John P. Comerford '95 and Hope P. Comerford Fellowship
Organization: Federal Public Defender's Office
This summer at the Federal Public Defender's Office was incredibly rewarding. I worked on diverse cases, from researching different legal issues to writing memorandums. Collaborating with passionate colleagues and supporting clients has been inspiring. The experience solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in public defense.
One highlight of my summer at the Federal Public Defender's Office was witnessing the direct impact of legal advocacy on the lives of clients. Seeing how attorneys navigated complex cases with compassion highlighted the profound disparities within the criminal justice system. This experience deepened my understanding of the critical role of public defenders in safeguarding individuals' rights and advocating for justice, reinforcing my passion for pursuing a career in this field.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to the generous donors of the 2025 John P. Comerford '95 and Hope P. Comerford Fellowship, whose assistance made my summer experience achievable. This fellowship provided me the opportunity to learn more about the federal system and further explore an area of law I am passionate about.