🤘Student Spotlight: Maria de los Angeles Villarreal ’27

For this week’s of Texas Law’s 2025-26 Student Spotlight series, meet 2L Maria de los Angeles Villarreal!

Hometown: Eagle Pass, Texas
Degrees: B.S.W., University of Texas at Austin; M.S.W., Columbia University

How did being a part of Texas Law’s Pipeline Program encourage you to pursue a legal education or strengthen your resolve to do so?

I participated in the Pipeline Program Beta Cohort from May 2023 to April 2024. While I had a strong desire to attend law school, I felt nervous about the individual nature of LSAT preparation and the challenge of balancing the admissions process with other commitments. Being a part of this program strengthened my confidence to pursue a legal education by allowing me to focus on my own growth while learning from and relying on a supportive community. The in-person workshops, study resources, and mentorship gave me a team to lean on throughout the process. We celebrated our successes together, and I built a support network that I continue to rely on today.

Does your background in social work influence the direction you’d like your legal career to take?

Absolutely. I truly believe my background in social work influences everything from the way I carry myself to the type of lawyer I hope to become. Social work taught me the importance of active listening and compassionate, client-centered work. It also instilled in me the value of mental health and the need to care for oneself to fully show up for others. I have always believed that social work would be a strong foundation for my legal career, and it has inspired me to always dedicate time to my community through volunteering or pro bono work.

What made you choose Texas Law?

I chose Texas Law because it offers both academic challenge and a supportive community. I appreciated the school’s strong network across Texas and nationwide, knowing it would open doors wherever I wanted to go. Austin is also an incredible city for students, offering so much to explore beyond the law school. I love being part of the greater UT Austin culture as well!

What activities and organizations have you been involved with at Texas Law?

I am the events director for the Student Bar Association, a vice president of the Chicano Hispanic Latino Law Student Association, the chief articles director of the Texas Hispanic Journal of Law and Policy, and a student admissions ambassador. During my 1L year, I was a team lead for the Mithoff Pro Bono Parole Project.

What is your favorite thing about that culture here?

The strong sense of school pride and community. Law school can be challenging, but the culture at Texas Law is one of support and encouragement. Student organizations, faculty, staff, and peers genuinely want to see one another succeed. I’ve already made so many great friends and I’m excited to now help lead student organizations where I can give back to the community that has given me so much.

What is your favorite book that you’d recommend to your friends — and why?

“Daring Greatly” by fellow Texas Social Work alumna Brené Brown. She reminds us that “vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.” Her work has inspired me to lead with courage over comfort and to dare to try, even when something feels intimidating. I especially love her reminder that “vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.”

Who else inspires you and why?

My family and friends inspire me the most. I learn from their stories and passions, celebrate their wins, and draw strength from their resilience. They are also my biggest supporters, and I keep them at the center of my “why” whenever I face challenges in law school or in life.