PUBLICATIONS
ARTICLES
This article explores the status and progress of Latino male lawyers and law students, comparing their experiences with those of Latina attorneys. It will highlight similar challenges faced in achieving parity and advancing to leadership roles within the legal profession, emphasizing the need for broader support initiatives for the Hispanic/Latinx legal community.​
Cruz, J. L. (2025, September). The Status of Latinos in Law: Are They Too Few and Far Between? Hispanic National Bar Association E- Noticias.
This report highlights the significant underrepresentation of Latinas in the U.S. legal profession despite their growing population and increased law school enrollment. While progress has been made, significant disparities persist in their acceptance into top law schools, wage equality, and representation in leadership roles.
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Cruz, J. L. (May, 2024). Still Too Few and Far Between: The Status of Latina Lawyers in the U.S. Chicanx Latinx Law Review, 40(1).
The article highlights the increasing number of Latina law students, which reflects significant progress in diversifying the legal profession. However, it also points out ongoing challenges, such as underrepresentation in top law schools, lower bar exam pass rates, and limited access to leadership roles, emphasizing the need for continued support and targeted initiatives to ensure their success.
Cruz, J. L. (2024). The Rise of Latina Law Students: Significant Progress Amid Persistent Challenges. Forthcoming Article.
This article explores the cultural challenges that Latina attorneys face as they navigate the legal profession in the United States. It offers insights into how they can bridge the cultural divide to achieve career success.
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Cruz, J. L. (2019). Latinas in the Legal Profession: Navigating the Cultural Divide. I.I.L.P. Review of the State of Diversity in the Legal Profession 2019-2020, 213-225.
This article discusses the underrepresentation of Latina lawyers in the legal field and the efforts made by the Hispanic National Bar Association's Latina Commission to create more opportunities and promote diversity within the profession.​​
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Cruz, J. L. (2017). Latina Lawyers - Still Too Few and Far Between: The Hispanic National Bar Association Latina Commission's Efforts to Chart a More Open Path. I.I.L.P. Review of the State of Diversity in the Legal Profession, 219-225.
This study investigates the career success of Latina/o professionals in corporate America, focusing on the challenges they face in bridging cultural differences and the strategies they employ to succeed.
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Cruz, J. L., & Blancero, D. M. (2016). Latina/o Professionals’ Career Success: Bridging the Corporate American Divide. Journal of Career Development, 44(6), 485-501.
This article examines the underrepresentation of Latina lawyers in the legal profession, analyzing the barriers they face and offering recommendations for improving their representation.
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Cruz, J. L., & Molina, M. S. (2010). Few and Far Between: The Reality of Latina Lawyers. Pepperdine Law Review, 37(3), 971-1038.
This article explores the experiences of Latina attorneys in public interest law, discussing the unique challenges and rewards of serving the public interest.
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Cruz, J. L., Molina, M. S., & Rivera, J. (2010). La Voz de la Abogada Latina: Challenges and Rewards in Serving the Public Interest. CUNY Law Review, 14(1), 147-214.
BOOKS/CHAPTERS
This book chapter explores how acculturation impacts the career success of Latina and Latino professionals, addressing the challenges and strategies for navigating corporate America while maintaining cultural identity.
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Cruz, J. L., & Blancero, D. M. (2014). Latina/o Career Success: The Role of Acculturation. In M. G. Urbina (Ed.), Beyond Post-Racial America: 21st Century Dynamics of Multiculturalism. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publisher Ltd.
This book chapter examines the unique challenges and catalysts that influence the career success of Latina attorneys, offering insights into the factors that can hinder or enhance their professional growth.
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Cruz, J. L. (2012). Challenges and Catalysts to Latina Attorneys’ Career Success. In D. Blancero & R. DelCampo (Eds.), Hispanics @ Work: A Collection of Research Theory and Application.
This doctoral dissertation explores the complex relationship between Latina attorneys' family responsibilities and their career success in law firms, providing an in-depth analysis of the balancing act required to succeed in both areas.
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Cruz, J. L. (2011). The Relationship between Latina Attorneys' Family Responsibilities and Career Success in Law Firms. Capella University.