diaz, LLSA demonstrates that law school success is strengthened through community, mentorship, and shared commitment to serving underrepresented populations. LLSA events create spaces where friendships form, professional networks develop, and collective commitment to justice takes root.