Diversity Internship Program StudentsFall 2017- Spring 2018

Justin ReyesAlbany Law School Class of 2018Hometown: Commack, New YorkUndergraduate: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC)Internship: Bond Schoeneck & King (Fall 2017, Spring 2018)Why Did You Choose to Be an Attorney? I loved being a philosophy major in college and I wanted to apply that passion for thought to real-world issuesWhat’s next? Bond Schoeneck & King (Labor & Employment practice group)

Andrew RiveraAlbany Law School Class of 2018Hometown: Poughkeepsie, New YorkUndergraduate: State University of New York at Albany, Albany NYInternship: Hodgson Russ LLP (Fall 2017)Why Did You Choose to Be an Attorney? Deciding to go to law school was a calculated decision that I did not take lightly. After I graduated college I was working for a non-profit management company, and although it was a great first job I just did not feel fulfilled professionally. This experience forced me to think about what I wanted to do for a career.

I had always been fascinated by the law, but I dismissed it as unrealistic until a friend of mine persuaded me to take the LSAT. After receiving a good test score I applied to Albany Law School and never looked back.What’s next? After graduation I will be an Associate Attorney for Bond Schoeneck & King in their Syracuse Office. My interests are in bankruptcy, commercial litigation, and corporate law.

Albany Law School, Class of 2018

Racquel SaddlerAlbany Law School Class of 2018Hometown: Queens, New YorkUndergraduate: State University of New York at Albany, Albany NYInternship: Shenker Russo & Clark LLC (Fall 2017)Why Did You Choose to Attend Law School? I chose to attend law school because I have always been interested in the ways that the various laws affect our everyday lives. I have always loved government and politics and realized early on the important intersection that takes place between politics and the legal field. Throughout my school and work experiences, I realized the very important role that attorneys, judges and elected officials

play not only in being champions for justice for individuals who need it the most by being a voice for the voiceless and I wanted to be a part of the community to help effectuate change in my community.What’s next? I am interested in practicing constitutional law and being involved in policy analysis and legislative advocacy.

Diversity Internship Program StudentsFall 2017- Spring 2018

Efrain VeraAlbany Law School Class of 2018Hometown: Dallas, TexasUndergraduate: New York University, New York, New YorkInternship: Jackson Lewis PC (Fall 2017)Why Did You Choose to Attend Law School? I decided to attend law school because I recognized the unique opportunity lawyers have in shaping the community in which we live. My mentor taught me that in pursuing a career in law, I would have the opportunity to do just that, and also positively influence others. Additionally, it’s intellectually stimulating so there’s never a boring day!What’s next? Associate at Brewer, Attorneys and Counselors.

Candace WilliamsonAlbany Law School Class of 2018Hometown: Queens, NYUndergraduate: The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.Internship: Hodgson Russ LLP (Fall 2016) and O’Connell & Aronowitz Attorneys at Law (Fall 2017)Why Did You Choose to Be an Attorney? I wanted a career that would continually challenge me as an intellectual and provide an opportunity for my work to be meaningful. Law, and more importantly public service provides both a challenge and the reward of having one’s work effect change in the lives of others.What’s next? Excelsior Service Fellowship (2018-20).

Oreoluwa SenboreAlbany Law School Class of 2018Hometown: Lagos, NigeriaUndergraduate: Redeemer’s University, Ogun state, NigeriaInternship: E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy (Spring 2018)Why Did You Choose to Be an Attorney? My decision to be an attorney was influenced by my experiences growing up in Nigeria, a country which has vast resources but was riddled by poor management of those resources. I chose to be an attorney so that I can assist individuals and corporations to effectively utilize their resources in order to achieve their goals.What’s next? I am interested in Criminal defense, International Business Transactions & International Dispute Resolution and seeking opportunities in these areas.

Diversity Internship Program StudentsFall 2017- Spring 2018

Kadeem WolliastonAlbany Law School Class of 2018Hometown: New York City (Manhattan) Undergraduate: State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo NY Internship: Nixon Peabody LLP (Fall 2017)Why Did You Choose to Attend Law School? I decided to go to law school because I have always been interested in understanding human behavior. I believe that law school teaches you the policies that lawmakers consider when creating laws and the laws that are created dictate day-to-day human behavior.

I want to be an attorney because I believe the skills that are required to be an attorney are essential. For example, an attorney must be well-spoken, a great writer, and have the ability to think critically in all situations.What’s next? After graduation, I will be working as a pool clerk at the State of New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department. I am interested in litigation and labor and employment law.

Fayyaz AhmedAlbany Law School Class of 2019Undergraduate: St. John’s University, Jamaica NYInternship: Barclay Damon (Fall 2017)What’s next? I am interested in securities regulation, intellectual property, and cybercrime.

Faneeza AliAlbany Law School Class of 2019Hometown: Newark, NJUndergraduate: Smith College, Northampton, MAInternship: Shenker Russo & Clark LLC (Spring 2018)Why Did You Choose to Be an Attorney? When I was in high school, I joined a program called New Jersey Law and Education Empowerment Project (NJ LEEP). The program was geared towards helping urban city students get to college with a focus in law. As part of the program, I would compete in constitutional law debates and through this I gained a

love for law and decided I would attend law school after college.What’s next? For the summer, I am interning at CHUBB as part of the NYSBA Kenneth G. Standard Diversity Internship Program.

Albany Law School, Class of 2019

Diversity Internship Program StudentsFall 2017- Spring 2018

Claudia CadenillasAlbany Law School Class of 2019Hometown: Lima, PeruUndergraduate: Stonybrook University, Stonybrook NYInternship: : Whiteman Osterman & Hanna (Fall 2017)Why Did You Choose to Be an Attorney? I had always been curious about US immigration law and after working on my own paperwork and obtaining general exposure I decided law school would be the right next step for me. My experience at WOH helped me further learn about immigration law and general civil litigation.What’s next? I obtained a summer associate position at Carter, Conboy, Case

Marina ChuAlbany Law School Class of 2019Hometown: Poughkeepsie, New YorkUndergraduate: State University of New York at Albany, Albany NYInternship: McNamee Lochner (Spring 2018)Why Did You Choose to Be an Attorney? I decided to become an attorney after observing Family Court. I saw the impact an attorney could have on someone’s life and I wanted to become an attorney for the child.What’s next? I will be an intern at the Center for Internet Security (CIS). I hope to pursue a career in Cybersecurity and Data Privacy.

Arianna BeltrezAlbany Law School Class of 2019Hometown: Brooklyn, NYUndergraduate: Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, NYInternship: Carter Conboy (Fall 2017 and Spring 2018)Why Did You Choose to Be an Attorney? Law affects every aspect of our lives and yet many do not realize when they are in need of an attorney or how to even go about acquiring one. I have seen members of my own community struggle in these situations and thought it would be much simpler if I acquired the necessary skillset of an attorney, bringing those skills into my community. I quickly learned that there is nothing ‘simple’ about pursuing a

legal education and that the journey is so much more rewarding than I had ever imagined. As a second year law student, I am still on the path towards achieving my goal of becoming an attorney but have already been able to implement the skills I have acquired so far to the benefit of my community. With the help of the Communi-ty and Development Clinic at Albany Law School, I was able to work with fellow students to build a nonprofit organization called Project Totem. Through Project Totem, we are able to provide translation services to indigent clients and their attorneys, primarily those facing immigration issues. All the while, I have been able to pursue my interest in litigation through coursework and observation.What’s next? I will be at the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office for the summer of 2018 and back at Carter Conboy for the fall 2018 semester.

Andrienne WaltersAlbany Law School Class of 2019Hometown: Bronx, NYUndergraduate: State University of New York at Albany, Albany NYInternship: Whiteman Osterman & Hanna (Spring 2018)Why Did You Choose to Attend Law School? I chose to attend law school because I saw someone get arrested for the first time when I was nine years old. I was curious about what would happen to the person and the answers that I received from the police officer and my parents were not to my satisfaction. My curiosity led to my passion for public service, which then led to the wonders of private practice in my search for broader and

more client-centered practices of law. My hope is to have a career as a litigator with room for pro bono work in criminal defense.What’s next? This summer I will be a summer associate at Harris Beach. I am interested in litigation in any field as well as trusts and estates.

Diversity Internship Program StudentsFall 2017- Spring 2018

Thank You to the Following Law Firms for Participating in the ACBA’s Diversity Internship Program (2017-2018):

CARTER CONBOY

BARCLAY DAMON, LLP

BOND SCHOENECK & KING PLLC

E. STEWART JONES HACKER MURPHY

HODGSON RUSS LLP

JACKSON LEWIS PC

MCNAMEE LOCHNER P.C.

NIXON PEABODY LLP

O’CONNELL AND ARONOWITZ

SHENKER RUSSO & CLARK LLC

WHITEMAN OSTERMAN & HANNA LLP

If your firm is interested in learning more about the Diversity Internship Program and how to participate, please contact one of the Co-chairs:Matthew J. Kelly | MKelly@rwgmlaw.comMishka Woodley | mishka.woodley@srclawoffices.com