I took my first family sociology class during my sophomore year of college and quickly developed an interest in studying power dynamics in familial relationships, which led me to domestic violence. From that point, I centered my college experience on domestic violence by studying domestic violence sociology, interning with an abuser education center, and writing a thesis on Title IX policy implementation. What started as an academic interest turned into a practice interest when I joined an undergraduate rape crisis hotline as a volunteer counselor. From this experience, I learned that I wanted to work directly with survivors of domestic violence and help them navigate complicated systems, gain access to justice, and regain empowerment in a time of deep vulnerability.

During law school, I again focused my time on domestic violence and family law. I interned with Legal Aid Chicago in their Children and Families Practice Group, working with attorneys on domestic relations cases that involved domestic violence, orders of protections for survivors, and expungement appeals against the Department of Children and Family Services. Then, I interned with the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation, focusing on civil no contact orders and assisting with victims’ rights representation in pending criminal cases of sexual violence. I also published a Note with the Northwestern Journal of Law and Social Policy about IVF and divorce disputes.

Throughout my internships, I worked with survivors who needed to escape abusive partners and survivors who were living in poverty and needed child support. I also worked with survivors who needed confirmation from the legal system that the abuse they experienced and the subsequent harm was real, and that they could regain some form of control over their lives in the aftermath. Survivors of domestic violence have already suffered insurmountable harm. Having legal representation can help survivors access what they need to be and feel safe.

I believe that urgency for survivors is best met by direct advocacy in domestic violence law. Throughout my legal career, I plan to advocate for survivors of domestic violence and families and help survivors feel supported and empowered throughout the legal process. I am thrilled to start my career as Staff Attorney under the Equal Justice America Fellowship with the Children and Families Practice Group at Legal Aid Chicago.