Students' Experiences

Embodied by the Public Interest Fellowship is Boyd's dedication to helping the community at large, specifically underserved populations and causes, and at the forefront of my search for a law school was finding a school that supports their student's efforts to advocate for those in need. I plan to embody this same commitment as an advocate for those disadvantaged by gender, race, and socioeconomic background within the public school system, during my time at Boyd and beyond. What this program provides for me and my peers alike is an opportunity to work with like-minded individuals, including students, staff, and members of the legal community, in order to pave roads that will lead us to success in our respective fields. For this, I am forever grateful to Boyd and the Public Interest Fellowship program as I will be able to pursue a career in public interest without reservation.   - Joseph Adamiak, Class of 2021

My pathway to public interest began as a community organizer advocating for comprehensive immigration reform and later, as a social worker, working in juvenile probation. I began to see the disparities in access to justice for underrepresented and undocumented communities and became passionate about changing the system across picket lines. I returned to school for a master's degree in social work and now law school in order to become a better advocate for the community. … Not everyone is able to be in a position to advocate for others. It is a privilege to be in law school as a first-generation Latina and daughter of immigrants. Everyone needs an advocate at some point in their lives and, as future attorneys, we are in a unique position to speak up and make a world of difference to our clients and community. - Beatriz Aguirre, Class of 2018

As a Las Vegas Native, and first-generation Latina, I have always felt a responsibility to my community. Before I started attending Boyd, I was deeply involved in community politics and organizing. As a leader in these roles, I was exposed to the root issues that disadvantaged communities face and understood how laws affect minorities. As I got more involved with non-profit organizations in the state, I was given the opportunity to grow as an advocate. I learned to advocate better for myself and for others. This fed my inclination to study law and solidified my decision to become an attorney. Boyd aligns with my values and is also dedicated to giving back and helping others with their legal necessities. I feel privileged to be a public interest fellow and to continue exploring my passion for public service.  - Mayli Alarcon, Class of 2022

I am passionate about becoming the best lawyer that I can while here at Boyd because I want to be a valuable tool for vulnerable populations in my career. Specifically, I hope to be an advocate for children, refugees, and animals. I’m very grateful to be a part of an institution that prioritizes pro bono and public interest work. It is a great honor to be not only a recipient of graduate level education, but to be a public interest fellow as well. My work in Washington D.C. with adoption and foster care policy really humbled my perspective of the daily grind that goes into public interest work. I fell in love with this work and the people that I was able to meet and work for while using my legal education. We have been given an incredible gift of a legal education at William S. Boyd school of law. Who, then, are we to not share that gift with those who need it the most? - Chelsea Armstrong, Class of 2021

In college, I focused on student government as well as volunteered for an organization that strove to ensure that everyone had access to the judicial system and received fair treatment. After college, I worked for the Nevada Legislature as a Senate Committee on Judiciary Secretary where my desire to serve the public grew. … Knowing that the work I do is meant to benefit the public or a single person who otherwise would not have the access to legal assistance is the most rewarding thing about public interest work. I think that the purpose of the legal profession is to help people, which is why I like public interest work because I will be able to help those who may not otherwise have access to the kinds of legal assistance they may require. - Julia Barker, Class of 2018

I currently serve as the President of the National Federation of the Blind in Nevada (NFB). I oversee the programs, services, and legislative initiatives in Nevada. We have the largest scholarship program in the country and a smaller program in Nevada for students who are blind and visually impaired. … Working with the NFB has helped me identify numerous issues that confront people with disabilities in Nevada related to education, employment, and raising a family. My experience as a Public Interest Fellow has taught me that Nevada needs attorneys who can advocate for clients with these issues. - Kimie Beverly, Class of 2016

I am honored to be a Public interest Fellow at Boyd. Three years ago, public interest service was far from my mind. Then I started working for my small city in Idaho. My desires transformed as I not only watched, but helped, work every single day to make my hometown community a better place. This experience helped me realize that all I really want to do in life is constantly serve – and build – my community. I am excited for the opportunity to rub shoulders with great community-minded leaders as well as other publicly-minded peers. - Tayler Bingham, Class of 2021

One of the best things about attending Boyd is the school’s deep commitment to the community. I am honored to be selected as a Public Interest Fellow and to have the opportunity to connect with and learn from the public interest community. Prior to law school, I worked in government and politics. In those positions, I learned how important public service is, what some of the needs of the most vulnerable people in our community are, and how much one person’s work can impact the lives of others. I was attracted to law school because I wanted to explore different ways to increase access to justice and to find new opportunities to work with people who are dedicated to serving the public.  - Gillian Block, Class of 2021

I decided to become an attorney in high school, but the question remained: how could I best combine a legal career with my own particular skills and passions to be as effective as possible in helping others? In my freshman year at Boise State University, a documentary on sex trafficking pointed my life in a new direction. As I earned my BS and MA in Political Science, I directed every research project, including my master’s thesis, towards understanding and explaining this international tragedy. I decided to attend William S. Boyd School of Law in Las Vegas because, in many ways, Las Vegas is the epicenter for attacking the problem of sex trafficking via legislation, law enforcement, and citizen-led programs. Now I intend to join the fight in developing better responses to sex trafficking while broadening concerns to include victims of labor trafficking. I am thrilled to be a Public Interest Fellow and thankful for the many opportunities to meet with, partner with, and learn from others who are passionate about public interest. - Gabrielle Boliou, Class of 2021

It was an honor to be selected as a Public Interest Fellow because Boyd validated and encouraged my goals. I encourage everyone who is interested in making a difference to apply. I've heard students' reservations that while they volunteer or while they have public interest goals, they're nervous they don't do enough. Everyone who wants to make a difference feels like they're not doing enough, so chances are that means you are having an impact. Express your goals and desire to help, and Boyd will offer you an opportunity to do just that. - Bailey Bortolin, Class of 2015

Boyd's commitment to being a resource to the community, is in my opinion, one of its greatest strengths. I feel privileged to be a Public Interest Fellow and get to work with some of the brightest professors and students alike. Together, there is a shared vision for ensuring our legal work is serving our most vulnerable populations and meeting the needs of our state. I have spent most of my professional life fighting for immigrant rights and better access to healthcare. I know this fellowship will give me the tools to continue in the struggle for justice while working with the Boyd network and beyond. - Yvanna Cancela, Class of 2020

I decided to become a public interest fellow at Boyd, because I want to help my community. I am someone who was born and raised in the city of Las Vegas, and through being a public interest fellow, I will be able to learn how to better help the people within my hometown as an attorney. After having graduated from the Honors College at UNLV with my BA in Political Science and a minor in Public Policy through the Brookings Institute, I have been able to learn more about the fundamentals of public policy and public interest, and this fellowship will only strengthen these skills. I feel privileged and grateful to have the opportunity to work within the fellowship not only to meet and interact with fellow students and attorneys with similar interests to me, but to also learn and grow within the fellowship in order to become a better advocate for my city. - Tanner Castro, Class of 2022

Prior to law school, I was involved in Nevada’s political field, contributing to the advancement of statewide policies that benefited marginalized communities. Driven by my past experiences and by a desire to contribute through a more direct approach, I decided to pursue a legal education to learn how to navigate legal processes and to become a more effective advocate. Being named a Public Interest Fellow is an honor which gives me a platform to achieve my public interest goals while obtaining my legal education. - Edgar Cervantes, Class of 2020

I'm excited to know that Boyd is invested in public interest by providing programs like the Public Interest Fellowship Program. I have a strong affinity toward community service, and my background working at a legal, nonprofit organization added tools in which to help veterans and low-income families with landlord/tenant issues, tax controversies, and foreclosure mediation. I hope to continue seeking opportunities during my law school career and beyond to strengthen the community by ensuring fairness and providing equal access to justice for low-income families and individuals. - Jonathan Chung, Class of 2017

I saw Boyd as a great opportunity to give back and strengthen the community. There are members in our community that struggle each and every day, but their voices go unheard. I wanted to be their voice when they had none and make a life changing impact. I feel that in some ways I have, but there is always more work to be done. It was an honor to receive the Public Interest Fellowship in recognition of my community service activities. - Matthew Cook, Class of 2018

My pathway to public interest law most certainly began early on in my life. As a child, my mother worked as a teacher in low-income schools with special needs students. I had the opportunity to spend time with her students as a peer model during the summer months. I quickly recognized the importance of helping those in need and dedicating my life to public interest in some capacity when I was older. After college, I joined a national teaching organization and taught eighth grade science for two years in a Title I school. Through my experiences as a teacher, my desire to work in public interest law was definitely rekindled. … Participating in the fellowship program means that I am able to focus on my chosen career path more intently with real life application and the guidance of like-minded mentors. The fellowship also means that I can focus less on my financial needs and focus more on securing a career where I can truly help those in need within the Las Vegas community. - Hayley Cummings, Class of 2018

I believe the basis of success is through commitment to your immediate community. By giving back and supporting the growth of your immediate community, you are not only supporting your colleagues, but contributing to the success of all communities because of the inevitable connection between places. Prior to law school, I enjoyed a short career as an environmental biologist and dedicated my volunteering to local environmental non-profits and government agencies. I am also passionate about supporting and assisting victims and veterans. I plan to utilize my law degree to become a better advocate; I am so grateful to Boyd Law for helping me further this goal by selecting me as a Public Interest Fellow. I know I will better serve my community because of the belief, support, and network provided through the Fellowship.    - Elizabeth Davenport, Class of 2021

I learned about community service and giving back to the community at a very early age. As a child I was taught the values of tzedakah and tikkun olam. One of our Hanukkah presents every year was a donation to a charity of our choice. Since middle school, I have been volunteering at the AFAN Aids Walk every spring. My synagogue had a program where during our b'nei mitzvah year we would each find different projects in the community to work with. My great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents all instilled these values into me. Through my legal education at Boyd, I've now developed skills that I can put to use in the community to help others. Going into my third year at Boyd, through the Volunteer Education Advocate program I've been able to assist foster children and ensure that their educational needs are met, through the Partners in Pro Bono program I've helped an individual recover from a garage shop that was taking advantage of him, I've helped multiple people with the unemployment benefits, I've educated many individuals on family law and small claims issues with our community service classes, I've helped defend low income individuals from being evicted by their landlords through my internship with Nevada Legal Services with a grant from PILA, I've helped seal I don't even know how many criminal records at NLS, and just recently with the immigration clinic been able to assist individuals renew their DACA applications. Boyd has so many different opportunities to be able to help our community, and the PIF program helps unlock even more. - Jordan Doctors, Class of 2018

As a Las Vegas native, I'm passionate about having the opportunity to continue serving our community both as a student and beyond. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to at a private firm that empowered their attorneys to take positions across State Bar Sections, volunteer time with local non-profits, and most importantly actively seek out and consider pro bono cases as a regular part of intake. I'm excited to tailor my interests and apply it the experiential learning and mentorship provided through Boyd and the Public Interest Program. I am humbled by the opportunity to work alongside our talented student body and look forward to learning from our professors and like minded-professionals in practice! - John Falcon, Class of 2021

I like having my transcript and resume reflect that public interest law (namely, the interests of Native American tribes) has a very important place in both my academic and professional careers. The summer before I was awarded the Public Interest Fellowship, I worked with the Moapa Band of Paiutes (which is just north of Las Vegas) under a grant from the Public Interest Law Association at Boyd. The next year I continued working with the Tribe to revise their Law and Order Code. Working with the Tribe has helped me develop valuable connections in Indian Country and has reinforced my resolve to advocate for tribal sovereignty. - Tanya Fraser, Class of 2015

I've worked for the Clark County School District for the past nine years. All of those years have been in Title 1 schools, so I've always taught at-risk students, and in a sense, have always been working in public interest. For five of those nine years, I have worked in CCSD consequence schools – those are small schools for students who have been removed from the traditional educational setting – many for legal offenses (drugs, battery, etc.). Despite their offense, they are still kids, and are still deserving of an education. In spending time with my students, I have seen so many of them go to prison, because that is the only life they know. After a few years, I decided I wanted to start working with them from another direction, which led to my law school application. I didn't apply (for a fellowship) until my last year of law school, so I'd been doing public interest work the entire time. For me, this was recognition of that work, which I appreciate. - Jessica Gandy, Class of 2016

My passion for public interest work began when I joined Teach For America as a corps member in 2013. One of my greatest accomplishments as a Teach For America corps member was ensuring the inclusion of Latino issues in the general discourse of educational inequity in the Metro Atlanta region. At Boyd,  I have continued to follow my passion for public interest by volunteering to assist Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients with their DACA renewals, serving as an interpreter for asylum cases with the Immigration Clinic,  participating in the Partners in Pro Bono program, volunteering with the Kid’s Court program, and serving as a law student mentor through the Huellas Mentorship program. I feel very lucky to have so many opportunities here at Boyd to learn and serve my community. Boyd's commitment to public interest is unwavering. I am honored to be a Public Interest Fellow. I hope to contribute to Boyd's impact in our community both during my time as a law student and as an attorney in the future.  - Mayra Garay, Class of 2020

Boyd has an incredible commitment to public interest that drew me in almost immediately. I've known for a long time that I wanted to work in public interest, but I didn't always know what exactly I wanted to do. I've tried many different paths including social work, higher education, and nonprofit, but nothing felt just right until I started school at Boyd. This scholarship eases the pressure on my now one-income household, and ensures that I will be able to pursue meaningful work after graduation without being pushed into a corner by financial need. I'm also able to try any type of internship or externship I'm drawn to because I don't have to worry about making money right now. Those experiences have and will help me to find where my experience and strengths can best be put to use for the betterment of my community. - Alysa Grimes, Class of 2018

Starting from a young age I enjoyed helping others, whether that was volunteering at a women's shelter or packing meals for kids in need. Once I entered college I found what I was truly passionate about. I was the president of a student organization that taught students about consent and helped victims of sexual violence. We collaborated with the university to create consent curriculum and improve programs to help victims. I knew that this was something I wanted to continue with my career. When I decided to go to law school I wanted to attend a school with a strong commitment to community service and a good public interest program. Boyd's Public Interest Fellowship Program was what really drew me to the school. Being given the opportunity to find a mentor in the public interest field and receive financial support is so helpful for setting me up for success in a career where I can help victims. - Aleasa Guerra, Class of 2020

Public interest law is the best way to focus my time and attention as a law student when I am not in a classroom. Volunteering gives me an opportunity to try and make someone's life just a little bit easier, to try and better the world in which we live, and to try and be an example for others who also want to give back. Being a student at Boyd has equipped me with knowledge and skills about the law that much of the general population do not receive. One of the most important lessons I learned during my first year is how valuable and powerful this knowledge can be to someone else. Being the president of the Immigration Law Society and OUTLaws allows me to support the underserved LGBTQ and immigrant population while taking an intersectional approach in dealing with any problems my community may face. Being a public interest fellow allows me to be a more effective leader knowing that I am equipped with resources and a supportive base. I hope to always be an advocate for those who need it most, and to always strive to help others. - Paloma Guerrero, Class of 2019

The Public Interest Fellowship at Boyd will not only prepare me for a public interest legal career by providing me with the tools to understand the legalities surrounding the policies that shape our social and political structures; but more importantly, this program will strengthen my appreciation for interpersonal dynamics. Being a Public Interest Fellow will intensify my desire for public interest work by providing me with experiential and networking opportunities that will increase my potential for relational lawyering and passion for social justice. Given that my passion stems from my personal experience as a refugee, I always told myself that my law degree would not be used to serve myself. Instead, my law degree will be used to serve others, and the Public Interest Fellowship at Boyd will allow me to do so. - Janina Hebibovich, Class of 2022

Access and opportunity to pursue a post-graduate education is reserved to a small minority in the United States. As such, I feel a deep sense of accountability to use this privileged position to represent and defend individuals who have been marginalized and attacked. Being a public interest fellow has helped me refine my goals and has shown me new avenues through which I can attain them. This fellowship has also introduced me to a community full of exceptional people whom I share the same basic principles and ideals with. I look forward to taking advantage of the the breadth of opportunities this fellowship will offer as I strive toward advocating for the rights of underrepresented individuals and resisting social injustice. - Esteban Hernandez, Class of 2020

The Public Interest Fellowship is the reason I chose the Boyd School of Law over the other places I was accepted. The financial benefit was obvious, but hardly the only reason. The Public Interest Fellowship told me Boyd was different from other law schools and offered opportunities I otherwise would not have had. The difference in Boyd is both in curriculum and culture. Because of the Saltman Center for Conflict Resolution, Boyd offers excellent opportunities to learn and practice ways to solve disputes. Boyd's culture encourages students toward community service and leadership. The summer stipend included in the Public Interest Fellowship opened doors to opportunities I otherwise would not have had … working with the Water Master of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta; in Senator Harry Reid's office in Washington, D.C.; and the Natural Resources Defense Counsel … opportunities that enabled me to learn about different kinds of institutions and make new connections. - Amy Horne, Class of 2016

The plight of the oppressed/economically-disadvantaged in our society is stark. Abject injustice within our judicial system is an ever-present issue, which all lawyers should be working to alleviate. Economic strains and societal propriety have absorbed and dissipated the energy of change and betterment which need to be stalwarts of our judicial system. Therefore, as a future lawyer I endeavor to prepare myself for a career of corrective measures aimed at increasing the justice that this system provides. - Andre LaBonte, Class of 2021

Katelyn represented unaccompanied immigrant children under a justice AmeriCorps grant at the Boyd School of Law's Thomas & Mack Immigration Clinic. The following excerpt is from a March 24, 2016 interview she and fellow Boyd alumna Alissa Cooley gave to NPR's Desert Companion on their work for the clinic: "Who wouldn't want a job where you're fighting injustice and helping children? It's a privilege to do what we're doing. …If you want to talk about sacrifices, let's talk about the sacrifices the children have made to be here. They travel hundreds, thousands of miles, get kidnapped, raped on the way. All so they can live in a place where their lives won't be at risk." - Katelyn Leese, Class of 2014

I currently work as an elementary school teacher and, in the last few years, I have noticed how little a voice children and their parents have within the school system regarding their education. I believe the main reason for this is the lack of knowledge they have to make the best decisions for their education. Unfortunately, I found this to be most true for children with special needs. I would like to become an advocate for those children and their parents, to help them make knowledgeable decisions about their education and prepare them to be successful in the future. … I have found that being a Public Interest Fellow has allowed me to receive mentoring to guide me in my career path. It has given me the opportunity to hear from others who have pursued public interest law and how it has made a difference to them, and it has allowed me to have discussions with my peers who are interested in the same areas of law that I am. - Lyssa LeMay, Class of 2018

I have considered myself an advocate for social justice since I was a kid. So maybe those weren't the terms I used, but I knew I wanted to be a voice for the less fortunate in our society. I have worked consistently in government and non-profit organizations, including the United Way in Detroit, the Dept. of Jobs and Family Services in Cleveland, and as an Investigator with the State of NV Equal Rights Commission here in Las Vegas. During my time at the Commission, I investigated allegations of discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, and public accommodation. Just recently, I accepted an Investigator position with the Clark County Special Public Defender's office. While always proud of what I was doing, there was a lingering feeling that I could be doing more. I knew obtaining a law degree would empower me to have a more significant impact and be a stronger voice for those I was serving; unfortunately, however, the financial burdens associated with law school can make the decision quite difficult. This is true for anyone, but especially for those of us dedicated to serving the community. After years of thinking about it, I finally decided to take the leap and apply to UNLV and am so happy I did. This fellowship allows me to get a quality education while being able to focus on what truly matters to me: helping others! Thank you, Boyd! - Andrea Mass, Class of 2020

Jane Goodall once said, “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” For myself, I want to make a positive difference for others regardless of which path I take in life. My undergraduate degree is in Community Health Education with a minor in Women’s Studies. After graduation, I went to Burkina Faso, Africa with the Peace Corps. My original plan had been to return from Peace Corps and go to law school, but life had other plans for me. I got sick in Africa, and it took some time for me to recover. Meanwhile, I started working in a dance studio, met someone special, and started a family. As a mother, I became La Leche League leader and hosted monthly support meeting for other moms. Needless-to-say, my journey to law school has been eclectic. I’m am now a second-career student, having started and produced a Middle-Eastern dance convention for more than a decade. After I sold my business, I took some time to decide what I really wanted to do, and my heart told me to revisit my plans of attending law school. I believe that the education, mentorship, and networking provided at the Boyd School of Law will allow me to serve my community in a more meaningful way and make a bigger difference in the lives of others. I am so grateful, honored, and humbled to work alongside these other amazing individuals as a Public Interest Fellow. - Alisa McAffee, Class of 2021

As I applied to law schools, I focused on schools that had a clear focus on promoting public interest law and that were highly involved in the communities they were located within – this is where Boyd first stood out to me. I never planned to move to Las Vegas prior to visiting Boyd, but I was so impressed with the faculty and the opportunity to apply for the Public Interest Fellowship that it quickly made its way to the top of my list of potential schools. When I received the call informing me that I had been selected as a Public Interest Fellow, I knew that I could not pass up the opportunity. For me, being selected was a chance to focus on a career that I wanted at an institution that has an excellent reputation regionally and nationally and that saw the importance in the public interest and policy work I wanted to do. Following the call, I packed up my things in Los Angeles and moved to Las Vegas in short order, fully intending to take advantage of the exceptional program Boyd offered. … [My] experiences created a unique resume that led me to my current role as a policy advisor with Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck on the Las Vegas Government Affairs Team. As a policy advisor, I analyze legislation and potential legislation to look for impacts to a variety of clients. In my role I also craft public policy strategies and assist clients in navigating the regulatory process through coalition building, testimony, and talking points. - Kandis McClure, Class of 2014

In my home country of Ecuador, I was able to participate in outreach programs which served the country’s most marginalized sectors of the population; these were eye-opening experiences which gave me a passion for serving others. Throughout my undergraduate and graduate career in Anthropology, I focused on research, and advocacy regarding  indigenous, LGBTQI, women’s, and migrant’s rights, both in my country and in the U.S. However, I wanted to go beyond academic research, and apply my anthropological training in a more practical and impactful way. As an intern at a refugee agency, I was able to assist the in-house attorney with language interpretation during client interviews – this allowed me to closely observe the legal undertakings of the asylum process. As a migrant myself, I was incredibly inspired by the attorney’s work, and I realized that becoming a lawyer was my calling. I chose to attend William S. Boyd School of Law because of the emphasis on encouraging their students to serve their community. It is an incredible honor to be a Public Interest Fellow, and this opportunity will give me the tools to accomplish my goal of using my legal work to promote social justice by serving and advocating for those in need.  - Gabriela Molina, Class of 2022

I was a high school educator for two years prior to law school and this experience opened my eyes to the various ways to make a positive impact within the public sector. To be selected as a Public Interest Fellow was an honor. I saw being named a Public Interest Fellow as an opportunity to learn and gain exposure in areas that I am passionate about. Additionally, I was excited to learn from some of the best leaders in the Las Vegas community. - Scott Morris, Class of 2016

I’m humbled to have been named a Public Interest Fellow. My experiences abroad have taught me the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the promises of the Constitution are extended to everyone in the United States. I’m hopeful that I can work from my position of privilege to materially improve the lives of the voiceless and help my community and county move closer to the ambitious goals we continue to set for ourselves. Systems of justice are only as good as the people operating within them; I hope to better them.   - Joshua Nelson, Class of 2022

Being named a Public Interest Fellow was the driving factor for me in becoming part of the Boyd family. I am proud and grateful to be part of a school that is centered on giving back to the community and those in need. Since I was a child, I was determined to change the world and make a difference. As I have grown, my dreams have become slightly more realistic and my determination has shifted to helping my community and making a difference in the city I love. I am a native Las Vegan and I love this city and state. Over the past few years, I have worked tirelessly to find an arena where I felt I could make the biggest difference. I completed internships at both the British Houses of Parliament and on Capitol Hill before finally finding my true passion of capital defense litigation. After an internship at the Clark County Public Defender's Office, I quickly realized that pursing a legal degree was the path I wanted to take. I am humbled to be able to pursue my dream of helping others at a school that makes that possible and to do my part to ensure everyone, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic standing, has their voice heard. As Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." - Hannah Nelson, Class of 2021

My path to law school has been somewhat nontraditional. I never dreamed I would become an attorney. However, I have always had a passion for helping others. I hope to advocate for children. In our society, children are an extremely vulnerable population. I would like to be a voice for those who are unable to speak for themselves. I would like to assist those who are victims of abuse and neglect. I feel very honored to be a Public Interest Fellow. This opportunity allows me to focus on my education and developing myself as an attorney, so I will be able to provide excellent service in the community. I am grateful for the opportunities Boyd provides for students to begin serving members of the community. I look forward to learning from professors, peers, and other community members. - Kami Orton, Class of 2020

For me, it is all about the community and seeing the community grow and be able to advocate for itself. I'll never forget one of the little girls I taught while working on the Zuni Reservation in New Mexico. She came up to me the second year I was there and told me she was going to be an attorney and advocate for the reservation. I was excited! I know I wasn't the only one to influence her, but even to have a little impact – changing someone's trajectory – I thought "I hope she grows up to become an attorney" because the Native reservations really need it. Being able to change the trajectory of even one life impacts the wider community. I have refused to be one of those people who wants to change the world when they're in college and then when they hit the real world, they say "Oh no, it can't be done." I refuse to believe it can't be done. - Andrea Orwoll, Class of 2017

My passion for public interest began the summer before starting law school. I worked at an immigration firm where I translated during consultations with the leading attorney. During one consultation, a man came in battered and bruised all over his entire face and body. He qualified for a U-Visa, Asylum, and Cancellation of Removal. However, he could not afford the attorney fees. It broke me not to be able to help him. This inspired me to get involved with the movement towards legal advocacy in regards to immigrant rights. My entire first year of law school I volunteered with the Thomas & Mack Immigration Clinic and University Legal Services helping renew Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) applications. As a first generation Latino and son of immigrants, one of my biggest pride and joys is giving back to the immigrant community in Las Vegas. I am inspired by the previous minority Public Interest Fellows that came before me, so I wear this title with honor.  - Jorge Coco Padilla, Class of 2022

Joining the Boyd family and having the privilege to be selected as a Public Interest Fellow has created the ultimate opportunity to be the best advocate to those that propelled me to where I am today and I owe everything I am to. As far back as I can remember, my answer to the age-old question “What are you going to be when you grow up?” has always been one thing – a lawyer. My reasoning has differed over the years, but the constant has always been my desire to help others. In 2010, I started my career in public interest as a campaign field organizer and never looked back. Whether it was running a program registering Latinos in Nevada in 2014, lobbying for equal access to education for minority students, immigration casework as a representative for U.S. Senator Harry Reid, it has all served as motivation to continue to pursue justice, equity, and opportunities for those constantly fighting for their right to be heard. - Ebeth Palafox, Class of 2019

My goal as a law student is to fight for equity in the school environment by changing what it means to be a "law student". I am defying the elitist cultural norms that have plagued law schools for decades. I plan to translate that fight to my legal career by advocating for more accessible language in the law, so everyone can have the knowledge to effectively advocate for themselves if they so choose. My focus in the public interest field is on gender and sexuality issues. I plan to represent the interests of the feminist and LGBTQ+ communities in my career and my personal life. One of the topics I am currently researching is the discrimination against men in paternity cases and its effect on the economy, bodily autonomy and the advancement of gender equality. I am also interested in civil cases regarding sexual assault and the protection of survivors. I believe that the legal system will not be effective until everyone has access to and trusts in the law's ability to uphold justice. - Jessica Patton, Class of 2021

I approached my fellowship as a way to experience things I would not otherwise be able to, and to learn the most I could about access to justice and the definition of public interest law. To that end, I used my summer stipend to attend the Boyd Human Rights Practicum in New Delhi, India during winter break my 2L year. While in India, I worked with a women's rights organization doing research on "honor" killings. I ultimately wrote a research paper on the topic. Through the Human Rights Practicum, I was able to observe court at a variety of levels and learn more about the way in which another country approaches public interest, all while experiencing a culture that is drastically different than my own. - Jessica Perlick, Class of 2013

Access to a high-quality law school in my home state and the possibility to fund my legal education through scholarships has meant the world to me. This support enabled me to focus on helping my community and building a career in public interest law. Community support for the Boyd School of Law enables students to make meaningful changes in the state during law school and immediately upon graduation. - Shannon Phenix, Class of 2014

Being a Public Interest Fellow helped me to better understand the meaning of public interest law. Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez-Masto came to speak at a public interest lunch during my 1L year. Until then, I was unaware that this work fell under the public interest umbrella; I presumed that public interest law was narrowly defined as work for non-profit legal services like Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada or Nevada Legal Services. This new understanding led me to work at the fraud prosecution unit of the Nevada Attorney General's office during the summer after my 1L year. As any first legal job, this fellowship was my first exposure to the practicalities of the law. Now, as a graduate, I understand that my work as a judicial clerk is similarly considered public interest law, by helping to achieve justice and ensure public trust in the justice system. - Shaina Plaksin, Class of 2015

Because I grew up poor and had to overcome several obstacles to even attend law school, I was drawn to public interest law. In my youth, I dropped out of high school and became a teen mother so I experienced first hand the frustration, fear, and desperation that comes with having limited resources and nowhere to turn when legal needs arise. When I was accepted to law school, I knew that I wanted to make a difference and help others find the justice that had been out of reach for me. … Being selected as a Public Interest Fellow was an incredible honor. It provided me with the support I needed to help me with my journey and served as an acknowledgement of the importance of public interest work. - Carmela Reed, Class of 2011

The most rewarding aspect of public interest work is discovering that you made a difference in someone's life. Most clients are truly appreciative and grateful. Seeing other dedicated individuals volunteer their time because they want to, not because they have to, restores my faith in the human race. …While working with Dr. Nathanson and the Kids' Court School, I fell in love with the program and became interested in extending its outreach. Now, I am working at the newly opened Kids' Court School in Reno to serve the children and youth of Northern Nevada. This endeavor will expose me to a new population of children who will benefit from learning about the court process. - Samantha Rice, Class of 2016

From a young age, I knew that I wanted to work in a field where I could help others in need. Beginning in high school and continuing throughout my educational years, I worked tirelessly with many organizations to serve the community. I made the choice to become a lawyer so that I could advocate for those who may not have a voice in the court system, particularly children. When deciding where I wanted to go to law school, my goal was to find a school where I could continue to make an impact in the lives of others. Boyd stood out to me because of their strong commitment to public interest. Throughout my time at Boyd, I have had the opportunity to become involved with some incredible organizations where I have worked and volunteered extensively to benefit the public interest. Every week, I have the opportunity to volunteer with Kids’ Court School to assuage the fears of young children who will need to testify in court. As president of PILA, I worked to raise funds through the annual PILA auction to enable others to work in public interest as well. No matter where my future leads, I hope to use my education to help others, whether they are children who need a louder voice in the court system, or other members of the community who may just need extra help navigating the court system. I am tremendously grateful to be named a Public Interest Fellow and plan to continue to do as much as I can to benefit the community. - Samantha Scofield, Class of 2019

I was born and raised in Reno, Nevada. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from the University of California, Berkeley in 2018. While at the University of California, Berkeley, I was a member of the Student Athlete Gay Straight Alliance, a phonetic transcriber for a study on the voices of transgender women, and was a member of the Group in American Indian Languages. These experiences solidified my commitment to building a platform and environment where members of the LGBTQ+ community and speakers of underrepresented languages have a voice and place in society that is recognized and reflected. The commitment to public service and the community at Boyd as well as this fellowship will provide me with the tools needed to build this platform. I hope to use the opportunities afforded me through acceptance at Boyd School of Law and this fellowship to help create a truly inclusive community - Greer Sullivan, Class of 2022

Boyd is a special community that places a high value on public service and helping those in need. I was drawn to this vibrant community because of its genuine passion for seeking to get law students and young attorneys excited about giving back. Whether that means doing pro bono work on the side while working at a private firm or working full-time at a public interest agency, the collective vision is for everyone to be involved in public interest efforts in some form or another. Even as law students, we have opportunities to get involved in hands-on initiatives to help others, because of Boyd’s demonstrated commitment to public interest. With my background working in the non-profit sector and for the federal government, this community was a natural fit for me. I am honored to be part of the Public Interest Fellowship Program and to gain meaningful experiences alongside some of the community’s brightest, most dedicated students. - Alexis Taitel, Class of 2021

Throughout my entire life, I have considered myself to be an advocate; and being selected as a Public Interest Fellow is what truly solidified my decision to attend Boyd. While I am passionate about LGBTQ rights, worker’s rights, and equity as a whole, my public interest dedication truly lies in supporting youth and children. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with young people in various capacities—as an educator, as a counselor for young people experiencing homelessness, and most recently as a legal and education advocacy supervisor at San Francisco Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), ensuring young people in the foster care and juvenile justice systems had a voice in their lives. I believe that all young people deserve a strong advocate and, as a future attorney, I endeavor to continue supporting young people, particularly through juvenile justice diversion programs. I look forward to expanding my knowledge in law school, and I am honored to have the opportunity to do so as a Public Interest Fellow at Boyd. - Brittni Tanenbaum, Class of 2021

Public interest work creates a visible impact on people's lives and in the community at-large. The public interest work I have been involved with is fundamentally changing the legal culture of Las Vegas for the LGBT community. I work with Nevada Legal Services to provide free name changes and gender marker changes for transgender clients who are experiencing financial poverty. Unfortunately, this legal process is not enough to fix all of the negative treatment transgender individuals endure in society. However, this public interest work offers transgender individuals a fresh starting point to live life authentically, recognized and accepted by the legal system. - Wynn Tashman, Class of 2022

I was thrust into public service when, at 20 years old, I was elected to the city council of Opelousas, Louisiana. I later went on to serve as vice-chair (in charge of elected officials) for the Louisiana Democratic Party. I believed then that I possessed the ambition, capacity, and vision to make impact, and yet today, I hold firm in that belief. I have worked incredibly hard to achieve my current standing in life. However, I was also guided here by the encouragement, support, mentorship, and challenging of many. It, thus, behooves me to employ my skills and talents in some measure for the advancement of the community, to pay it forward. There is much to be done, and I am audacious enough to affirm that I can do something about it. I am honored to have been named a Public Interest Fellow. I am grateful for the confidence of the Boyd School of Law. - Casey Thomas Xavier, Class of 2020

Part of what makes Boyd stand out against other law schools is its devotion to serving our community. Being selected as a Public Interest Fellow is a privilege for not only getting exposed to so many amazing community leaders such as lawyers, judges, and alike, but also allows you to participate in the betterment of our community right along-side those leaders. After earning my degree in psychology, I took a year off to work as a mental health associate in our community. The time I spent working as a provider in our community proved to me that there is much to be done in the field of mental health within the law. One of the biggest challenges I saw working as mental health advocate in our community was the lack of access to professional mental health care for those that need it the most. Being a Fellow of this program not only gives me the opportunity to pursue my vision, but supplies invaluable support through all level of the organization. - Casey Turi, Class of 2021

When I learned of the Public Interest Fellowship Program during my final year at Boyd, I was excited to learn that the school would reward me for my continued desire to serve the community. Public interest was my primary focus throughout law school, but I had no idea a Public Interest Fellowship even existed. As I met the Fellows at Boyd, I learned of their achievements in the community and aspired to achieve a similar respect among my colleagues. I was eager to join them once I learned of the Public Interest Fellowship. While the Fellowship does pay for a part of my tuition, I sought the title of Public Interest Fellow so I could inspire current and prospective law students and achieve a similar admiration and respect in the community. - Brian Vasek, Class of 2015

Boyd's Public Interest Fellowship propelled me into a network of individuals with similar public service ambitions and provided the financial support I needed to pursue meaningful yet unpaid work, such as educating child witnesses about the court process. - Brittnie Watkins, Class of 2014

Being named a Public Interest Fellow was, and is, something I am grateful for and humbled by. To be supported through Boyd was of course helpful, but it also made me proud to call it my school. There is so much to be said for the exposure to new ideas, new challenges, new humbling experiences, and the connections with educated and passionate individuals that Boyd has given me, specifically through this program. - Tyler Winkler, Class of 2014

In high school, I was a teen lawyer for a program called Trial by Peers. I will never forget the first time I walked into a courtroom. I felt at home, and it was in that moment I knew I wanted to become a lawyer to help those in need. I was raised in Nevada and I felt I could do the most public good if I attended a law school in the area I would practice in. As a first-generation college student, this fellowship means I can afford to go to law school without being distracted by work. I can then further concentrate my efforts toward my goal of becoming an advocate for those who cannot afford legal representation. Once I started law school, my goals aligned perfectly with public interest work and I became a fellow to immerse myself within this field of law. - Seleste Wyse, Class of 2018