LAFLA is proud to host several new fellows, who joined LAFLA this fall. Meet the fellows and learn about their projects, in their own words (pictured above, from left to right):
José Del Río III, USC Gould School of Law Irmas Fellowship:
- Project: “This project works to achieve student debt relief for low-income and financially distressed student loan borrowers by: (1) providing outreach to poor and underserved Angelenos who are likely eligible for debt relief; (2) providing free legal services to victims of school loan fraud; (3) challenging the U.S. Department of Education’s systemic practices that prevent borrowers from obtaining loan relief to which they are entitled; and (4) advocating on a state and federal level for better policies and oversight regarding debt relief and for-profit school oversight.”
- Best Part of Working at LAFLA: “Each day I am afforded a new opportunity to assist someone who has been through so many hardships, however despite these difficulties, they present themselves with pride, hope, and perseverance. LAFLA’s clients are truly what make coming to work such a special place. Moreover, as someone who was born and raised in the East Los Angeles area, working in the LAFLA East Los Angeles Office has not only afforded me an opportunity to work with my community, but it has given me the opportunity to give back to the community that has given me so much.”
Cara McGraw, UCLA School of Law Community Economic Development Fellowship:
- Project: “Transactional legal work advancing community economic development in Los Angeles and focusing on housing preservation, land use issues, and policy work around affordable housing, housing instability, and homelessness.”
- Best Part of Working at LAFLA: “The opportunity to work as part of such a dedicated LAFLA team within a workgroup of truly inspiring community lawyers in further empowering our clients.”
Alexi Jenkins, Harvard Law School Public Service Venture Fund Fellowship:
- Project: “My fellowship project focuses on increasing access to the legal system for immigrant survivors of color. I will be providing representation at restraining order extension hearings, assisting with family law and immigration matters, and establishing clinics at domestic violence shelters in order to meet the needs of the most vulnerable survivors of domestic violence.”
- Best Part of Working at LAFLA: “I feel so lucky to be working at LAFLA because every day I get to work alongside amazing attorneys to try to right injustices as they occur.”
Healy Ko, Skadden Fellowship (Yale Law School):
- Project: “My project seeks to serve low-income Korean immigrant women and children who are survivors of domestic violence in Southern California through community education, outreach, and direct representation.”
- Best Part of Working at LAFLA: “I have enjoyed the opportunity to engage in client-centered lawyering, build my expertise in different areas of law, and work with dedicated and progressive advocates at LAFLA. The LAFLA community has been incredibly welcoming, nurturing, and supportive in my transition to this organization.”
Angelica Sedgwick, Berkeley Law Public Interest Fellowship (not pictured):
- Project: “I am assisting with immigration cases within the Supporting Families Workgroup. One of my main projects so far has involved assisting former foster youth of Los Angeles County apply for citizenship.”
- Best Part of Working at LAFLA: “My favorite part is working with such resilient clients and having the opportunity to support them as they navigate our complex immigration system. I have also loved learning from such a committed group of advocates.”
To learn more about fellowships at LAFLA, visit our website.
