The opportunity to give back has always been the driving force behind Ruth Calvillo’s decision to get into law. Thursday afternoon at her alma mater, the University of Tulsa College of Law, the Fry & Elder immigration law attorney continued to give back and issued a challenge directly to TU’s incoming class of law students.
“I shared with the students how my own background and upbringing had led me to want to pursue a career and field of work where I could provide people and children with access to justice,” Calvillo said. “I explained to the students how lucky and privileged they were to attend an institution like TU law; that their upcoming years at TU law would give them a wonderful education and life-long memories and, thus, they had a duty to give back to the community where TU is located.
“I challenged those students to give at least an hour a week of their time to the surrounding community whether it’s in a legal capacity or otherwise.”
Less than six months into her tenure at Fry & Elder, Calvillo has only strengthened what already was a proven and highly-decorated staff of attorneys. Not only is she licensed to practice in both Oklahoma and California, Calvillo was accepted earlier this month into the Oklahoma Bar Association Leadership Academy shortly after completing the OBA FLS Trial Advocacy Institute.
“We are extremely proud of Ruth and all that she has accomplished here in a short time,” Fry & Elder partner M. Shane Henry said. “Immigration law is a rapidly growing practice area of ours, and she is really doing great work for her clients and us.”
Fry & Elder Immigration Law Attorney has a Powerful Story
Calvillo was exposed to a lot as a first-generation American growing up in Los Angeles. She realized at a young age that immigrants were in need of a voice who would advocate and fight for them, especially sexual assault and domestic violence victims.
“I grew up in a low-income community so for me to have the ability to be able to give back is something that I feel very passionate about,” Calvillo said. “I know how important it is for immigrants to have an advocate – someone who will fight for them. I am very passionate about working with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. It is important to empower these people and show them that they don’t have to stay in an abusive relationship.”
Calvillo, along with her mentor and fellow Fry & Elder immigration law attorney Lorena Rivas, are continually advocating for immigrants throughout Oklahoma and the Southwestern part of the United States. She left law school students at TU with this powerful and compelling example of the type of clients Fry & Elder immigration law attorneys fight for on a day-to-day basis.
“I talked about how even though I was now at a private law firm, I was fortunate enough to work for a supervisor who also believes in helping others who most need it,” Calvillo said. “Because of that, we (Lorena and I) currently represent four siblings who are in DHS custody. My work as an immigration law attorney has been humbling, challenging and incredibly rewarding.”
Contact Fry & Elder Tulsa or Fry & Elder Oklahoma City today to set up a consultation with Calvillo, Rivas or another accomplished Oklahoma trial lawyer.