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Student Perspectives

“My experience with CIRC was absolutely fantastic! I felt so fortunate to have the opportunity to work in a clinic that provided us with practical training and hands-on experience with removal defense and asylum cases. My work with the clinic not only pushed me to grow in my immigration practice, but also taught me more about global affairs that lead people to seek asylum in the United States, making me a more well-rounded, globally-conscious individual as a whole. I gained invaluable experience and skills through my work with the clinic, and I am eager to establish my career in this dynamic and fascinating field!”

Kristin Hommel ‘25
Fall 2023 – Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center (PIRC), ALDEA and the University of Pittsburgh Immigration Law Clinic


“For those who want to practice immigration law, the clinic experiment will provide you with the necessary tools. In the clinic, we applied what we learned in class through working and engaging with law firms and associations to conduct legal research, write reports, handle real cases, and so on under the supervision and follow-up of the supervisor. The clinic experience simulates practical reality while also providing academic and professional experience to the student.”

Mohammed Basaar ’22
Fall 2022– The Borough of State College, The ABA Commission on Immigration, PARs and Khanbabai Immigration Law


“My time at CIRC has been such an amazing opportunity that has allowed me to push myself and grow as a law student and future immigration attorney. I have learned invaluable skills and cannot wait to be able to apply them in my career.”

Nicole Bennett ’23
Fall 2022 – The Borough of State College, The ABA Commission on Immigration, PARs and Khanbabai Immigration Law


“CIRC has taught me a lot about myself and the type of attorney I want to be. It has shown me that communication, a strong work ethic, and passion will take you far. It has also allowed me to explore my strengths and weaknesses in a supportive environment.”

Mia Vejarano ’23
Fall 2022 – Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center (PIRC), ALDEA and the University of Pittsburgh Immigration Law Clinic


“Get ready to embark for the clinical experience! The work is challenging, but rewarding! The clinical experience will prepare you greatly for the office experience. It will hone your discipline by teaching you how to manage your time and submit project on a deadline. More importantly, people will depend on the quality of your work. Clinic is one of the most rewarding experiences in law school.”

Ronald Dorville ’23
Fall 2022 – Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center (PIRC), ALDEA and the University of Pittsburgh Immigration Law Clinic


“Dean Wadhia provides an outstanding combination of autonomy and directed support in a professional environment. CIRC goes beyond black letter legal concepts to discuss the human side of clients and how emotional trauma effects the legal process. I definitely left the clinic with a better understanding of how to help a client while remaining emotionally supportive.”

Dillon Lightfoot ’25 (Penn State Law and School of International Affairs)
Fall 2022 – The Borough of State College, The ABA Commission on Immigration, PARs and Khanbabai Immigration Law


"Working under the supervision of Dean Wadhia and being part of the Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic was a great privilege and the highlight of my experience at Penn State Law.  We had the opportunity to contribute to a variety of projects including policy work, community outreach and education, and volunteering. Learning to develop our problem solving skills, thoroughness, and responsibility in a compassionate and engaged atmosphere has been a very inspiring, sometimes challenging, and extremely rewarding experience."

Rim Dhaouadi ’22
Spring 2022– Municipality of State College and State College Police Department


"As a migrant and lawyer in Peru, a defender of human rights, and efficient and organized migration management, this experience has meant a lot to me. I had the opportunity to work with non-profits, delivered a workshop, and learned from academics, my professor, and my classmates about this field of the law. Even though it is complex and messy, we found it fascinating because we all care about people, and we like this exchange of knowledge and experience by itself. In the Clinic for immigrants' rights, I have learned about teamwork, the importance of complying with deadlines and increasing my existing abilities in management and organizing. I have worked under pressure before, but the difference is that you want to do more than 100% percent because our supervisor is inspirational. 

I must say that I have realized the idea that principles of equity, charity, and humanity should prevail in the immigration field. I do believe that only motivated and passionate people can advocate for the immigrants' rights efficiently, and I have met a lot of them thanks to my experience in the Clinic. Ms. Bridget, from Aldea, once talked about her motivation, why she decided to study law, and how she used her "superpower" as a lawyer to advocate for children and families. As she said, being a lawyer gives yon the power, and you may use that power with responsibility.

There is so much to do in this field. I have learned about the importance of teamwork and efficient coordination, mainly because you need to give a rapid response to this kind of situation involved in immigration law because it has a significant (most of the time crucial) impact on people's lives. Likewise, I have learned about how the immigration system is quicker in changing and, most of the time, depends a lot on policies. Something that I am going to implement in my practice is that the attention of an immigration lawyer must be case by case because not all people have the same need and situations. You must attend to the specific case. It was very gratifying to see law practitioners, attorneys, and organizations working together to address these cases including CIRC, of course. 

I enjoyed my time at the Clinic, and I am grateful to be part of it in my last semester. I know it is helping me in my professional path, and I have already learned a lot about myself as a worker. Dean Wadhia is a role model. She can manage everything efficiently, promptly, and diligently. She is very clever and professional and very ethical. She encourages you to do your best without expressly asking for it, which I find motivating. She is someone you can learn a lot from, and her energy is electrifying.   When people ask me what it is like to be in the Clinic. I always tell them that it is a question that depends a lot on who is in it. The Clinic is not a course. The Clinic is you, me, and all of us who make it up. We are the Clinic which makes it a very special and unique experience each semester.”

Samira del Pilar Vasquez Lavado ’22
Spring 2022 – Moshannon Facility Center, PIRC and Aldea-The People’s Justice Center


"I am very excited to apply and get accepted to the Immigrant's Rights clinic. Working under Professor Wadhia is the best experience any Immigration/refugee law enthusiast can wish for because you get to learn from the best while working with real clients."

Michael Agu ’22
Spring 2022 – Individual Afghan Cases


"I chose to attend Penn State Law in large part because of all the amazing things I had heard about CIRC. As an aspiring immigration attorney, I was excited to get the chance to be a part of CIRC and work with Dean Wadhia, and the experience has lived up to what I had hoped for! I was able to learn so much in such a short amount of time about the immigration laws in the United States and the fast-paced nature of the field CIRC has been such a wonderful experience and I have learned a lot of skills that will be invaluable to me in my future career."

Nicole Bennett ’23
Spring 2022 – Borough of State College, Khanbabai Immigration Law and PARS Equality Center


"My time with CIRC has been a tremendous learning experience. It has helped me grow both professionally and as a person. I was able to work on my legal skills, but I was also introduced to people of many cultures, which showed me different cultural perspectives and beliefs."

Mia Vejarano ’23
Spring 2022 – Individual Afghan Cases


"The Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic is an intensive and comprehensive experience that gave me incredible insight into all the minute facets and considerations involved in practicing immigration law and advocacy."

Jacob Bies ’22
Spring 2022– Moshannon Valley Processing Center, PIRC and ALDEA 


"I chose to attend Penn State Law because I knew I wanted an opportunity to participate in CIRC. The time I spent in CIRC provided me with the most rewarding and valuable experience that I will take with me after law school. Effectively communicating with clients, thinking critically about the issues faced by clients, and researching issues in the law, are skills that I will be able to utilize in my future practice as an attorney. Those are skills that I would not have been able to develop in the classroom."

Aleah Loll ’22
Spring 2021– Municipality of State College and Law Office of Jackie Guinan


"I never regretted that I applied to Circ as an LL.M student. Even though I was the only international student there, and the beginning was very challenging, but overall it was an awesome experience and it opened to me so many opportunities for my future career. Working hands-on with attorneys on sensitive asylum cases, also touch base with real-life clients every week was the best training I could get for my dream to become a lawyer. Although, the Clinic will take most of the time, and this is a FACT because it requires a lot of hard work, but it will give you the best experience in your lifetime."

Imen Neffeti ’21
Spring 2021 – Municipality of State College and Law Office of Jackie Guinan


"I had a great experience and would recommend this clinic to other students."

Sidnee McDonald ’22
Spring 2021– State College Area School District and Law Office of Juliette Gomez


"My experience with CIRC was emotionally and intellectually stimulating. Working with real cases allowed me to learn so much about the American immigration system. It reaffirmed my career goal to work with refugees upon graduation."

April Walter ’21
Spring 2021 – Law Office of Juliette Gomez


"My experience with the Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic has been a foundational experience. I have grown in skill as well as confidence. I am certain that my time in CIRC will allow me to be a much better lawyer than would have otherwise been the case."

Eli Fields ‘22
Spring 2021 – State College Area School District and Law Office of Juliette Gomez


"My experience with CIRC this year was incredible! I was so fortunate to be a part of a clinic that was both professional and challenging, yet warm and welcoming at the same time. My experience taught me that I really enjoy the intersection of the law and human rights that is found in immigration law and I look forward to a future career in this field!"

Jenna Ebersbacher ’22
Spring 2021 – Community Education and Law Office of Juliette Gomez


"The Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic is a great way to get a glimpse into the world of immigration lawyering and make an impact as an advocate for immigrants both inside and outside of a courtroom. Clinic work is both interesting and challenging, but Dean Wadhia helps clinic students take on all tasks, whether they be deciding on a strategic approach for a client or dissecting statutory language and case law. After so much time in a law classroom, the clinic offers a chance to see the practical and human side of the law, and prepares you to be the best lawyer you can be."

Jacob Bies '22
Fall 2020


"Even in a pandemic without the benefit of meeting clients in person, my experience with CIRC has been invaluable. It gives students the chance to take the law we read about and discuss abstractly in class and apply it. We are given a hands-on opportunity to work with attorneys and delve into the heart of immigration law."

Alexis Castillo ' 22
Fall 2020


"Through my role in CIRC, I had the opportunity to work closely with clients and contribute to their cases. It was a rewarding experience to contribute to the local community, refine my advocacy skills and find what I’m most passionate about! Because of CIRC, I am inspired to practice immigration law after graduation and to continue doing similar work."

Bianca Gutierrez ‘21
Fall 2020 


"Preparing memorandums and legal briefs provides you a great experience while studying at the school."

Ekrem Korkut '21
Fall 2020


"I learned so much from the clinic this semester including how to work with vulnerable clients, how to boil down complex legalise into digestible information, and how to conduct research in a field that changes daily. The work was intellectually and emotionally stimulating and Dean Wadhia is a wonderful director. I enjoyed clinic so much I will be back next semester as an Advanced Student and I am seriously considering a career in Immigration Law!"

Jenna Ebersbacher ' 22
Fall 2020


"Participating in CIRC is an extremely rewarding experience that I would recommend to anyone. Under the supervision of Dean Wadhia, you learn to develop your skills as a leader and as a lawyer, all while making a difference in our clients’ lives."

Mikaela Koski ' 22
Fall 2020


"This clinic provided me the opportunity to work hands-on with an attorney on multiple asylum cases, work on more inclusive policy for Penn State University as a whole, and engage in Community Legal Education. All of these experiences contributed to not only my understanding of the law, but also my understanding of the complete picture of what “being an immigration lawyer” looks like. Working alongside two other clinic students on these projects allowed us to take the lead on different projects and support each other with different views and opinions that led to a more robust and thought out work product, and built in me skills of teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution that is not available in typical law school classes."

Kristy Davis ' 21
Fall 2020


"Even before coming to Penn State law school, I hoped of getting the chance to work for the Center for Immigrant’s Rights clinic. I can confidently say that it was everything I hoped for and more! The clinic has equipped me with a focused legal lenses and strong, empathic connection to my clients and the immigrant community. As the daughter of an immigrant family, the topics, discussions and issues we raised in the Clinic have motivated me more than ever to build a career centered around advocacy and change. I am grateful to the Clinic, my professors and peers for creating such a rewarding and impactful experience."

Bianca Gutierrez ‘21
Spring 2020 – Community Outreach, Pro Bono Asylum Cases, and Rapid Response


"I am so glad that I had the opportunity to participate in the Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic. It was truly one of the most rewarding parts of my time in law school. My time in the clinic allowed me to gain practical skills that I know will be invaluable to me in my career, and affirmed for me my decision to practice immigration law as a career. The clinic requires a lot of hard work, but will prepare you to practice in a way that few other experiences during law school can. I cannot recommend it highly enough."

Kaitlyn Box '20
Spring 2020 – Pro Bono Cases in Asylum and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status


"The Penn State Law Center for Immigrants’ rights clinic provided me a great opportunity to learn and overcome some of the fears that I had like the fear of speaking in front of an audience. Under the supervision of Professor Wadhia and with the help of my fellow clinical students, I’ve really grown as a professional during my time in this clinic because of the client meetings and the deliverables that I and my clinic partner worked on. I hope to use the knowledge and experience that I have gained during my time in this clinic to help the immigrants here and also in my home country."

Shiv Prakash Singh '20
Spring 2020 – State College Borough, State College Area School District, University Police, and The Center for the Performing Arts


"The Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic operates like a law firm. I interacted with clients directly and managed caseload of three to four clients. While the learning curve for legal issues was steep at times, I enjoyed the challenge and received more than adequate support from the Clinic. I researched legal issues, bounced ideas off of other clinical students, and discussed conclusions and lingering questions with the clinic’s staff attorney under the supervision of Prof. Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia to get feedback before presenting findings to the clients.  The Clinic serves a diverse set of clients, and I had the opportunity to work with clients ranging from different legal backgrounds. I found it incredibly rewarding to draw on both my professional experience and my legal education to help underserved populations addressing legal challenges. My Clinic experience affirmed my desire to be an immigration attorney and the Clinic has given me with what I believe is a productive new habits, dispositions and understandings. I’ll use this as best as I can in throwing myself into my next endeavor."

Ashish Sharma ‘20
Spring 2020 – Pro Bono Asylum case, Urban Engagement Department of the Penn State Center Philadelphia, The Penn State Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology and Education


“I am extremely grateful and honored to be a part of the Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic. Through CIRC, I have gained real world experience, a greater understanding and appreciation for immigration, asylum and refugee law, especially working more on asylum cases and our trip to Berks.”

Berenice Beltran-Maldonado ‘20
Fall 2019 – Asylum Pro Se Packets, Pro Bono Cases in Asylum and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, Berks Trip


My time in the Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic has been the most fulfilling part of my law school education, by far. The opportunity to engage with clients and gain hands-on experience working on extremely significant cases and projects has greatly improved my knowledge of immigration law and my practical skills. I hope to practice immigration law as a career, and I know that I'll be a more skilled and compassionate lawyer as a result of my experience learning from Professor Wadhia and my fellow students in the Clinic.”

Kaitlyn Box ’20
Fall 2019 – Asylum Pro Se Packets, Pro Bono Cases in Asylum and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, Berks Trip


“The clinic provided an experimental learning environment that has prepared me by leaps and bounds for the real world environment. Delivery deadlines and consideration for client needs that may differ from learning goals pushed me to think in unconventional ways to meet the ends. When real clients are on the line, I think it it’s so beneficial for students to exceed the law school mentality of looking out for one’s self. We grow in the legal field when we are put the clients’ interests as a priority and step outside of our comfort zones to reach new innovative solutions in collaboration.”

Tracy Wong (Hin Ton) ’20
Fall 2019 - Center for the Performing Arts (CPA), Community Outreach, Berks Trip


“This semester as an advanced clinical student has provided me with one of the most challenging yet fulfilling experiences that I’ve had at Penn State Law. My experience working with immigrant families detained at Berks was a very eye-opening experience that I will never forget. I very much look forward to pursuing a career as an immigration attorney.”

Marcus Hobson ’20
Fall 2019 - University Police; State College Area School District (SCASD); Berks Trip


“Being a part of the Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic has been the highlight of law school for me. As a 3L, I am getting ready to embark on a career in immigration law, and I am so grateful for all the opportunities and experiences that the Clinic has given me. These experiences have solidified my understanding of what my legal passion is, and I can’t wait to graduate and start a meaningful career as an immigration attorney.”

Shanjida Chowdhury ‘20
Fall 2019 – Berks Trip, Center for Performing Arts, Community Outreach


“Being a clinic student is like being a survivor; lots of hours’ work, sacrifice and commitment. You face challenges that take you out your comfort zone but at the same time it makes you a better person and professional. By being part of the immigration clinic, you get the opportunity to impact thousands of lives.”

Martha Isa Ferrera Baca
Fall 2019 - Berks Trip, State College Area School District (SCASD), University Police


“I am extremely grateful and honored to be a part of the Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic. Through CIRC, I have gained real world experience, a greater understanding and appreciation for immigration, asylum and refugee law.”

Berenice Beltrán-Maldonado ‘20
Spring 2019 – Pennsylvania State University Police, State College Borough, Pro Bono Legal Support in a variety of individual cases


“This semester as a clinical student has provided me with one of most valuable and fulfilling experiences that I’ve had at Penn State Law. Unlike traditional classroom learning, the clinic provides students with practical experience working with clients on actual casework or community projects. My experience working with clients in the community was really rewarding because it has given me the skills to prepare me for my professional career.”

William Hobson ‘20
Spring 2019 – Pennsylvania State University Police, State College Borough


My experience with the clinic has been impactful on me as a student and an individual. I would recommend it to anyone who would like to broaden their knowledge of immigration law and improve their skills as an attorney.”

Meredith Bestland ‘19
Spring 2019 – Pro Bono Legal Support in a variety of individual cases; Third Circuit Immigration Blog


“My time as a student in the Center for Immigrant’s Rights Clinic under the supervision of Professor Wadhia is easily the most difficult, but most rewarding thing I have done in law school. Professor Wadhia knows how to motivate her students while allowing them to take control of their own cases in clients, all while ensuring that the work produced is of the highest quality. I will remember this experience for years to come and will be a better lawyer because of it.”

Sara Firestone ‘19
Spring 2019 - Pennsylvania Family Immigrant Unity Project (HIAS Pennsylvania, Nationalities Service Center, and Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center)


“The Center for immigrants’ Rights Clinic made me re-think my long-term career plan and realize how valuable and impactful is the work we do. This clinical work goes beyond just advising clients, we assist and help clients to file their application and we follow up with them. this work sometimes changes someone’s life or even impacts a whole society through the publication of the policy papers we produce for certain clients.”

Yousra Chatti ‘19
Spring 2019 - Pennsylvania Family Immigrant Unity Project (HIAS Pennsylvania, Nationalities Service Center, and Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center)


“My time with the Center for Immigrants’ Rights was the most fulfilling experience of my law school career. It has taught me how to effectively work with other (future) attorneys towards a common goal. While expectations are high, and the workload is occasionally overwhelming, I know I will be a better attorney and a more effective advocate because of my experience in the clinic.”

Meredith Bestland ‘19
Fall 2018 - Project/Client: Juliette Gomez; Third Circuit Blog in partnership with PIRC


“There is no better way to learn in law school than through experience. After two semesters in the Center for Immigrants’ Rights, I have written a brief for an Immigration Judge, prepared rapid-response fact sheets for breaking immigration policies, and supervised a credible fear interview for a detained family seeking asylum. I have grown so much as a future lawyer, and I will carry these experiences with me both in my studies and in my future practice.”

Ellen Findley ‘19
Fall 2018 - Juliette Gomez, ALDEA, and PIRC


“My time in the Clinic was by far my most rewarding experience of law school. It reminded me why I decided to come to law school in the first place. I thoroughly enjoyed working with my fellow clinical students and with Professor Wadhia, and I think our shared clinical experience brought us closer together. I made friends in Clinic that I likely would not have made if it was not for this experience. The Clinic also gave me opportunities that I would likely never have the chance to do without Professor Wadhia and the Clinic. I would recommend this Clinic to anyone who has an interest in immigration law and policy specifically and public interest law and policy more generally. I learned how to be professional while maintaining compassion, and I think that skill will help me throughout my career, regardless of the kind of work I go into.”

Kate Meyer ‘19
Fall 2018


“The Penn State Law Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic is a lot of work. It demands a lot in terms of time put in, organization, proactive decision-making, collaboration, and quality of finished work product. However, the high requirements are one of the best things about the clinical experience. Your tenure in the clinic is limited, but you will be given many opportunities to learn and experience things that can be applied to a professional career. The work is challenging, but rewarding. Whether you are working on an asylum case or publishing a fact sheet on immigration policy, everything you are assigned to do in the clinic has a significant and worthwhile impact.”

Noel Crowley ‘19
Fall 2018


“Being a part of the Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic has been the highlight of law school for me thus far. As a 2L, I was finally able to choose my classes this semester. I am pleased to know that I made the right decision to apply to the Clinic, and I was lucky enough to have been accepted into the Clinic. This experience has solidified my understanding of what my legal passion is, and I can’t wait to return as an advanced clinical student!”

Shanjida Chowdhury ‘20
Fall 2018


“Give a clinic a shot. If it is not for you-you now have the experience to prove that to yourself. But if it is-you will likely be rewarded with the most valuable experience of your law school career. Plus, so many employers are looking for work experience and will count clinical experience. So, what is to lose?”

Mark Diaz ‘19
Fall 2018 - PIRC, State College Police Department, Penn State University Police, ALDEA


My clinical experience enabled me to take the knowledge that I have developed throughout my time at Penn State Law and use that knowledge in the working world. Under Professor Wadhia’s supervision, I have grown so much as both a student and as a young professional.

Ellen Findley ‘19
Spring 2018 – Project/Client: Muslim Advocates; American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee; Pro Bono Asylum; Withholding case


“This semester has provided me with some of the most enriching experiences I’ve had as a student. Everybody in the team was always more than willing to assist, despite the fact that our independent workloads were often more than enough to keep us occupied! I was honored to be involved (mostly just cc’d) in email conversations with some of the finest immigration attorneys in the country in efforts to bring light to relatively obscure problems in the field. On a smaller, but equally important scale, I was honored to work with individual clients and members of the community to make local impact. I would recommend a clinical semester to any student! During a time when it’s so necessary to keep our noses in the books, it’s refreshing to look up every once in a while (and still get credit for it).”

Mark Diaz ‘19
Spring 2018 – Project/Client: State College Borough; Pro Bono U-Visa case; Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center


“I loved being part of the Penn State Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic. It’s a lot of work, and it can be difficult, but I think that it reflects what it’s like working in the field of immigration law. It’s supposed to be challenging. It stretches you in new ways that you won’t get from ordinary law school classes. It’s also a lot of fun, because you have a team of students to collaborate with. Individual expectations are high, but the group provides support and encouragement. We all became really good friends by working together.”

Noel Crowley  ‘19
Spring 2018 – Project/Client: Post-Election Community Outreach and Education


“The Clinic taught me how to set the goal of the project and achieve this goal step by step. This lesson allowed me to improve my communication skill and writing skill. I believe that these skills will help me to represent my clients more effectively regardless the type of the case.”

Deokhee Ryu ‘18
Spring 2018 – Project/Client: Pro Bono U-Visa case; Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center; State College Borough


“Classroom instruction teaches you about the law; clinic teaches you about how it works in practice. You won’t know what it’s like to really be a lawyer unless you do clinic.”

Mara Zrzavy ‘18
Spring 2018 – Project/Client: Post-Election Community Outreach and Education; Muslim Advocates; American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee


Working in Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic is challenging. Clinic is a way to use skills learned in ALAW, Research, and Pro Rep class in to practice. While it may be stressful at times, its part of the learning process and you will have Professor and your colleagues to make sure you are on track. I can guarantee you that your experiences in the Clinic will be one of the most rewarding one in your law school career.”

Sung Che Jo ‘19
Fall 2017 – Project/Client: State College Borough


My Clinic experience has been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences in law school. The hands-on experience has prepared me for the workforce, where I will be required to work under time-sensitive timelines and produce high-quality work. Professor Wadhia provided the necessary guidance while giving me the autonomy to take ownership of my cases.”

Raquel Muñiz ‘18
Fall 2017 –Clients: Center for American Progress; Muslim Advocates


The Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic has given me firsthand experience as a client advocate and community educator on immigration topics. I feel like I have directly impacted those around me through providing accurate information on complex immigration issues and showing the human side of immigrant legal work.

Bethany Parry ‘18
Fall 2017 – Clients: Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center; and Projects: Pro Bono Case, Welcoming America Week, and Constitution Day


Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic was a great opportunity for me to learn how to approach the problems which can arise during the client representation. I believe this experience will be valuable for everyone regardless of their interest of practice area after law school.

Deokhee Ryu ‘18
Fall 2017 – Clients: Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center; and Projects: Pro Bono Case, Welcoming America Week, and Constitution Day


If you want to understand what it’s like to work in practice, participating in Clinic is essential. Summer internships only go so far: to understand what it’s like to be independent, to produce your own work product, to communicate with real clients, you need to take Clinic. I can say with confidence that I feel more prepared to be a lawyer.

Mara Zrzavy ‘18
Fall 2017 


“The Center for Immigrants’ Rights has been a staple during my time at Penn State Law.  Not only has the experience taught me about immigration law, but also helped teach me skills necessary to be an attorney.”

Lauren Picciallo ‘17
Spring 2017 – Client: Law Office of Juliette E. Gomez


“Working at the clinic has been the toughest, yet rewarding experience in my legal education.  The clinic brings out the best in you that you did not know you had in you to begin with. Professor Wadhia has been a great mentor and has been a great source of support and guidance throughout all of the clinic’s workload and challenges.”

Lennora D'Coutho ‘17
Spring 2017 


“My semester at Penn State Law’s Center for Immigrants’ Rights has been rigorous, overwhelming, and full of learning curves that I do not regret in the least.  Unlike the typical law course, the clinic provides students with real hands-on projects and clients that leave the student feeling accountable, but with a sense of long-term impact on our community.”

Martin Souto-Diaz ‘18
Spring 2017


“My experience in the clinic improved my personal and professional capacity.  I learned that empathy and professional responsibility are important qualities that every lawyer should have.  The clinic offers the opportunity for students to learn the workplace environment in a space where making mistakes is an educational experience.“

Martha Ferrera Baca ‘17
Spring 2017


“Being an international student, nothing other that clinic could have given me a firsthand practical experience of how an american law office functions.  Clinic has inspired me to work for the rights of the immigrants and their families and plays an instrument[al] role in shaping my career.”

Kritika Bedi ‘17
Spring 2017 – Clients: Project South, Muslim Advocates, and American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee


“Being in the Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic has been the most rewarding aspect of my law school career.  Not only was I able to work on meaningful projects, but I love that I was challenged during this process.  I know that the clinic experience has helped me grow as an advocate.  I feel more confident and prepared to enter the work force after law school.”

Brianni Frazier ‘17
Spring 2017 – Client: Project South, Muslim Advocates, and American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee


“The Clinic was one of the most educational experiences I had in law school. Working for a real client and being commissioned to draft policy reports for reform was truly eye-opening. Although working in the Clinic is a challenge, it provides students with the opportunity make meaningful changes in the real world by applying the lessons they have learned from law school.”

Shushan Sadjadi ‘18
Fall 2016 – Client: Project South


“The Clinic honed my practical skills, skillsets, that a law student does not normally get from a regular law school class.  The Clinic enhanced my collaborative skills, communication skills, research skills, and professionalism.  In addition, to see the impact of your work directly was a highlighted, as it was a reminder why I chose to do the Clinic to begin with.”

Carlos Camandang ‘18

Fall 2016 – Client/Partnerships: Bibles, Badges and Business; Welcoming America; Centre County Bar Association’s Pro Bono Committee


“The Clinic taught me how to work independently and manage my time in a professional manner.  Balancing multiple projects and clients is a skill all future lawyers should learn.  Clinics fill in the gaps that typical lecture classes lack and give students a chance to interact with real world clients with real expectations.  The Clinic also gave me more experience in discussing immigration issues than any other course I could imagine.”

David Harrington ‘16
Spring 2016 – Clients: Office of the Mayor of State College; Centre County Bar Association’s Pro Bono Committee


“My semester in Penn State Law’s Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic was a memorable, rigorous, fulfilling, and worthwhile semester.  Through the impactful and important projects that I worked on, I gained insight into various areas of immigration law, learned excellent collaboration tools, and sharpened by researching, writing and professional communication skills.”

Susanna Chehata ‘17
Fall 2016 – Client: Project South


“My time with the Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic forced me to step outside of my comfort zone and learn new skills.  I had the opportunity to further develop my research and writing skills, as well as my ability to concisely and accurately explain the law to a non-legal audience.  I developed skills during my time at the Clinic that I will continue to use throughout my legal career.”

Faith Van Horn ‘17
Spring 2016 – Clients: Office of the Mayor of State College; Centre County Bar Association’s Pro Bono Committee


“As an advanced student in the Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic, I was challenged to work on individual cases and develop in-depth analyses.  The experience allowed me to expand upon my communication skills when addressing clients, which will aid me in the future.”

Lauren Picciallo ‘17
Fall 2016 – Clients: University of Pittsburgh Immigration Law Clinic, and the Law Office of Juliette Gomez  


“My clinical experience has expanded my understanding of the issues and complexities which immigration law faces.  This experience has only strengthened my desire to pursue a career in immigration.”

Lauren Picciallo ‘17
Spring 2016 – Client: Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center; Partners: U.S. Attorney and Federal Public Defender for the Middle District of Pennsylvania    


“The Clinic gave me an opportunity to develop professional relationships and positively impact the local community.  The events I helped organize were extremely important to educate individuals on immigration issues that impact their neighbors and families.”

Bethany Parry ‘18
Fall 2016 – Client/Partnerships: Bibles, Badges and Business; Welcoming America; Centre County Bar Association’s Pro Bono Committee


“Clinic work is very different from other Law School coursework.  In a doctrinal course, it’s easy to forget that the law affects real peoples’ lives everyday.  Working with the Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic reminded me  that studying and practicing the law is more than just an academic or theoretical exercise.”

William (Bucky) Brennan ‘17
Spring 2016 – Partners: U.S. Attorney and Federal Public Defender for the Middle District of Pennsylvania


“The Clinic is a space to explore diverse ways to practice law.  The work I did and witnessed my colleagues create has supplemented the pre-law experience I had an demonstrated how I can put into practice what I have learned in doctrinal classes.  Students have the opportunity to challenge themselves to engage in work that my lead to developing new career interests.  Most importantly, the work we do produces tools for nation-wide use and leaves lasting policy changes in the Clinic’s local and state-wide community.”

Laura Lopez Ledesma ‘ 17
Spring 2016 – Clients: Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center; Law Office of Juliette Gomez


“My time with the Center for Immigrants’ Rights has provided a diverse range of experiences including direct client interactions and policy work, each of which will serve me well in my future career. The opportunity to gain practical experiences outside the classroom has been invaluable.”

Lauren Holzer ‘16
Fall 2015 - Client: Centre County Bar Association


“My experience as an Advanced Clinic student was amazing. I had the opportunity to work on real cases and develop my lawyering skills in ways that cannot be taught in a classroom. The practice experience I gained will be instrumental in my career.”

Vienna Vasquez ‘16
Fall 2015 - Clients: University of Pittsburgh Legal Clinic; Law Office of Juliette E. Gomez


“My time in the Center for Immigrants Rights Clinic was overall a great experience where I was able to learn and grow. Although I was constantly pushed out of my comfort zone, I think that my experience was invaluable and I was able to acquire skills and extend my learning experience outside of the classroom. It was one of the few times where I believe that the work I was doing had a positive impact in the community.”

Nailah Williams ‘15
Spring 2015 – Projects/Client: Legal Support for Noncitizens in Removal Proceedings; Community Education to University Mennonite Church on Immigration Enforcement 


“Working at the Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic provides me with the best practical experience that every law school student would desire. No matter how much we have learned from the classrooms, by working directly with clients, the clinic offers the chance to truly understand and use the law, to remember and obey the rules of professional responsibility, to organize the time facing multi-tasks, and to achieve the fulfillment after completing the works.”

Weiyue Zhu ‘16
Spring 2015 – Projects/Client: Legal Support for Noncitizens in Removal Proceedings; Community Education to University Mennonite Church on Immigration Enforcement 


“The hands-on learning experience that the clinic provides cannot be rivaled by any lecture course. By working with real clients, I was able to gain valuable interpersonal skills that I would not have had otherwise. When working with clients whose lives will be affected by my work, I was forced to think critically on my feet. There is a vast difference between learning the law to pass an exam and learning the law to help a client. The latter situation forces students to use statutes and procedures strategically in a variety of contexts, which leads to a greater understanding of the nuances of a subject. In short, the clinic has been an immensely valuable addition to my legal experience.”        

Tulsi Patel ‘16
Spring 2015 – Project/Clients:  Community Outreach and Legal Work relating to President Obama’s Executive Actions on Immigration; Office of the Mayor for State College

 

 


“The Center for Immigrants’ Rights provides a great opportunity for those seeking to gain skills necessary to be a legislative lawyer. This is especially important for those who may seek work in lobbying. It does not provide experience in courtroom representation of clients. For those who are not seeking client representation, this is a great clinic. You will learn to love statutory language and interpretation.” 

Tomas Osborne ‘16
Spring 2015 – Project/Client:  Group Rights Presentations at Clinton County Jail; legal support for individual in removal proceedings; collaboration with United States Attorney on immigration issues

 

 


“The clinic experience gave me an opportunity to interact with both key stakeholders in the community and local community members. The skill and type of interaction that is required for each of the above type of client gave me two vastly different experiences that are essential to the practice of law.”

Jose Figueroa ‘16
Spring 2015 – Project/Clients: Community Outreach and Legal Work relating to President Obama’s Executive Actions on Immigration; Office of the Mayor for State College 

 

 


“My experience at the Center for Immigrants' Rights has been extremely rewarding. Working at the clinic is so different than working in the classroom because I was able to get real hands-on experience in an area of law I am truly passionate about. After working in the clinic, I feel more confident in my intellectual and professional abilities as a future immigration attorney. This semester has been indispensable and has significantly enhanced my overall law school experience.”

Vienna Vasquez ‘16
Fall 2014- Client: Interdisciplinary Roundtable on Immigration

 

 


“Looking back on my clinic experience, it is amazing to think of just how much work can be accomplished within a single semester, along with the regular coursework that comes with being a second-year law student. To look at the workload now and imagine completing all of it would be a daunting task, but with the help of my clinic partner and Professor Wadhia, I was able to not only achieve all of my client’s goals, I was able to gain an experience within law school that I would have not otherwise been able to achieve in the classroom. I would highly recommend any clinic experience to a law student interested in taking on substantial work and making an impact in their community.”

Steven Soto ‘16
Fall 2014 - Client: Interdisciplinary Roundtable on Immigration


"Working as a student in the Advanced Immigration Clinic provided the opportunity for me to continue developing important legal skills for a career in immigration. After having the opportunity to work directly with clients of the Center for Immigrants’ Rights, I now understand the fundamental role that professionalism, time management, organization, and quality communication with the client plays in being a successful attorney. The Immigration Clinic has served as my second home during law school, and I have been inspired by experiences to pursue a career in immigration law after graduation!"   

Katie Klein '14
Spring 2014


The clinic experience helped me grow to become more professional and to put my expertise into practice. For law school students, I cannot think of any better way to put into practice what I learned in class.”

Dongdong Zhou ’14
Spring 2014 — Client: Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center


I found work at the clinic to be highly enjoyable and enlightening.  The opportunity to work with clients and stakeholders is an experience that everyone should desire to have while a student.  Until I stood in the shoes of a practitioner, it was difficult to obtain the perspective I needed to put the clients’ needs and wants first.  Without a doubt, clinic and externship programs provide the practical real world experience that every student should experience before they graduate.  I would recommend participation in a clinic to anyone considering it.” 

James Gilbert ’14
Spring 2014 — Client: American Immigration Council and American Bar Association’s Commission on Immigration


My experience in the clinic was the most practical experience I’ve had in law school so far. I dove deep into a specific substantive issue important for my future career, worked with lead practitioners in the field, and learned a lot about working in collaboration and with supervisors along the way.”

Lauren Hartley ’15
Spring 2014 — Client: American Immigration Council and American Bar Association’s Commission on Immigration

 


Working in the clinic was a great experience. It helped me acquire substantive knowledge of immigration law, an area of the law that I am interested in, and develop practical skills. Learning in the clinic is very different from learning in the classroom; the clinic allows students to develop a strong level of professionalism. The clinic gave me the opportunity to do in-depth research on a specific topic in immigration law and to also develop professional skills through communication with our client, a non-profit organization, and several attorneys.”

Djami Diallo ’14
Spring 2014 — Client: Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center

 


I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Center. During my term in the clinic, I produced documents that I know will have a widespread impact and that is very fulfilling. The clinic also teaches you professional skills that you don’t learn in a typical class setting.”

Doyinsola Aribo ’14
Spring 2014 — Client: Maggio Kattar

 

 


The clinical experience is the most challenging and rewarding that I ever had in law school. It gives you the opportunity to learn how to work like a real lawyer.”

Sihan Wang ’14
Spring 2014 — Client: Maggio Kattar

 

 


While the 5-credit experience in the clinic provided me with a strong foundation of professionalism and a deeper command of immigration law, I feel that my participation in the Advanced Immigration Clinic built upon that foundation and provided me with an opportunity to further hone my skills as an aspiring immigration lawyer.”

Matt Tamul ‘14
Spring 2014

 


“I enjoyed my experience at the clinic and I am extremely grateful for it. The work is challenging but also very rewarding. Working at the clinic helped bolster my strengths and also helped me improve my weaknesses. For example, I am not a very vocal person so speaking publicly was one of my biggest challenges. But working at the clinic taught me to be more assertive and confident in my speaking abilities. Overall, working at the clinic made me feel like everyone was a part of a team and we made each other stronger. I do not think I would ever forget that experience.”

Cherelle Douglas ’13
Spring 2013 — Client: Centre County Women’s Resource Center’s Civil Legal Representation Project


“The Center for Immigrants’ Rights clinic will expand your understanding of immigration law. The experience of working for institutional clients will arm you with the communication and analytical skills to explain immigration law concepts while creating cutting edge work product. I feel like my skills to becoming an attorney with impact has forever been enhanced by the clinical experience.”

Wanika Fisher ’13
Spring 2013 — Client: Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center


“Clinic work is very demanding and challenging, but definitely rewarding. Clinical experience was an opportunity for me to realize what my weaknesses are and overcome them. Clinic curriculum sets the expectation bar high but it also helps you reach and even exceed that bar at the end of the day. Clinical experience was an opportunity to learn about a specific immigration issue in depth and brainstorm creative solutions to address problems relating to the issue. I have significantly grown both intellectually and professionally after my clinical experience.”

Yesoo Kim ’13
Spring 2013 — Client: American Bar Association Commission on Immigration


“I entered the clinic with an interest in possibility doing issue-based advocacy (or legislative lawyering) as a career and always assumed that I would develop the skills necessary simply by I mastered the relative substantive area of the law. However, I see now that the advocacy skills I hope to gain someday require extensive and thoughtful practice and their own. No matter what area of the law I end up working on, I will be able to take the skills I learned from this clinic and apply them to any advocacy related project. Finally, I have sincerely enjoyed learning about immigration law during the semester and now genuinely am considering immigration law as a possible area of legal practice for my future career!”

Katie Klein ’14
Spring 2013 — Client: Centre County Women’s Resource Center’s Civil Legal Representation Project


“The Center for Immigrants’ Rights helped guide me along the right trajectory to becoming an effective immigration advocate. Before working with the Center, I knew that I had a passion for immigration work. After working with the Center, I now know that I am equipped with the tools to turn that passion into a fulfilling career.”

Matt Tamul ’14
Spring 2013 — Client: Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center


“Participation in the Center for Immigrants’ Rights was both a thoroughly challenging and rewarding academic pursuit.” 

Richard Lupinsky ’10
Fall 2009 — Client: Human Rights First and National Immigrant Justice Center


"The Center for Immigrants' Rights is a rare and challenging opportunity for law students to shape immigration policy. For me, producing a work-product targeted towards fundamental policy change made the clinical experience one of my best in law school." 

Alham Usman ’10
Client: National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild


“The clinic has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences I have undertaken in law school. The clinic will test you on many different levels which will ultimately make you a more competent and confident advocate.”

Drilona Brecani ’11
Spring 2010 — Client: Tahirih Justice Center


“I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Center for Immigrants’ Rights. I gained knowledge and skills in professionalism as well as in substantive areas of immigration law. I found the experience to be rewarding and I know our project will help detained non-citizens understand a few areas of U.S. law better. In addition to the gratification expressed by our client, I have already seen the benefits of my involvement with the clinic by helping me secure an internship for this summer.” 

Lisa Pex Shevlin, J.D. ’11, SIA Candidate
Spring 2010 — Client: Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center


“I’ve learned so much through this one project, much more than I would have through the standard classroom lecture format of a class. I think everyone in law school should work in a clinic, it’s a great experience. Professor Wadhia devoted an unbelievable amount of time and energy not only to supervising, but to guiding all the students’ projects and keeping everyone on track. She was never too busy to take the time to meet with us, proofread our work, give thoughtful and insightful suggestions, and respond to our every inquiry without delay. Professor Wadhia is both knowledgeable and passionate about immigrants’ rights which shows through the focused and tireless way she conducts the clinic and the class.” 

Luisa Enriquez ’11
Spring 2010 — Client: American Civil Liberties Union, Immigrants’ Rights Project


“I felt fairly uneasy about my skills as an oral advocate before stepping into the clinic. Though challenging at times, speaking before our class, interviewing detainees, and giving a presentation before the ABA’s Commission on Immigration all helped me become more comfortable as an oral advocate and as an advocate in general. While there is still room for improvement, the clinic encouraged me to become a more honest and confident speaker.”

Rachel Keung ‘12
Spring 2012 — Client: American Bar Association Commission on Immigration

 

 


“My time with the Center has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my law school career – and has been, by far, my most valuable law school experience in terms of preparation for practice. I came into my clinic semester with a strong interest in immigration law — but truly feel that this experience has prepared me to be a better advocate across the board — and has helped me to develop skills that will be relevant in any legal practice, immigration or otherwise.” 

Allie Sievers ‘12
Spring 2012 — Client: National Guestworker Alliance


"The Center for Immigrants’ Rights was one of the best experiences I have had during law school. Yes, it was a lot of work, and yes, it could be frustrating at times, but the same could be said about everything you do in law school. If you want to have an opportunity to work on important and emerging issues in immigration law that could have a substantial real-world impact, while helping prepare you for any future legal job, I would highly recommend participating in the Center for Immigrants’ Rights."

Stephen Coccorese ’12
Spring 2011 — Client: American Immigration Council's Legal Action Center


"My experience in the clinic gave me more than just an escape from the hypothetical postulating of a traditional law class, it gave me confidence in myself and in what I could accomplish. I faced many challenges, like long hours and problems with how best to conceptualize huge amounts of raw data and juggle various time sensitive demands, but by working with my partner and the professor, we found viable solutions and pushed through. From this, I found hidden depths of perseverance and creativity in myself that I never knew existed. Now that I know this is there, no project seems too impossible, no task too remote. I have never been so proud of a final work product as I am with what I’ve created in the clinic. I’ve never been so proud of myself. It was highly rewarding and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to move beyond summarizing cases and get their hands dirty."

Elizabeth Boul ’12
Fall 2010 — Client: American Immigration Council


"From a young age I have been very interested in the global community. Growing up with a Finnish father and American mother, who both love to travel, I have been able to experience a multitude of cultures. The adventures of my youth and watching the process of my father becoming a US citizen just a few years ago sparked my interest in immigration law. My experience in the Clinic was more than I could have asked for. My work in the clinic was both the most trying and rewarding experience of my academic life. Knowing that my hard work has the potential to aid an individual in dire need of relief makes the experience that much more rewarding. The clinic provided me with a great opportunity to mature and grow into an able and confident advocate. I know that the skills that I gained this semester will be the cornerstone of my growth as an attorney. "

Linnea Ignatius ’12
Fall 2010 — Client: Maggio Kattar, LP and Duane Morris


“Working for the Center for Immigrants’ Rights has been one of the best experiences I have had in law school. Rather than simply learning about laws in the abstract, as we do in our classes, it has been invaluable to witness how laws are applied in real life and the lasting effects they can have on individuals’ lives.”

Nicole Comstock ’10 
Spring 2010 — Client: American Civil Liberties Union, Immigrants’ Rights Project


“The Center for Immigrants’ Rights experience is one of the most useful learning resources for any student interested in pursuing a career in immigration law. Participating in the clinic provided me with the opportunity to bring my legal education to life as an immigration policy advocate. As a clinic intern, I developed my advocacy, communication, professionalism, research and legal writing skill set. Moreover, I had the opportunity to work under the guidance of leading attorneys who work on the frontlines of the immigration law arena."

Jessica ’10
Spring 2010 — Client: Tahirih Justice Center


"From participating in the clinic for one full academic year, I can confidently say that Penn State's Center for Immigrants' Rights clinic is at the cutting edge of immigration law. Professor Wadhia's foresight in this field and ability to recognize the necessary work that needs to be done in order to systematically improve our immigration system and thereby save future persons from tremendous hardships is truly remarkable. This experience has already brought me great opportunities to help those that need it the most and I'm truly thankful for it." 

Susham M. Modi ’10
Fall/Spring 2008-09 — Client: Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center


"The clinic not only provided me with the opportunity to participate in a project which will have an effect on practitioners of immigration law, but it also improved other skills which will serve me well in practice. I was able to hone my communication skills, learn more about interpersonal working relationships, and be exposed to an environment requiring professionalism and cooperation."

Heather Hoechst ’12
Fall 2010 — Client: American Immigration Council

 

 


“The Immigrants’ Rights Clinic is an excellent opportunity to learn what it means to be a lawyer. Professor Wadhia truly allows students to act as lead advocates, develop relationships with clients, and further client goals.” 

Chad Pace ’10
Fall 2009 — Client: Human Rights First and National Immigrant Justice Center


“The clinic really tested and enhanced some of the skills emphasized by the program. The clinic also gave me my first hands-on and real-world legal experience. It rounded out everything we learned during the first year of law school and also introduced many surprising nuances about the legal profession. More importantly, the clinic allowed us to make a significant difference in the lives of others. As part of the tasks we were assigned, my partner and I were able to assist low-income legal permanent residents with attaining U.S. citizenships, who have been eligible for up to the past 40 years, but have not otherwise been provided the public resources to naturalize. For me, the clinical experience was most important because it solidified my interests in public interest law.”

Sergio Aclo ’10
Spring 2009 — Client: The Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition


“I participated in the Center for Immigrants’ Rights for two semesters. Within my time there, I feel that I grew as a law student, a student attorney, and as a person. I refined several skill sets through my work in the clinic including improved writing and researching skills as well as client and partner communication skills. The Center for Immigrants’ Rights not only offers the classic work experience, but also provides a class component that helps students, like me, develop an understanding of immigration law and procedure as well as the political climate on immigration. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate in the Center for Immigrants’ Rights and now as a law clerk for the Public Utility Commission, I see how transferable the skills that I developed in the clinic are to other areas of law practice. I would recommend the clinic to any student who feels that they could benefit from real legal work experience while under the guidance of a professor who actively participates to ensure her students and the students’ work improves.” 

Jennifer Romero ’10
Fall 2008 — Spring 2009 — Client: The Pennsylvania Immigration Resources Center


“Participating in a clinic is one of the best learning experiences one could have in their law school career. I highly recommend it to every law student. It gives you an opportunity to apply what is being taught in the classroom to the real world.” 

Mohita Anand ‘12
Spring 2012 — Client: Rights Working Group


“The Center for Immigrants’ Rights by far entailed the most work and time that I have ever devoted to a single law school class or experience. But, it is work and time that I never once minded having to devote. In fact, I looked forward to it.” 

Daniel DeCurtis ‘12
Spring 2012 — Client: American Bar Association Commission on Immigration


"The Center for Immigrants’ Rights experience definitely challenged me in ways that I could not have predicted. From statutory interpretation to teamwork and time management challenges this experience provided a snap shot view of what a real attorney goes through."

Manuel Ugarte Jr. ’11
Fall 2010 — Client: Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center


"There is no substitute for actual client contact. Because of the clinic, I had the tremendous opportunity to speak and communicate with our client and other stakeholders almost daily. The experience made me aware of just how important it is to have this experience. The other aspect of this valuable opportunity was the chance to become extremely familiar with an interesting and important form of immigration relief: the U and the T visas."

Tayler Summers ’12
Spring 2011 — Client: Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)


"The clinic was definitely one of the most professional experiences you can have in law school. The Center provides you the opportunity to work directly with your client throughout a semester to create a policy-based project that will actually have a visible impact on immigration law."

Sarah Hart ’12
Spring 2011 — Client: American Immigration Council's Legal Action Center


"I felt it was a good experience which differed greatly from a regular law school class because we looked at the policies behind immigration law and not just the black letter law. This made the experience special because I had never worked on policy issues in law school." 

Jesus Saucedo ’10 
Fall 2009 — Client: American Immigration Council's Legal Action Center


"I was privileged to work on a project that stands to help (possibly) hundreds of pro bono practitioners marshal the resources they need to provide valuable legal assistance to unaccompanied noncitizen minors in the US. The work was challenging, but gratifying, and helped me grow as a legal professional."

Nick Quesenberry ’11
Spring 2011 — Client: Kids in Need of Defense (KIND)


"This is a truly unique experience you can have in your law school life."

Su Jin Hong ’11
Fall 2010 — Client: Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center


“The clinic provides students with real world experience under the supervision of an experienced and knowledgeable director. Professor Wadhia answers your questions and guides you in the proper direction. The clinic teaches self-discipline, time management, and professionalism — all critical aspects to a successful career in law.”

Kirk Vroman ’11 
Spring 2010 — Client: Pennsylvania Immigration Resource Center


"The clinic gave me an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills I learned in the course of my law school career. It provided with the single greatest learning experience in law school. The Center for Immigrants’ Rights’ projects bring together the study of immigration law, politics, and policy and teach you how these three elements come together."

David Rodriguez ’10 
Fall 2009 — Client: American Immigration Council's Legal Action Center


“The Center for Immigrants’ Rights gave me the opportunity to utilize what I learned in the classroom, on a weekly basis, and apply it to my interactions with immigration stakeholders.”

Modesta Salmeron ’10
Fall 2009 — Client: The Pennsylvania Immigration Resources Center


“The clinic tested my fortitude at times, but in the end it was all worthwhile. I have developed habits that will stay with me and make me a better attorney.” 

Steven Trialonas ’10
Spring 2010 — Client: Tahirih Justice Center