Victoria Hamscho is a senior associate at K&L Gates LLP.
Victoria is a dedicated attorney and government relations professional. She is a Senior Associate in the Public Policy and Law Practice of K&L Gates, where she advocates on behalf of clients before Congress and the Administration. In this role, Victoria works closely with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC). She is an Advisory Council Member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), an organization dedicated to developing the next generation of Lantinx leaders through professional development and leadership opportunities for Hispanic students.
Victoria currently serves as President-elect of the Hispanic Bar Association of the District of Columbia (HBA-DC), a voluntary bar association committed to the professional development of Hispanic lawyers and law students. In this capacity, Victoria hosts and helps organize HBA-DC’s Latina Leadership Academy, an annual event that seeks to empower Latina attorneys and law students. Most recently, Victoria was selected to join the 2025 ELLA Leadership Program from the Hispanic National Bar Association, a six-month executive leadership program aimed at closing the Latina leadership gap at the most senior roles in law firms and corporate legal departments.
Victoria grew up in Monterrey, Mexico. She immigrated to the U.S. in pursuit of education and opportunities to provide for her family. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, going to the theater, and learning about wine. Victoria studies wine at the Capital Wine School and is WSET certified.
Why did you join the WBA?
I joined the Women’s Bar Association of the District of Columbia (WBA) because I wanted a space where I could connect with other professionals in the district who are passionate about not just their own professional development and career advancement, but also about finding ways to support others and bring them together. Every WBA event or gathering is an opportunity to connect with incredible women leaders and build bridges with other professionals in DC.
How did your community growing up shape who you are now?
I grew in Monterrey, Mexico, where I was raised by two strong and resilient Latinas: my mother, who raised me as a young single mother, as well as my grandmother, who helped raise me while my mother worked to support us. My mother and grandmother taught me from a very young age the meaning of hard work, resiliency, and strength. They inspired me to pursue my dreams while making sure I always give back to my community. My grandmother was someone who always kept her door open and always offered our neighbors a warm meal, no matter our financial circumstances or adversities. She was someone who always found a way to give back—a value that I try to live by.
What motivated you to enroll in law school?
I immigrated to the United States in pursuit of education and opportunities to provide for my family. Before going to law school, I pursed a career in public policy because I wanted to advocate before the government for causes I believe in. Attending law school later in my career provided me with additional advocacy tools, including an understanding of the legislative and regulatory process and ways to be a part of it. I am fortunate to be able to combine my passion for public policy and law at my law firm, K&L Gates, where I advocate on behalf of clients on issues that impact them and represent them before the government. I have the fortune of being able to do this while maintaining a strong pro bono practice focused on immigration, disability policy, and other public policy areas, in addition to being active in bar associations and other groups in my community.
What does Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally, and why is it important to celebrate it?
To me, Hispanic Heritage Month is a reason to recognize and be grateful for our community and continue to find ways to give back. It is a reason to celebrate our values and culture, from the strength, resiliency, and dedication we inherited from our families and those who came before them, to our food, music, and all the beautiful things that make us who we are. It is a reason to feel proud of what we have accomplished and look for ways to support our Hispanic community.
What progress or positive changes have you witnessed for the Hispanic/Latinx Heritage community in recent years?
At the face of adversity, our community has gotten closer and found ways to support and empower each other. As an attorney and public policy professional, I am inspired by the next generation of Latinx leaders who are enrolling in law school or pursuing careers in public policy because they want to sit at the tables where decisions are being made that could impact our families and community
What advice would you give to a Hispanic/Latinx law student who aspire to be where you are now?
My hope for all law students is that they find an area of law that fulfills them and are able position themselves to make it their careers. This is not always a linear path. Some achieve this while in law school. Others, while rotating practice areas at law firms or working in different jobs. No matter where or how this happens, I encourage law students and young professionals to always stay curious and open-minded and to identify and build connections with people who can serve as mentors and sponsors who are in places where they would like to be or who are doing the type of work they would like to pursue. Building connections with the right mentors, sponsors, and allies can make a difference in finding the right job opportunity or making the most out of your current job.
What are your hopes or aspirations for the future of the Hispanic/Latinx legal community?
My hope is that no matter the adversity we face, we continue to show up for our community and work to build a more inclusive future for the next generation of Latinx attorneys. I am a firm believer that it is not enough to break glass ceilings. We have a responsibility to bring together, support, and empower the next generation. Whether you are in a senior role or are just starting your career, there are people who want to be where you are and can benefit from your mentorship. My hope is that we will continue to come together, show up, and find ways to support one another.
What other organizations are you involved in (professional, civic, etc.)?
I am President-elect of the Hispanic Bar Association of the District of Columbia and am an active member of the Hispanic National Bar Association. I also serve on the Advisory Council of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, a non-profit organization affiliated with Hispanic Members of Congress that is dedicated to developing the next generation of Latinx leaders.