Yadira Santana has long contributed to our various programs at the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, providing excellent legal support through our Ask-A-Lawyer, Family Law, and Children's Attorneys Project (CAP) initiatives.
Ms. Santana states that her affinity for pro bono work dates back to the start of her legal journey: "I've understood how important it is to give back to the community—especially to those who need legal representation but can't afford it. That's why I've been deeply committed to using my law degree and license to serve others through pro bono work."
Yadira is not only an advocate for pro bono but also ensures she is honoring her commitment by maintaining consistent involvement in our programs. She conducts the imperative work of assisting our Spanish-speaking clients who require additional support due to existing language barriers. Additionally, Yadira regularly enrolls in our Ask-A-Lawyer program to provide consultations to community members facing legal challenges. Perhaps the most overt display of Yadira's support is her personal goal of ensuring she has at least one open CAP case at any given time. Since her completion of the bar in 2022, Yadira has helped many young clients navigate complex dependency matters, providing a voice during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Currently, Yadira is representing a vulnerable sibling group through our CAP program– "whether it's helping a child find a safe and stable home or assisting a vulnerable client to navigate the legal system, I view this work as not just a professional responsibility, but a privilege."
When asked about a memorable case, Yadira recalled a domestic violence survivor in a contested divorce. The client had endured years of domestic abuse, she was steadfast in her desire to break the cycle of abuse– for both herself and her young son. Yadira's compassionate legal representation helped to secure a custody arrangement and safety plan that prioritized both the mother's and her child's wellbeing. "Watching her transform from someone fearful and unsure to someone confident and empowered was incredibly rewarding," Yadira reflected, "it reminded me why I do this work—to help people find stability, safety, and the chance to start over."
For her dedication and commitment to pro bono, we honor Yadira Santana as our March 2025 Volunteer of the Month.
Yadira was born in Glendora, California, and raised in Las Vegas. A first-generation Mexican-American and college graduate, she earned her degree in English Literature with a minor in Philosophy, Law & Ethics from the University of Nevada, Reno.
She began law school at California Western, where she ranked in the top five percent of her class before transferring to the William S. Boyd School of Law. At Boyd, she was active in student leadership, serving on the executive board of La Voz (the Latinx student organization), and was a member of the Organization of Women Law Students and the Black Law Students Association.
Yadira externed for Judge Margaret Pickard, earning the Clinic Legal Education Association Externship Award at Boyd's 2022 Commencement. After completing her Juris Doctorate, Yadira clerked for Judge Robert Teuton.
Yadira Santana is licensed in Nevada, practicing exclusively in family law and focusing on complex appellate matters. In addition to her compelling pro bono work, she also volunteers her time at the Boyd School of Law clinics.
