2011 AmeriCorps Legal Fellow, Amira Samuel
Amira Samuel
Name of Host Organization: New York Legal Assistance Group
City, State: New York, New York
Issue area: Family Law, Domestic Violence Immigrant Populations
The Inspiration
Printer-friendly versionFamily law is a nexus of a score of legal matters, but immigration issues and domestic violence compound the challenges that litigants navigating the Family Court, Supreme Court, and Criminal Court face. The Family Law Unit at the New York Legal Assistance Group assists clients in each of these forums so that they can empower themselves, rebuild their lives, and move forward. I am thrilled to be part of the team. The Project
Direct representation of victims of domestic violence in a wide variety of matters including immigration, orders of protection, contested and uncontested divorces, child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, and criminal court advocacy.
Biography
Hometown: |
Santa Monica, California |
Law school: | |
Making the connection: |
Before law school, I saw the law as a vehicle to level the playing field and increase access to justice. I went to law school hoping to do the kind of work I get to do as an Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps Legal Fellow. |
Surviving law school: |
To balance out my law school experience, I volunteered in the community as much as possible. It helped bring my education to life. |
Recommended books: |
The History of Love by Nicole Krauss because it illuminates how connected we are. Middlesex by Jeffery Euginides because of how substantially it becomes a part of your life as you read it. |
Favorite website(s): |
www.epicurious.com
I love to cook. |
Music I love: |
I love any music that feels like a friend when you need affirmation and any music that is fun. Lately, anything my teacher plays in spin class, Iron & Wine, Lupe Fiasco, and Adele. |
Words to live by: |
"You're here because you're staying true to yourself and your beliefs. I encourage you to always honor that voice inside you." -Solicitor General, Donald B. Verrilli, Jr. |