VOLS thanks our two law student summer interns and wishes them well! Jocelyn Valenzuela is working with Elizabeta Markuci on the Immigration Project and Tess Keppler worked with Dave Fillingame on the Unemployment Insurance Advocacy Project. Get to know them below:
Jocelyn Valenzuela
The Basics
Undergrad: The City University of New York, John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Majors: Political Science/International Human Rights and Relations.
Minor: History
Law School: Roger Williams University School of Law, Dean’s List, Juris Doctor Candidate, Class of 2015
Hometown: Queens, NY
What kind of lawyer do you aspire to be?
I would like to be the type of lawyer that my clients feel comfortable walking into my office and not afraid of how empty their wallets will be when they leave.
How did you get to VOLS this summer?
The public interest department at Roger Williams School of law referred me to Elizabeta Markuci to work in the immigration project, since that is what I am interested in.
What are your goals for this summer and beyond?
My goals are to graduate and pass the bar first. Then I hope to work in a project that is similar to the Immigration Project at VOLS that promotes not just legal aid for those who cannot afford it but progress for the legal system as well.
Tess Keppler
The Basics
Undergrad: The Ohio State University
Majors: Anthropology and Latin
Graduate school: Cornell University Law School
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
What kind of lawyer do you aspire to be?
I hope to come back to public interest law after I graduate.
How did you get to VOLS this summer?
I came to VOLS this summer through the Harold Oaklander Fellowship. Mr. Oaklander has been working for many years with Cornell students who want to get involved in unemployment issues and labor law.
What are your goals for this summer and beyond?
I love working with individuals, but at some point down the line I would like to help change things for New Yorkers at the policy-making level.
We are happy to have you on board, Jocelyn and Tess!