by Ariana Lopez
The Nebraska Public Interest Law Fund (NPILF) Summer Fellowships provide a limited number of stipends to University of Nebraska College of Law students who secure public interest positions with a host organization that serves an unmet legal need.
2L Ariana Lopez, a California native and 2019 NPILF recipient, spent her summer working with the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office as an unpaid, volunteer law clerk. She plans to work with the office again next summer. Below, Ariana reflects on “the best experience of [her] life.”
What were your main responsibilities this summer? How did you spend your time?
My main responsibilities were to write motions, go to court, and talk to clients to gather more information that would help with their case. My favorite project that I worked on this summer was a motion to suppress. After writing the motion, I was able to sit in the courtroom while the attorney argued it.
What drew you to this type of work and how did you find this particular opportunity?
I was drawn to the public defender’s office because I believe that everyone deserves a second chance. Many people in my life have proven that they could change their lives after prison. My mentor, a judge in Compton, California, sent this opportunity to me while I was in school and I decided to apply.
What did you most enjoy about the experience?
I definitely enjoyed how passionate most of the attorneys were. It is super refreshing to be around people who care about others.
What was the biggest challenge you faced this summer?
Keeping my emotions in line. Some of the cases we deal with are hard, emotional cases, but I learned to keep it professional.
How has your summer experience impacted you or your view of the legal system?
My summer experience has definitely changed my perspective of the law. I’ve realized that not only do minorities and poor people get the short end of the stick, but mentally ill clients do as well. Most mentally ill clients won’t admit that they need help, which leaves them to face the consequences of their alleged actions. However, these clients continue to go through the system untreated, which leaves them worse off in the end.
Would you recommend this placement to others? Why or why not?
Absolutely, without a doubt. This has been by far the best experience of my life. The Los Angeles Public Defender’s Office is full of employees who care about their clients and will take time out of their day to talk to you. I learned so much and was blessed with this opportunity to apply what I’d learned in class in the real world.
What would you say to someone who was considering donating to NPILF?
NPILF allowed me to help the underprivileged and make an impact on society. Your donations are what makes this possible.
What do you hope to do with your law degree?
I hope to help people that are marginalized. My goal is to protect people’s constitutional rights by representing those who can’t afford an attorney.
You can learn more about the Nebraska Public Interest Law Fund (NPILF) and make a donation here.