Meet Jessica Lewis, a rising 3L at Harvard Law School and current ACLU of Michigan summer law intern.
After deciding that corporate law "isn't for me," Jessica shifted her focus to practicing law that protects the public interest. And she says working at the ACLU has been the perfect place to find her passion.
What brought you to the ACLU of Michigan?
I believe the ACLU is one of the best organizations to work for if you want to do public interest law that genuinely affects people's daily lives. I'm intrigued by the ACLU's nonpartisan stance on their cases— the first case that caught my attention was the ACLU's case in Florida, where the organization defended the KKK's right to adopt a highway. Though I didn't necessarily agree with the viewpoint of the case; I appreciate the willingness to work with multiple people and organizations to protect their first amendment rights.
In what ways has your work with the ACLU help prepare you for your plan future career?
This answer is simple—I plan to do public interest law, and I'd love to work for the ACLU one day!
How has your experience at the ACLU been so far?
It's been really good and insightful, thus far. I'm mainly interested in education law and excited about the exposure, being that I've been able to work with a variety of organizations that specialize in education law.
I previously worked for a corporate immigration firm, during which I found the pro bono cases much more interesting than anything I'd done while being there. With this experience and many others, I've found that corporate law isn't for me—and now, I'm here.
What issues most interest you?
Education reform is something I'm very passionate about. Growing up, I attended Detroit Public Schools, and after elementary, my family and I moved to Marietta, Georgia. While attending school in Georgia, the disparities and focus of discipline in Detroit Public Schools became apparent. The Georgia school system more so focused on academic achievement, where I went on to be placed in honor classes and be awarded for my academic achievement. I truly believe that if I would've stayed in Detroit I wouldn't be where I am today; I don't think that one's ability to succeed should depend on geographic location.
How did you become interested in social justice?
I've been black all of my life, and I've been treated accordingly. Social justice issues affect me daily, so I have no choice but to be interested in it.