Marking 25 years of mentoring and being a role model for Hispanic law students and young lawyers, Dan Vigil received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hispanic Bar Association.

Currently acting as the assistant dean of student affairs at the Sturm College of Law, Vigil has had an active legal career that he says, is far from over.

“It is interesting getting this award, because it connotes having lived a lifetime,” said Vigil, “but I have been teaching for 25 years and finally feel like I am just hitting my stride.”

Previous recipients of this award have included the first Hispanic judge and Colorado Supreme Court members. Vigil, a former president of the HBA and active committee member, has held a gamut of legal positions; primarily in the area of education.

“It makes it mean all that much more to me,” said Vigil about the award.

A former student and current HBA board member, Lorenzo Trujillo, nominated Vigil. Trujillo contacted former students and colleagues of Vigil and urged them to write letters in support of Vigil’s nomination. An outpouring of stories, recommendations and praise ensued, earning Vigil the 75 percent board vote majority required for selection.

Vigil’s connection with DU began in 2003 when he was named assistant dean at the law school.

His legal career began in 1982, when he became one of the first Hispanic students to attend law school at CU.

“No one in my family had ever gone to a professional school,” said Vigil. “I had no familiarity with law schools.”

Vigil recalls the small number of only 11 Hispanic students who enrolled with him that year. Several faculty members and other students were skeptical of their academic performance, attributing their acceptance to CU as affirmative action.

“I had to prove myself,” said Vigil.

Vigil would be one of only two of the original 11 Hispanic students to pass the bar exam on the first try.

After that, Vigil became a law clerk and then went into private practice. This marked the first of many major milestones in his career.

In 1984, Vigil took a position at CU Law School, where he was the only Hispanic professor. There, Vigil became a pioneer for young prospective Hispanic lawyers and other law students.

In 1998, he received the University Of Colorado School Of Law Alumni Award for Distinguished Achievement in Education for his dedication to the academic success of CU law students.

“From what people tell me, I have had a tremendous impact on law students,” said Vigil. “Hopefully I have been helpful.”

At this point, Vigil cannot foresee giving up teaching for at least another five years. He is still looking toward becoming more active with the Colorado Supreme Court Attorney Regulation Advisory or revisiting private practice.

In terms of the next HBA Life Time Achievement Awards, Vigil says he has some people in mind that he would like to nominate.

“But that is confidential,” he said.