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Imani’s time in the Juvenile Justice Clinic (JJC) has been a transformative experience, providing her with hands-on legal training and real client advocacy. From arguing constitutional motions to supporting juvenile clients beyond the courtroom, she has developed invaluable skills that will shape her future as an attorney.
Can you share some of the practical legal skills you’ve gained while working in the clinic, and how they are preparing you for your future career?
One of the great things about this clinic is that we get real client advocacy experience before we graduate. The first time I spoke on the record was just the second week of the fall semester, so things get intense quickly. While I’m still working on overcoming my fear of speaking in front of a judge, I’m learning to think on my feet and adapt to new challenges fast.
If a client is pre-adjudication, we spend a significant amount of time conducting investigations and discovery, and I know that experience will benefit me in the future. I’ve also had the opportunity to apply what I learned in Evidence and Criminal Procedure, such as arguing for clients’ constitutional rights in motions. The best part of this clinic for me is getting to be creative with the law and witnessing my clients’ positive reactions when it helps with their case!
What has it been like working directly with clients, and how has that experience impacted you personally and professionally?
Working with clients has shown me how crucial a holistic defense approach is for juveniles. Much of my work has involved helping clients enroll in counseling, advocating for their right to an adequate education, and addressing other needs. It has become clear to me that our system is not designed to support the rehabilitation and long-term success of youth defendants outside of detention. That’s why having Elyse Kupfer, our social worker, and Youth Justice Education Clinic's involvement in our clients' lives is essential.
Even though I meet my clients at some of the lowest points in their lives, they have all been incredibly kind and receptive to help. Most of them are just scared kids who want to know when they can go home. The hardest part of this clinic is seeing my clients detained and witnessing the devastating mental and physical toll that detention takes on them. However, this experience has only strengthened my commitment to reforming the criminal legal system and reducing the number of people subjected to these inhumane detention facilities.
How have your clinic colleagues and the mentorship from professors and staff attorneys in the clinic supported your growth as a law student and future advocate?
My clinic colleagues have been an incredible support system. Most of the tasks we took on were new to all of us, and it’s been great to have peers who are experiencing the same growing pains and are always available to talk through case theories. The mentorship from the professors and staff attorneys at CJLP has been truly exceptional! Everyone’s door is always open, and they have such an extensive amount of knowledge that I never leave with a question unanswered. Professor Roshell Amezcua and Elyse Kupfer, whom I work with directly, have helped me grow in countless ways. They are both fierce advocates for our clients and never hesitate to fight for what is right. I apply what I’ve learned from them every day, and I hope to embody those same qualities in my future career.