Lina Machado Bejarano (J.D. '19), an associate at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, has a new title to add to her list of accolades. In 2024, she received the Cameron J. Miller Award for Excellence and Community Service. The award, named after a late associate who exemplified leadership and community involvement, is determined by votes from associates and partners across the firm’s 13 offices.
“Being selected to honor Cam’s memory was an incredible honor,” Machado said. “The words my colleagues used in their nominations were humbling and inspiring.”
Adjunct Professor Sidney Welch smiles alongside Machado following the 2024 Cameron J. Miller Award ceremony.
This award included a $10,000 donation, which she directed to the Georgia State Law Immigration Clinic. The clinic, which provides direct representation to asylum seekers and victims of human trafficking, holds a special place in her heart. “As a former asylee, I understand the challenges of navigating the immigration system without legal support. The clinic’s work changes lives and trains future immigration attorneys,” she said.
Machado has made significant strides in civil litigation, pro bono work, and mentorship within the Latino legal community through her work with the Georgia Latino Law Foundation (GLLF).
She was recognized as a “Rising Star” by both the Georgia Hispanic Bar Association and Georgia Super Lawyers for the second consecutive year in 2024. As a Latina in “Big Law” (the top law firms in the United States), Machado acknowledges the importance of representation.
“Many of us don’t pursue certain career paths because we don’t see people who look or sound like us in those roles. I remember being afraid of becoming a litigator because English is my second language. Meeting women like me, with similar backgrounds and experiences, who were changing that more traditional landscape was an inspiration. I want Latina and Latino law students to know they belong here. That they belong anywhere they want to go.”
Currently a business litigation attorney at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, Machado balances her demanding caseload with pro bono work, community service, and leadership roles with the GLLF “There’s no formula for balancing it all, but I have a strong support system and work at a firm and with a team that fully supports me and encourages my commitment to community service.”
The award included a $10,000 donation, which Machado generously directed to the Georgia State Law Immigration Clinic. From left to right, Clinical Supervising Attorney Will Miller, Immigration Law Clinic Director Emily Torstveit Ngara, Athzay Flores (J.D. '25) and Judge Steven Grimberg.
Emily Torstveit Ngara, associate clinical professor and director of the Immigration Clinic, expressed her gratitude for Lina’s generosity and ongoing support. “When I learned that Lina had selected the clinic to benefit from the donation she received as a recognition of both her stellar legal work and her tireless work in support of her community, I was deeply honored.” Ngara also highlighted Lina’s lasting impact on the clinic and its students. “She has done so much for the College of Law, our students, and the community. By supporting the clinic, Lina was able to benefit both law students in gaining practical experience through their work in the clinic, as well as the clinic's clients and their communities.”
The donation will further the clinic’s mission by enhancing resources for students and clients alike. It will allow the clinic to hire additional interpreters and expert witnesses to support clients' cases, said Ngara as she explained that the donation will also allow the clinic to hold additional pro se workshops in partnership with community organizations to help unrepresented individuals complete applications for relief from removal or work authorization. This also gives students a different experience than their other casework and provides a valuable service to unrepresented noncitizens who have to submit applications in English, a language they do not speak or write.
You can support the Georgia State University College of Law Immigration clinic by clicking here: GSU Donate.
-Written by Ifunanya Ejimofor (LL.M. ‘25)