Family Law & Policy Fellowship

Growing up in a rural community offered an early understanding of the close connection between family, society, and the legal system. In small towns, a common saying is that “everyone knows everyone,” but it takes on a more sinister meaning for those in situations of interpersonal violence. During my undergraduate studies, I worked with survivors in rural communities, where I witnessed firsthand the legal disparities and unique challenges that arise in family law.  Through interning with Sanctuary for Families and participating in CAPS at Brooklyn Law, it became clear that although the idea that “everyone knows everyone” is less stated about cities, the underlying societal issues that warp it against survivors remain present. My professional and academic experiences have deepened my commitment to ensuring that family law serves as a source of resolution, dignity, and compassion. I am specifically interested in how legal systems impact survivors and perpetrators in recovery and recidivism. I hope to spend not only this fellowship but also my career advocating for domestic violence survivors and offering a platform for those who are often left unheard. 

I am excited to enter my second year of law school as a Family Law and Policy Fellow. Last summer, I interned at Pace Women’s Justice Center, where I worked with survivors of domestic violence and assisted them in filing orders of protection, custody petitions, and child support petitions. During my first year of law school, I participated in two immigration pro bono projects, where I helped clients file for asylum and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Additionally, I was a 1L Delegate for BLS ACLU's Smart Justice Committee. Prior to law school, I graduated from Boston University with a degree in History and a minor in Film. I also had the opportunity to work as a middle school Special Education paraprofessional, where my interest in working with children and families began. In the fall, I will serve as the Events Manager and Smart Justice Committee Chair for BLS ACLU, as well as complete an externship with Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. I look forward to combining my interests in immigration law, advocacy, and family law through the fellowship, and ultimately using my legal career to be a voice and advocate for families.

 I am excited to start my 2L year at Brooklyn Law School as a Family Law and Policy fellow! This year, I will also be a member of the school’s ACLU chapter, Brooklyn Law Students for the Public Interest, and the Legal Association for Women, as well as participating in the Family Defense clinic with Brooklyn Defender Services. I spent this past summer observing the Hon. Emily Ruben in Kings County Supreme Court’s Integrated Domestic Violence part and interning with the trial and appellate teams at the Children’s Law Center. I have a strong interest in matrimonial and family law, with a special stake in the specific issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community. I’m hopeful that my research under this fellowship will help me build a career where I can confidently and compassionately navigate interpersonal family disputes.

I am entering my third year at Brooklyn Law School and look forward to being a Family Law and Policy Fellow. Prior to law school, I worked as a Legal Assistant at a boutique family law firm that focused on mediation and Collaborative divorce.  I am involved on campus with If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice. Additionally, I have participated in the Disability and Civil Rights Clinic and interned for the Honorable Laura M. Paley during my 2L year. These experiences have sparked an interest in examining the relationship between the family, the state, and the institutions that further the state's interests. I believe my interest in family law stems from being drawn to the very human experiences that are at the heart of family law matters, that often feel like they conflict with the legal system and structures we have in place. I look forward to exploring this interest further as a Fellow.   

I am entering my 2L year at Brooklyn Law School, where I am involved with the BLS American Civil Liberties Union and will serve as both Treasurer and Gender and Sexuality Chair. This summer, I interned for the Honorable Nisha Menon at Kings County Family Court, where I learned more about family law and child advocacy in Brooklyn. 
 
Before law school, I worked in disability law, helping clients navigate Social Security Disability applications and appeals. That experience showed me how important it is for people to have support when moving through complicated legal systems. I have also worked with children throughout high school and college, and my own personal experiences have shaped the way I understand the impact these systems can have on a person’s life. I am currently interested in family law and child advocacy, especially work that supports children and families during vulnerable moments. 

I am 3L from the San Francisco Bay Area. I attended UC Berkeley for undergrad, where I studied gender women’s studies, human rights, and journalism. I am passionate about advocacy, and am interested in the way that the law intersects with social variables like gender, race, class, and nationality.  

Professionally, my legal areas of interest have been family law, international law, and immigration law. I am looking forward to using this fellowship to investigate issues related to matrimonial law and identity politics! During my 2L summer, I split my time doing legal aid work at The Justice and Diversity Center in San Francisco, and doing immigration asylum work.