Imagine one of your paralegals being invited to present research at Yale University—an opportunity that could catapult your firm’s reputation for years to come. That’s exactly what Carolina Lozano, a paralegal at Amata, is doing.

Her research on maternal activism and its impact on international law will be featured at Yale’s International Law and Women’s Rights Symposium. This isn’t just a win for Carolina—it’s a powerful example of how law firms can support their team’s passions and, in turn, elevate their own reputation on a global stage.

For small and large firms alike, the benefits of encouraging your team’s professional growth can extend far beyond your office walls.

Amata is proud to support Carolina. Her story is an inspiring example of how talent and passion, supported by the right environment, can lead to remarkable achievements.

Maternal Activism and Global Impact

Carolina’s research focuses on the activism of mothers in Latin America, particularly those who took action after their children disappeared under authoritarian regimes. These women, including the well-known Mothers of Plaza de Mayo in Argentina and the Mothers of Soacha in Colombia, turned their grief into advocacy, forcing governments and international bodies to recognize forced disappearances as violations of human rights.

“These mothers were just seeking justice for their own families. Unintentionally, they seed legal frameworks that can potentially protect millions around the world,” Carolina explained. Her paper highlights how mothers’ activism led to significant advancements in international law, including the recognition of the systematic perpetration of enforced disappearance by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, and the 1994 Inter-American Convention on Forced Disappearance of Persons.

From Colombia to Yale: A Personal Achievement

For Carolina, this research is more than academic. Growing up in Colombia, she witnessed firsthand how political violence tore families apart and left communities searching for answers. 

“I’ve seen these mothers fight for justice with everything they had, even when they were up against entire regimes. Their stories are personal to me because I’ve seen the lasting impact of their struggles,” Carolina shared. “Presenting this research at Yale is an incredible opportunity to give these women’s voices the global platform they deserve.”

Carolina’s presentation at Yale will mark a significant milestone in her career, putting her in the spotlight as a contributor to international law research.

Supporting Growth at Amata

Supporting team members in their professional development is part of our culture. “This is a sensitive topic in Colombia, and people are reluctant to talk about it. Amata’s support was key—they basically encouraged me to explore this research, respecting the times I needed to organize my work and attend the events. Ron, Amata’s founder, was genuinely excited when he heard about this and invited me to share my learnings with the whole team!”

“Working at Amata feels like being part of a supportive family. It’s rare to find a workplace that not only allows you the time and flexibility to grow but actively encourages you to pursue what matters most to you,” Carolina shared.

Looking Ahead: Making an Impact

Carolina’s journey is a reminder that your team is your greatest asset. When you support your people, everyone wins.

Whether it’s helping them attend conferences, dive deeper into research, or pursue something they care about, the benefits stretch far beyond the individual. When you build a culture where people are genuinely valued, it translates into stronger loyalty, better results for clients, and unexpected opportunities for your firm.

This level of care is your greatest competitive advantage as a small law firm owner. Their success becomes your firm’s success. By creating the kind of environment great employees want to work in, you’ll attract talented people like Carolina who’ll contribute to your firm’s growth—and maybe even the future of international law.