Empowering a Community Through Public Service

Local Law Society Chapter Honors Professor Dominguez

Growing up in a South Central Los Angeles ghetto, David Dominguez never thought of himself becoming a lawyer or a law professor. He considered working at the local Frito-Lay factory in his neighborhood after graduating high school, but he was unexpectedly selected to receive a full scholarship to Yale. He almost dropped out after his first semester. With the advice of a mentor, he stayed, graduated, and went on to Berkeley for law school.

Professor Dominguez makes waves wherever he goes. He started the Community Lawyering program at the BYU Law School. And recently, in honor of his efforts in the central Utah community, the Central Utah Chapter of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society presented him with the "Service in the Law" award.

Dominguez teaches a number of courses at the BYU Law School, including labor law, criminal law, public policy negotiation, and Community Lawyering. His Community Lawyering class takes students outside of the classroom and into the detention center--the Slate Canyon Youth Center--where they learn how to become advocates for youths from underrepresented groups about to be drained into the local jail system.

As Tad R. Walch of BYU Magazine describes, Professor Dominguez’s students learn how to make an impact on the community they serve.

"[In this course,] students begin to tackle an emerging social and legal problem with the goal of remaking a part of the community, in this case the initial hearing process of the juvenile detention system, in a way that will strengthen the whole community.”

The Community Lawyering program is just one example of Dominguez's commitment to public service and leadership.

"In the past, [Dominguez and his students] have helped residents of a local high-crime apartment complex know how to improve their community," Aaron Searle of the BYU's Daily Universe writes. "They've also helped give local immigrants knowledge so they can solve their own legal issues when professional help may not be available for them."

The Central Utah Chapter of the Clark Law Society recognized these contributions at their annual awards dinner on September 11, 2009.

"[Dominguez's] public service among the poor of Utah County has inspired many of his students and other community leaders to press on for equal justice," the Central Utah Chapter of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society said. "Throughout his career he has shown how legal services can be an opportunity to empower a community with a range of problem-solving skills."

One of Professor Dominguez's students, Ta'afili I. Sagapolutele, wrote an essay about his experiences in the class and about his mentor, Professor Dominguez. Entitled "David Dominguez--A Christian Soldier," it can be read here.

Written by Justin Forsyth

Posted: September 23, 2009