Felix Luna on Justice, Identity, and the Power of Hard Work"

Felix Luna is a civil litigation attorney based in Seattle, Washington. His career is rooted in justice, resilience, and a deep understanding of the barriers faced by marginalized communities. He didn’t grow up seeing lawyers as role models—instead, he grew up seeing the legal system's impact on the people around him. That early exposure shaped his decision to pursue law.

“I had a brother who was unjustly prosecuted,” he said. That experience, along with the intellectual challenge and potential for impact, eventually pulled him toward the legal profession.

In college, he studied Society and Justice, a program now called Society, Justice, and Law. It gave him early exposure to case analysis, the criminal justice system, and the connection between poverty and crime. That coursework laid a strong foundation for law school and helped him develop the mindset needed to succeed in the field.

As a Latino attorney, Luna has faced challenges that go beyond academics. One moment that stood out was when an older man asked if he had gotten into law school through a “special program,” despite ranking in the top 5 percent of his class. “I was just shocked,” he said. Instead of letting moments like that hold him back, he leaned into hard work and followed a mentor’s advice: succeed and help others who come after.

Although he originally planned to become a public defender, Luna accepted a position at a law firm after speaking with a mentor. He saw it as a chance to do meaningful civil rights work. By showing up, working hard, and delivering excellent results, he believed he could challenge stereotypes and open doors for others.

He also acknowledged that things feel even tougher now for students of color. “It worries me more for this generation than mine,” he said. That concern motivates him to keep pushing forward—and to encourage others to do the same.

Luna believes that the people who thrive in the legal field are the ones who go all in. He encourages young people to dive into their work, stay committed, and take pride in what they do. Real change, he believes, starts with effort and determination.

What keeps him going is his love for the law. Whether it’s communicating with clients from all walks of life or exploring complex legal issues, the constant challenge keeps him engaged.

To Latino students interested in law, he recommends taking classes that strengthen critical thinking skills, such as math, philosophy, and science. He also suggests visiting courtrooms to see lawyers in action, which can help make the profession feel more approachable. “You don’t come out of law school knowing the law,” he said. “You come out knowing how to think.”

He encourages young people to engage with the legal system in small but meaningful ways—like serving on juries or volunteering—especially since Latinos are still underrepresented. Every step matters, and each one helps pave the way for those who come next.