Oral History Project
Interview: Attorney Thomas Saenz (Fall 2023)
By: Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse
An oral history interview with attorney Thomas Saenz, conducted by Michigan Law 2L Carlos Hurtado-Esteve on December 18, 2023. In this interview, attorney Thomas Saenz discusses his early life, law school education, and path to a career at MALDEF (the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund). He reflects on cases litigating California legislation, including Propositions 187, 227, and 209, and litigating cases in defense of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).
Interview Summary
In this interview, attorney Thomas Saenz discusses his early life, law school education, and path to a career at MALDEF (the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund). He reflects on cases litigating California legislation, including Propositions 187, 227, and 209, and litigating cases in defense of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).
View the full interview with attorney Saenz:
Publications/Resources
By: Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse
December 18, 2023
Contents: Clearinghouse Oral History Project Interview with Attorney Thomas Saenz (Fall 2023)
[0:00-16:13] Introduction (Early Life, Law School, and Working at MALDEF)
[16:14-40:42] Proposition 187 (Gregorio T. v. Wilson; Jesus Doe v. Regents of the University of California)
[40:23-51:57] Proposition 227 (Doe v. Los Angeles Unified School District; Valeria v. Davis)
[52:09-1:00:22] Proposition 209
[1:01:39-1:14:42] Anti-Solicitation Ordinances (Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles v. Burke; Comite De Jornaleros De Rancho Cucamonga Y Upland v. City of Cucamonga & City of Upland; Society of St. Vincent De Paul of Santa Clara v. City of Los Altos; Comite De Jornaleros De Glendale v. City of Glendale; Comite de Jornaleros de Redondo Beach v. City of Redondo Beach)
[1:14:53-1:28:52] Gonzalez v. Abercrombie & Fitch, Inc.
[1:28:53-1:35:55] Working for the Mayor's Office
[1:35:56-2:09:21] Returning to MALDEF and DACA (State of Texas v. Nielsen; United States v. Texas)
