A Morning of Diligent Legal Work at Leadership Initiatives

Tuesday morning marked an important turning point in the Advanced Law and Justice Reform Internship as interns transitioned from learning about the criminal justice system to actively applying their knowledge. With guidance from experienced legal professionals, participants devoted the morning to developing their oral arguments, strengthening their advocacy skills while working on behalf of real clients seeking a second chance.

The morning began with interns returning to their case teams to continue reviewing records, analyzing evidence, and refining the legal arguments that will form the foundation of their oral arguments. Their dedication, collaboration, and attention to detail demonstrated a genuine commitment to serving their clients and contributing to meaningful justice reform.

A highlight of the morning was the opportunity for interns to participate in a supervised phone call with their assigned client, facilitated by Jasmine Guerrier, Staff Attorney with The Second Look Project. Speaking directly with the individual they are advocating for allowed interns to better understand their client's personal journey, rehabilitation, and hopes for the future. The conversation reinforced that every legal motion represents a real person whose life may be changed through thoughtful and compassionate advocacy.

Interns also attended an engaging presentation by Oluwademilade Ogunlade, a Nigerian-American legal advocate and accomplished writer. A graduate of Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Ogunlade led an interactive discussion that encouraged interns to think critically about the relationship between law, storytelling, and public advocacy. Through thought-provoking conversation and real-world examples, she challenged participants to consider how legal professionals can use their voices to navigate the justice system and also to inspire change within it.

By the end of the morning, interns had made significant progress on their casework while gaining a deeper appreciation for the human side of legal advocacy. Equipped with new perspectives and strengthened by meaningful client interactions, they continue to develop the skills necessary to advocate effectively for justice, rehabilitation, and second chances.