FIU and CABA: A Partnership Rooted in Practice Readiness and Leadership
For generations, the Cuban American Bar Association (CABA) has been a pillar of Miami’s legal community, championing mentorship, advancing access to justice, and creating pathways for students and young attorneys. At FIU College of Law, that mission is deeply shared.
FIU Law is proud to be a year‑round sponsor and supporter of CABA, including the organization’s signature annual Gala. This partnership reflects a shared belief that a strong legal community is built through mentorship, service, and sustained investment in future leaders—not only during milestone events, but throughout the year.
That commitment is reflected in the leadership of FIU Law alumni who continue to help guide CABA’s work, including Diana Arteaga (J.D. ’09), Marcel De La Cruz (J.D. ’22), and Joshua Padrón (J.D. ’19), all of whom were elected to serve on CABA’s 2026 Board of Directors. Their service underscores the longstanding connection between FIU Law and CABA’s mission to strengthen the legal profession and the broader South Florida community.
Over the past decade, FIU College of Law has risen to prominence, ranking among the top law schools in Florida and emerging as a national leader in bar passage rates, consistently surpassing Florida’s statewide averages for accredited law schools. Partnerships with organizations like CABA provide FIU Law students with real‑world experience, professional exposure, and access to the legal community long before graduation.
Through FIU Law’s close relationship with CABA, via student chapters, scholarships, volunteer opportunities, and leadership development, students are introduced early to the values and networks that define South Florida’s legal community.
That exposure matters. FIU’s ongoing support of CABA helps ensure that students and young attorneys gain meaningful access to mentorship, professional development, pro bono service, and opportunities to engage directly with judges, firms, and civic leaders. From volunteering at CABA events to applying for scholarships and participating in mentorship programs, FIU students are encouraged to see themselves as part of the legal profession long before graduation.
FIU to CABA: Creating a Pipeline of Opportunity and Community Leadership
For many alumni, FIU’s partnership with CABA helped turn aspiration into opportunity.
Marcel De La Cruz, an attorney at Vedder Price, FIU double alum, and newly elected CABA Board member, credits both institutions with shaping his sense of belonging within the legal profession.
“CABA gave me a sense of belonging in the legal profession,” De La Cruz shared. “It’s a place where the American Dream feels tangible, where you see people like you succeeding and giving back.”
That same sense of access resonates with Joshua Padrón, a Miami‑based trial attorney, FIU Law alum, and first‑generation attorney.
“FIU is Miami’s public law school, the law school of the people,” Padrón said. “FIU showing up and supporting CABA sends a powerful message: we’re here, we’re invested in the community, and we’re producing lawyers who want to serve it.”
FIU is proud of its alumni leaders and proud to support CABA’s work to expand access to mentorship, scholarships, pro bono service, and meaningful engagement across the legal community.