For me, coming to law school was not a decision based upon a childhood dream of becoming a lawyer, or an attempt at fulfilling a family tradition. My desire to learn about the law and effect change on a systematic level, only happened after a period of self-development during my sophomore year of college. As I learned more about implicit bias, collateral consequences, and covert forms of racism that were continually perpetuated through the unjust system of mass incarceration, I became enraged. After careful thought and consideration, I made it my goal to transform that anger into action, and make a meaningful difference in my community. Taking part in the Justice Lab Clinic at Temple has given me the wonderful opportunity to start working on this goal. In that respect, the Clinic has been more than simply a class for me, it has been a transformative experience that continues to shape my perspective on social justice.

My experience with Justice Lab began during the fall semester of my 2L year. I was on a team with two other students working with Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity (PLSE). PLSE is a non-profit organization that works towards just outcomes for low-income individuals who have had contact with the Pennsylvania criminal justice system. Through individual representation, strategic litigation, community education, research, and legislative advocacy, PLSE advocates for a more equitable social environment for those with criminal records, including expanding access to employment and social services. Our specific project with the organization was to develop an understanding of the challenges facing returning citizens in Philadelphia, especially those related to traffic issues and to create a method for providing legal and social services to address these concerns.

PLSE and our Justice Lab team worked primarily with the residents of Raymond Rosen Manor, a Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) property, a few blocks from Temple Law School. PLSE partnered with PHA in the Jobs Plus Pilot Program to work with Rosen residents on issues related to criminal records. As a result of the partnership we had the opportunity to interview community members to hear about their personal experiences interacting with the criminal justice system in hopes of determining what legal and community services would be most beneficial to them. We were then able to take the data that we collected through surveys, and transform it into a comprehensive target plan. Part of this plan included providing direct representation to individuals in traffic court, creating easily accessible resource information, as well as promoting client-specific informational sessions. It was in those moments that I realized the community members were helping me more than I would ever be able to help them. They allowed me to see the importance of educational programs in community centers, the importance of having dedicated and passionate attorneys, and the importance of simply being a person who cares for others.

One of the most rewarding parts of the Justice Lab Clinic for me was the combination of our project assignments with classroom discussion. Professor Shanahan challenged us to think outside the box, and asked us to push past our traditional ways of thinking in order to create unique solutions for our organizations. She forced us to look at the word “justice” in a new light. We were not simply able to define the word, without explaining how we were planning to meet its definition. Not only were we tasked with looking at justice through the lens of our project, but we envisioned its direct effect on our lives. I was able to really question the reasons behind my choice to come to law school, and see the impact that decision played on the lives of people I met along the way. I was able to appreciate the fact that although I am only one person, I am still capable of making change. It was through the project assignments that I began to truly feel like a lawyer, and through the class dialogues that I began to really think like one.

Now, I am in my final semester of law school and have elected to work with PLSE again through an Advanced Justice Lab Clinic. This semester, I am hoping to assist the organization improve access to pardons. My work this semester will include conducting client interviews, working with community partners to conduct informational events, and establishing pardon hubs in various locations within the city in order for individuals to receive personalized recommendations on their pardon applications. I know that systematic change can often be a slow process. However, the Justice Lab Clinic has given me the endurance to wait, because now I know what I am fighting for.