Ally Girouard

Legal Aid at Work

I want to help fix the structural inequities in society, which stem from among other things a pervasively toxic capitalist system, by advocating for those who otherwise would not have a voice or access to the legal system.

UC Hastings

Class of 2020

Cagil Arel

Social Justice Collaborative

Public work is all about using the law to help the humankind, not for commercial profit. That's why I do it.

Golden Gate Law

Class of 2020

Chris Wollitz

Open Door Legal

I have a strong motivation and desire to serve as an advocate for underrepresented communities because I want everyone to have the same access to justice and economic opportunities.

University of San Francisco

Class of 2020

Colin Schoell

Swords to Plowshares

I want to help as many people as possible with my work to give back to those who weren't lucky enough to have the same advantages and opportunities that I had.

UC Hastings

Class of 2020

Eric Darway

Root & Rebound

I’m driven to public service work because I believe that money should not determine the quality of legal representation you receive nor should not determine if your voice is heard. I believe that our legal system should be accessible and equitable as a basic human right.

UC Hastings

Class of 2020

Jenny Liao

Asian Americans Advancing Justice

I want to make a positive impact on my community, and I believe that public interet work is one way to do just that.

University of San Francisco

Class of 2020

Karen Hinojosa

Contra Costa Senior Legal Services

Having legal knowledge should be shared with those that need it the most. Being able to help marginilized communitues inspires me to do public interest work.

UC Hastings

Class of 2020

Norah Cunningham

Justice at Last

Quality, free legal representation can be an effective tool to disrupt structural disparities, and I’m grateful to have the resources needed to be part of that disruption.

University of San Francisco

Class of 2020

Ryan Prickel

Open Door Legal

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University of San Francisco

Class of 2020

Simone van Ommeren

Family & Children's Law Center

I think justice should be available to everyone, not just those who have the resources to obtain it. I believe public interest work should run parallel to all legal careers, regardless of the various avenues of law we pursue.

UC Hastings

Class of 2020

Stephanie Smallwood

Family Violence Law Center

Before even applying to law school I knew I wanted to help my community. Law school felt like the most logical way for me to provide help for those who are unable to help themselves. I am very passionate about creating a better life for the groups of people who suffer from economic, racial, and gender inequalities.

Golden Gate Law

Class of 2020

Tom Moore

Immigration Institute of the Bay Area

I am inspired to work in public service by interacting with different people in the Bay Area’s varied communities through both work and daily life. Everyone deserves access to justice and fair representation, regardless of income.

UC Hastings

Class of 2020

Tyler Kirsh

Root & Rebound

The sheer weight of the inequity that the current system has placed on the average person of any background is horrendous. There are two options in addressing it; one being the direct action of helping those that need it.

Golden Gate Law

Class of 2020

Victoria Lee

Legal Access Alameda

I’ve witnessed, first hand, the need for universal access to legal representation. Therefore, public service was my natural reaction because I want to prevent future injustice by ensuring that all people, especially those who are indigent, still have access to extraordinary representation.

Golden Gate Law

Class of 2020

Virginia Millacci

Family & Children's Law Center

I work in the public sector because I believe access to legal protections should not be based on a person's myriad of privileges or social positionality.

UC Hastings

Class of 2020

Allyssa Rose

For the People

Solving the injustices we face in society can often seem intimidating. Yet, through public service we champion creative and innovative solutions to make lasting change in the communities around us, which can garner enough momentum to change society as a whole.

UC Hastings

Class of 2020

Chelsea Blocklin

Legal Assistance to the Elderly

I find working with others and those most marginalized in society to address systemic issues to be extremely fulfilling work.

UC Hastings

Class of 2020

Christian Ramos

Legal Assistance for Seniors

The opportuity to help someone who otherwise might be unable to obtain assistance is what motivates me.

Golden Gate Law

Class of 2020

Diana Mariscal

Oasis Legal Services

Public interest work for me is a way to fulfill my vocation to serve others and see the humanity and dignity in each person we serve.

University of San Francisco

Class of 2020

Heather Turner

Family Violence Law Center

I believe we all have a duty to help each other in whatever way we can. Public interest is my way of happily fulfilling this duty.

Golden Gate Law

Class of 2020

Jessica Juarez

Homeless Action Center

I believe that it is everyone's responsibility to give back to your community in whatever way you can. Just like some people helped me, I want to do the same for others, and I will with my law degree and future license.

Golden Gate Law

Class of 2020

Martha Cardenas

Public Rights Project

I believe that the law is a powerful tool that can be used to help marginilized communities. Public Interest work allows me to help empower these communities so that they can use the law to fight back and protect their rights.

Berkeley Law

Class of 2020

Norjmoo Battulga

LGBT Asylum Project

I've always wanted to work in the public interest field because I believe that everyone owes a duty to leave the world better than we found it. Helping others is my life's passion, especially as an someone privileged enough to attend higher education.

Golden Gate Law

Class of 2020

Samantha Gatton

Advokids

My focus has always been on public work. My goal is to do the best for the broadest demographic.

Golden Gate Law

Class of 2020

Spring Carver

Open Door Legal

My Dad is a Criminal Defense Attorney so growing up I always had a passion for this type of work. I want to help the people who need assistance, not the people feeding on others misfortunes.

Golden Gate Law

Class of 2020

Swaalihi Abdul-Rahma

Legal Aid at Work

I think that that the legal system is unnecessarily complicated, and that many people, specifically marginalized folk, are often times unable to access necessary resources. I want to help bridge that (knowldge) gap. I've had certain privileges that have allowed me to pursue a legal education, I plan on leveraging (those) privileges to help where I can.

UC Hastings

Class of 2020

Tom Rivera

Centro Legal de La Raza

I believe in using my skills, knowledge, and relatively privileged position to help others, especially those who don't have the resources or ability to protect themselves from people who are taking advantage of them

Berkeley Law

Class of 2020

Valentina Sacchi Beccarini

Open Door Legal

I've been working as a linguistic consultant for the Public Prosecutor's Office in Italy (remote for the past 3ys and a half) for the past 10 years now and I have seen it all, especially when immigrants were involved. Now, as expat, I understand even more what the struggle is and I want to do my part to help those who do not have privileges.

University of San Francisco

Class of 2020

Vince Young

Public Rights Project

Our society must be reordered to prioritize compassion and the welfare of all.

Berkeley Law

Class of 2020