My name is Cinthia Padilla Martin, and I am a law student at the UC Davis School of Law. I spent this summer working as the Carl L. McConell Fellow for LIBRE at the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County. As my time here ends and I get ready for my second year in school, I am looking back on this summer experience and what brought me here.
Like many of the families served by LIBRE, my parents migrated to the US hoping for a better life. Their sacrifices and hard work inspired me to pursue a career that would enable me to help families such as my own. A career in law was a natural choice, as migrant and low-income communities have a need for free or low-cost legal assistance. I enrolled in law school with a predilection for work in public interest law. Fortunately, LIBRE’s mission and core values aligned perfectly with my legal aspirations, and they decided to take me on as a summer fellow.
Ten weeks ago, I was anxious about starting my fellowship with LIBRE. I had previously worked in the legal sector, but this would be my first job as a law student. Through my prior job as a legal assistant, I experienced the clerical aspect of legal services. However, I was desirous of the legal work of an attorney. To my delight, the LIBRE team was receptive to my aspirations and gave me meaningful legal work.
Over the past ten weeks, I have been exposed to the ever-changing world of immigration law. I have been able to shadow court hearings, legal consultations, and client meetings. Moreover, I have worked on DACA, U-Visa, and SIJS forms for clients seeking immigration relief. I have also gotten a glimpse of the more mundane activities of being an attorney, such as attending webinars and meetings, and staying current on the latest immigration updates. But perhaps most importantly, I have learned a great deal about the human aspects of an attorney’s work.
Working at a non-profit organization that serves low-income communities requires wearing many hats. I have witnessed LIBRE attorneys listening to and consoling clients who have survived traumatic experiences. The attorneys’ compassion doesn’t go unnoticed; clients express gratitude for the validation and help that they receive. These interactions have convinced me that beyond good legal work, a good attorney must also demonstrate sympathy toward clients. This is the kind of attorney I strive to be some day.
My time with LIBRE and the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County has come to an end, but I will always be grateful for the experience and the people with whom I worked. It has been a true pleasure to work alongside people with bright minds and a passion for helping low-income communities.
As a closing note, I would like to say thank you to the funders of the Carl L. McConnell Fellowship. I come from a working-class background, so your funding has made it possible for me to take a public interest job. My summer earnings will go toward covering next school year’s expenses, such as books and rent. My deepest gratitude goes to you.