Puerto Rico Recovery Assistance Legal Clinic

Stephanie I. Burke (she/her) ’24 is a second-year law student at the University at Buffalo, School of Law with an interest in immigration and international law. Burke completed a summer internship in 2022 with a non-profit agency that provided services to individuals with Immigration needs. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience working in adult, child, and family mental health. In addition to her utilizing her clinical experience, Stephanie will focus on food sovereignty while in Puerto Rico.

Teresa Cappiello (she/her) ‘24 is a second-year law student. During college, Teresa traveled to Nicaragua, where she volunteered in an English class, and Peru, where she volunteered in an elementary school. Teresa has previously worked in various law fields, including immigration, family, and personal injury. In addition to other clinic service, Teresa intends to study gender violence in Puerto Rico and how the recent natural disasters have brought light to the continuing problem.

Ariyana DeWitz (she/her) ’24 is a second-year law student at the School of Law. During her undergraduate studies, Ariyana was part of the 3+3 program which allowed her to enter law school a year early. Her passions include civil litigation related to human and health rights. This clinic allows her to pursue her passions while continuing to develop as a future lawyer.

Glenaida Garlock (she/her) '24 is a second-year law student. Glenaida holds presidential positions in both the Latin American and Native Indigenous Law Students Association to represent her Taino heritage. Glenaida is also a Student Attorney for the Civil Rights and Transparency Clinic, where she litigates against predatory debt collectors, and also helps to reform the local jails. Upon graduation Glenaida plans to work in a transactional field where she can help transform Buffalo, New York into an equitable place for minorities.

Shelbi Molin (he/him) ’23 is a third-year law student at the School of Law. Throughout his undergraduate & law school career, he has worked at a number of public interest law firms in order to provide legal assistance to underrepresented communities. After graduation, he will be working as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of New York.

Haley Muehlbauer (she/her) '24 is a second year law student at the University at Buffalo School of Law. She has been traveling to Puerto Rico with family regularly since 2016. Haley has been able to see first-hand how natural disasters and deep-rooted corruption have negatively impacted the island. Along with her work in the clinic as a Student Attorney, Haley is a law clerk at Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria LLP, primarily focusing on criminal defense.

Jéla Paul (she/her) '24 is a second-year law student at the University at Buffalo School of Law. Throughout her youth, she was an active volunteer in many organizations through her church. Jéla has continued this involvement through student-based organizations both in her undergraduate studies and in law school. She is a first-generation law student and strongly believes in the phrase "to whom much is given much is required.

Agata Pijanowski (she/her) ’23 is a third year law student at the University at Buffalo School of Law. Agata is interested in Environmental Law and will be working at Knauf Shaw LLP, an Environmental Law firm, after graduation. Agata has served as a student attorney on the Environmental Advocacy Clinic for three semesters. Agata has also worked on matters for the animal law clinic and is interested in animal welfare. Agata has experience working in state government at NYSERDA and has a Master’s degree from Rockefeller College in Public Administration concentrating in environmental policy.

Brittania Smead (she/her) '24 is a second-year law student pursuing a career in energy and environmental law. Brittania has worked on clean energy issues in the non-profit, public, and private sectors and holds a Master in Public Administration with a concentration in Environmental Policy. Brittania is excited to meet with people and communities in Puerto Rico to learn more about their experience transitioning to clean energy.