Miroslava “Mira” Detcheva’s combined teaching and legal experience bring unique expertise to SMU’s professional education programs. Mira is Senior Lecturer in Spanish in SMU’s Department of World Languages and Literatures, where she teaches a variety of Spanish language and culture courses. In addition to her long-term teaching experience at the university level, she also is a graduate of SMU’s Dedman School of Law and a licensed immigration attorney focusing on employment and business immigration law. Mira was inspired to pursue a second career in law while studying in Mexico and traveling throughout Latin America. Her linguistics skills and cultural competence have inspired and impacted her legal practice.
Why did you start studying Spanish?
Mira: I find the study of languages and linguistic fascinating. Spanish is a language spoken in more than 20 countries in different parts of the globe. It allows me to connect and communicate with people from many countries both professionally and in my personal life in addition to opening up a world of diverse and captivating cultures. To me, regardless of anyone’s profession, the ability to communicate in a second or even a third language is a must in today’s interconnected world.
How did you get started in law?
Mira: I obtained my law degree after my graduate degree in International Relations and Diplomacy with a focus on the region of Latin-America and Spanish. Throughout my entire academic career, I consistently combined language and political studies. My background in international politics and knowledge of several languages and cultures inspired me to pursue a career in immigration law. That’s why I decided to apply to law school.
What is your legal experience?
My experience is in the areas of immigration law. I focus on family, employment, and business investment (non-immigrant visas) law. I have worked with special immigrants and with predominantly Spanish-speakers from the Americas. However, due to the nature of my law field, I often interact with clients from all over the world. Although I am currently focusing on immigrant and non-immigrant visa options, I continue to be interested in the topics of migration and immigration reform.
Why did you want to develop and teach the SMU Spanish for Legal Studies Certificate program?
Mira: As a former law student, a current attorney and a long-term educator, I believe that there is a vacuum to be filled. I have encountered too many legal professionals who were never given the tools to improve their Spanish-language skills. As both an attorney and a university professor, I understand what is needed and what it takes to fill this void of proper language training tailored specifically to help the legal professional.
What about this course gets you really excited?
Mira: I am excited to have this opportunity to use my combined skills and help my fellow colleagues achieve a goal – be able to connect and properly interact with Spanish-speaking clients. I believe that I am uniquely positioned to help them get closer or even achieve this goal.
What do you want new students to know about you and this course?
It is a great opportunity to acquire and/or enhance their Spanish-language skills. The format of the course is flexible, the tools allow for constant practice and instant feedback, and progress is measured by completing hand-on practical assignments. As a professional who had to study full-time and work and quite often wear many hats, I understand the sacrifice it takes to work and study at the same time.
For more information about the SMU Spanish for Legal Professionals Certificate program, visit our website or contact an Admissions Specialist at smupro@smu.edu.