Meet CRLA’s 2026 Law Student Summer Intern Cohort
These bright and passionate law students spent their summer with us thanks in part to the Jose Padilla Fellowship Fund. Learn about how their time with our community has shaped their professional and individual growth and furthered our collective impact.
Q: Share a project that you worked on and what you gained from it:
Alejandro: “I've had a variety of work over the summer, and I truly enjoyed all of it! As a part of the Agricultural Workers Justice Program I have learned so much about the many different issues that affect agricultural workers and realized that agricultural workers advocacy goes far beyond traditional field work. My favorite project has been an ongoing labor trafficking case, where I've been helping a group of workers recover the wages they are owed and apply for visas. It's been a huge process, but I'm grateful to be part of it alongside an amazing team and to help make a difference.”
Gabriela: “One of the most meaningful opportunities I've had during my internship has been working on T and U visa cases for the first time. It has been especially meaningful to expand my legal skill set while knowing that the work I contribute to directly supports clients in receiving critical relief and protection.”
Grace: “I worked on discovery for an unlawful detainer case for a tenant with habitability issues. I partnered with another intern to review case filings to ensure that the propounded discovery would best bolster the client's defense to her eviction. I deepened my skills of close reading and critical legal thinking, and became more knowledgeable on California Civil Procedure.”
Julissa: “A rewarding project I worked on was supporting a client through a challenging legal matter. This experience taught me how to support clients with empathy, emotional sensitivity, and professionalism.”
Kalysta: “I worked on a project to help bring resources back to a community. I gained a lot of insight on the difficulties that unincorporated communities face because of disinvestment.”
Leonardo: “I have mainly been working on workplace discrimination case based on pregnancy, as the case is in its pre-trial stage. I have been assigned with tasks on discovery, legal research, and writing briefs/memos. I gained valuable experience about how litigation functions but also how a team can work towards the clients best interest.”
Melissa: “I worked on a wage and labor case and I learn how to calculate penalties and wages owed. It felt fulfilling to be helping someone recover the wages they were owed.”
Q: What was your favorite moment throughout this internship and why?
Alejandro: “My favorite moments throughout my internship were interacting with clients. I really enjoyed speaking directly with the people I was helping, especially in Spanish. Being able to communicate in my native language made it easier to build trust and connect with clients, and it was rewarding to know I could help them feel heard and supported.”
Gabriela: “I loved the initial trainings where we learned about the work of each program within CRLA. It was incredibly moving to hear about all that CRLA has accomplished and the important work it continues to do to support individuals and empower communities across California.”
Julissa: “My favorite moment was hearing from Jessica Jewell during orientation about CRLA's legacy and future. Her remarks provided meaningful insight into the organization's lasting impact, making me even more excited to be part of the team.”
Q: How did your supervisor and this internship impact your professional growth?
Alejandro: “My supervisor, Angelica, had a positive impact on my professional growth over the summer. We had weekly check-ins that made my summer run smoothly and she always gave me the opportunity to ask questions and reflect on my progress. Angelica also gave me a variety of assignments and always asked what I was interested in working on, which allowed me to gain experience in the areas I was most excited to learn about.”
Gabriela: “My supervisor and this internship have given me the opportunity to put my legal education into practice while making a meaningful impact. Through their guidance, I have been able to build confidence in my research and writing skills while contributing to work that supports underserved communities.”
Julissa: “My supervisor created a supportive environment that encouraged me to ask questions and take on new challenges. Through his mentorship and guidance, I strengthened my client advocacy skills while gaining a deeper understanding of public interest law and the importance of serving communities with dignity.”
Leonardo: “Working with my supervisor Danielle Coony and the LEPA team has shown me how well a legal team can work together to support the community. I have been inspired seeing the care that each team member puts into their work and always looking to go the extra mile for clients. I would be honored to work in the future with a team like LEPAs.”
Q: Fill in the blank: "I will miss ________ the most."
Gabriela: “I'll miss working alongside such passionate and like-minded advocates--they have all been so inspiring!”
Grace: “I will miss my incredibly warm and welcoming team the most.”