Justice for All Summer Clerks are law students funded by the Foundation to expand opportunities to work in civil legal services.
2025 Clerks
Neil Agarwal
Host: The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Q: What inspired you to pursue law school?
A desire to use the justice system to serve my city and low-income populations.
Q: What is your favorite part about your clerkship so far?
Being exposed to so many practice areas such as special education, medical-legal partnerships, and public benefits.
Q: How do you hope this experience will shape your career goals in law?
Deepen a commitment to public service and community lawyering.
Q: What causes are you passionate about, law-related or not?
Children’s rights and mental health awareness.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
Q: What is at the top of your bucket list?
Learning the ‘Comfortably Numb” solo on guitar. Or, skydiving.
Q: What is your dream vacation?
To tour the “Lord of the Rings” filming locations in New Zealand!
Q: How would your friends describe you?
Inquisitive, thoughtful, resolute.
Joshua Brown
Host: LegalWorks
Law School: Cleveland State University College of Law
Q: What drove you to spend your summer doing public interest work at LegalWorks?
I’ve always had the goal of doing public interest work, and I initially connected with LegalWorks this past December. From then, I learned about the services LegalWorks provides and I met the people who benefit from our organization. As I’ve been working, I feel like I am making a positive change in people’s lives here.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment from law school so far?
My proudest accomplishment from law school so far was trying out and gaining a spot on CSU Law’s Moot Court team. Part of the try-out process was presenting an oral argument in front of the current team members. I put many hours into my presentation, and I saw my skills increase just in that time. To be offered a spot on the team was confirmation that I can be a successful speaker.
Q: How has this experience shaped how you think about advocacy?
My experience with LegalWorks has shown me that having a criminal history remains burdensome long after the sentence has been served. It can be a barrier to employment and housing. I also learned that there are many people in need of legal services who are dependent on low-income legal options. For many, being unable to afford a lawyer could lead to hopelessness and even homelessness. It is important for everyone to have access to resources and representation.
Q: How do you hope this experience will shape your career goals in law?
My experience with LegalWorks reinforces my desire to work in spaces that are accessible to people of varying backgrounds. I want my career to be focused on people, and communities. I want to work in spaces where I can see new faces and hear new stories every day.
Q: Who is someone – personal or professional – that inspires you and why?
I am inspired by my father, both professionally and personally. He served as the court administrator for Cleveland Municipal Court for much of my life and has been a model of caring leadership and community service. He inspires me to love the city of Cleveland and to use my skills to make the city a better place to live every day.
Q: What’s a recent accomplishment – big or small – that you’re proud of?
I have had two of my poems published so far this year. One is featured in an art book, and the other was printed in a local newspaper.
Q: What is your favorite part about living in Cleveland?
My favorite part about living in Cleveland is engaging with the local art community. There are so many creative people, and so much to do. I like going to poetry readings, art galleries, and theater shows. There’s never a dull moment and always a new friend to meet.
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Go Outside.”
Hannah Jawed
Host: Pro Seniors
Law School: University of Cincinnati College of Law
Q: What does “access to justice” mean to you?
I interpret “access to justice” as an effort to give opportunities to people of all backgrounds and circumstances within the legal field.
Q: What drew you to civil legal services work?
The opportunity to build interpersonal relationships with clients.
Q: What’s one skill or lesson you’ve learned either during your clerkship or law school that you didn’t expect?
Law school taught me how to manage my time in a way that I never had to before. I learned to be much more meticulous in my scheduling and planning in order to allow time for all of my commitments.
Q: What kind of impact do you hope to make with your legal career?
I want to give my clients some security and allow them to live their lives without legal stress. I care the most about impacting individuals in a positive way.
Q: What is your favorite part about living in/near Cincinnati?
There is always something to do in Cincinnati! I have lived here for almost 6 years now and there are so many places that I want to check out!
Q: What is your favorite way to spend a weekend?
I love to have my friends over and hang out at my apartment and watch movies!
Q: What is the first concert you went to or the last movie you saw in theaters?
In 2008 I went to my first concert: The Cheetah Girls. I was 6 years old but I still remember bits and pieces of the concert.
Finn Li
Host: Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation
Law School: Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Q: What drew you to law school?
I majored in sociology as an undergraduate because I was interested in how systems shape people’s lives. Law felt like the next step, learning how to navigate the systems in real life.
Q: What has been the best part of your clerkship so far?
Seeing how solo and small-firm lawyers actually work. You see what really matters in a case, and what clients actually need.
Q: What are some areas of interest, in law or otherwise, that you find yourself passionate about?
In law, I’m interested in soft IP, contracts, and business compliance. Outside of law, I’m into car sports. I like the balance between control and risk, and how much detail and focus it takes to get good.
Q: How do you see this experience shaping your future career path?
It confirmed that I don’t want to just get hired and follow a path. I want to build something on my own and something practical. This experience made that feel more realistic.
Q: If you could give your 1L self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t waste time trying to sound like you belong. Just focus on learning how things actually work.
Q: What kind of lawyering do you aspire to model?
Clear, precise, independent, and intentional.
Q: What is your favorite way to spend a weekend?
Driving without a set plan is a great way to soothe a stressful mind.
Phoenix Nash
Host: Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio
Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
Q: Why did you choose to spend your summer at Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio?
I chose to spend my summer at Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio because I align with their mission of advocating for the underserved, assisting them as they overcome unfairness and injustice, and ultimately helping them experience an increase in access to opportunity.
Q: What are you looking forward to most in your clerkship? In the upcoming year?
I am looking forward to observing court procedures and engaging with clients. I am excited to take electives in the upcoming year to explore my interests and perhaps find a new passion.
Q: What’s one skill or lesson you’ve learned either in your clerkship or in law school that you didn’t expect?
I am becoming a whiz with spreadsheets!
Q: How do you define leadership in this field?
A leader is someone willing to adapt and fill in when needed. They are empathetic, kind, and passionate about increasing access to justice.
Q: How do your personal values shape your interest in public interest law?
I am passionate about promoting equality and leveling the playing field. Public interest law appeals to me because I can actively engage with opportunities that are focused on leveling the playing field and advancing access to opportunity.
Q: What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I am very good at 3D puzzles!
Q: What is your go-to comfort food or meal?
Mashed potatoes.
Q: What song is currently on repeat for you?
“The Black Dog” by Taylor Swift.
Abraham Nassif
Host: Catholic Charities Southwestern Ohio
Law School: University of Cincinnati College of Law
Q: What inspired you to pursue law school?
I have always wanted to serve others and make an impact on a wide scale. I felt that I had a skill set that was tailored to the field of law, and that law school would allow me to be involved in policy and to work with knowledgeable people around the world.
Q: What has been the best part of your clerkship so far?
Hearing the various stories of disenfranchised people striving to achieve a better life. To be even a small part of that process is an incredible, humbling experience.
Q: What is one major goal you’d like to accomplish before finishing law school?
A major goal for me is to have a literary piece of mine published in a legal journal.
Q: What is your favorite quote or mantra?
“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated” – Confucius
Q: Who is someone – personal or professional – that inspires you and why?
My mother inspires me because she is a shining example of retaining kindness no matter what struggles life faces you with.
Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night owl.
Q: What is a fun fact or hidden talent of yours?
I learned to ice skate before I could even properly walk.
Douglas Pennington
Host: Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc.
Law School: University of Toledo College of Law
Q: What drove you to spend your summer doing public interest work with legal aid?
I wanted to do work that felt meaningful and impactful to me while serving my community, especially those who are from underserved communities, where I believe it’s often needed most.
Q: What is one major goal you’d like to accomplish before finishing law school?
Get the top grade in a class.
Q: What area of law are you most interested in exploring further?
Hard to decide! Currently Tort, Contract & Disability Law.
Q: What’s been the best part of your clerkship so far?
The people and sense of community. It’s really made me proud of my community and the people in it.
Q: What is your favorite quote or mantra?
“True peace is not merely the absence of tension: it is the presence of justice.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Q: Who is someone – personal or professional – that inspires you and why?
Frank Serpico & Martin Luther King Jr., because they stood up against injustice at great risk to themselves.
Q: What is your favorite book, show, or podcast?
Rod Serling’s “Twilight Zone.”
Michele Reynolds
Host: Ohio Access to Justice Foundation
Law School: University of Dayton School of Law
Q: What drew you to law school?
I’ve always had a passion for justice and leadership, and law school felt like a natural next step. I’m currently enrolled in the University of Dayton’s Hybrid J.D. program, which allows me to pursue my legal education while continuing my work as a public servant. The flexibility of a part-time, online format has made it possible to balance professional responsibilities with academic goals. Ultimately, my long-term aspiration is to serve as a federal court judge, and this program is helping to build that foundation.
Q: How do your personal values shape your interest in civil legal services?
At the core of who I am is a deep desire to solve problems and help humanity. This calling is what led me into public service and also drives my commitment to civil legal services. I believe the law can be a tool for justice and restoration, and I’m passionate about ensuring access to legal resources that empower and uplift individuals and communities.
Q: What has surprised you most about your summer clerkship experience so far?
I’m really enjoying my summer clerkship, especially the hands-on learning. What has surprised me most is how rapidly immigration law is evolving in real time. Being able to observe those shifts up close—and see how legal practitioners are adapting—has been both challenging and inspiring.
Q: How do you see this experience shaping your future career path?
This clerkship is giving me valuable, real-world exposure to immigration law—an area I hope to continue practicing in. It’s helping me build the practical skills and legal judgment that will be essential as I pursue a career focused on justice, advocacy, and long-term, systemic impact.
Q: What’s a quote or mantra that gets you through tough days?
“…act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” — Micah 6:8. This verse keeps me grounded and reminds me why I’m on this path.
Q: What’s something most people would be surprised to learn about you?
Most people are surprised to learn that I’m a grandmother. It’s a role I cherish and one that adds depth to my perspective on law, leadership, and legacy.
Q: Do you have a book, show, or podcast recommendation?
I highly recommend the Law School Toolbox Podcast. It offers practical tips, support, and insight that are especially helpful for non-traditional and working law students.
Q: Do you have any fun hobbies or interests?
Absolutely—politics is a deep interest of mine. I love engaging with public policy, governance, and leadership at every level. It’s not just my profession—it’s a passion.
Nina Vaccaro
Host: Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati
Law School: University of Cincinnati College of Law
Q: Why did you choose to spend your summer at Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati?
I decided to spend my summer working at Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati because I wanted to gain more practical skills and experience in a variety of legal practice areas. Being able to work with attorneys that have not only immense expertise but also dedication and passion in their work is incredibly important. I knew that my experience here would provide a wonderful opportunity and foundation for a future career in the public interest field!
Q: If you could give your 1L self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to go to your professor’s office hours or your TA! They are there to support you and answer any questions you have and can be extremely helpful. Your professors are not only a great resource for the class material but can also be great mentors as you are figuring out what field or areas of the law you enjoy!
Q: What is your favorite way to spend a weekend?
My favorite way to spend my weekend is to explore Cincinnati while spending time with my friends or family! I love to stay active on the weekends like playing pickleball or swimming, but I also love relaxing with a good book!
Ethan Wigal
Host: Equality Ohio
Law School: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
Q: What drew you to law school and working in civil legal services?
I was initially drawn to law school because I have always been interested in government and politics, so it felt like the natural mechanism for pursuing a career in public service. In college, I took a number of law-related courses and discovered how the law has been and can continue to be an avenue for social change, so I was again drawn to a career in law. I am interested in working in civil legal services because I believe that everyone deserves equal access to quality legal representation.
Q: What are you looking forward to most in your clerkship? In the upcoming year?
In my clerkship, I am most looking forward to getting hands-on, practical legal experience and doing work that I genuinely feel passionate about. Equality Ohio is an incredible organization that provides legal representation to LGBTQ+ folks who might not otherwise have access to an attorney. I am excited to spend the summer giving back to my community and learning as much as I can in the process.
Q: What does “access to justice” mean to you?
To me, access to justice means that everyone is able to benefit from and be protected by our legal system. The law is not designed to benefit only those who have the resources to reap its rewards, and I believe it is our job as legal professionals to identify and close these gaps to ensure that all people have access to justice.
Q: How do your personal values shape your interest in public interest law?
My strong sense of empathy, equality, and community have significantly shaped my interest in public interest law. Growing up in a small rural town in Southeastern Ohio, I saw firsthand how our legal system can be inaccessible for a great number of people, especially to folks who live in rural communities. I am passionate about pursing a career in public service to ensure that people who might not have great access to legal representation still get their day in court.
Q: First concert or last movie you saw in theaters?
The last movie I saw in theaters was “Sinners”, and it was incredible. If you have not seen it, I highly recommend it!
Q: What song is currently on repeat for you?
I am a huge Hozier fan, so I have had his song “Jackie and Wilson” on repeat for the last couple of weeks. I even got to see him in concert in June, and his music is even better performed live.