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By: Cameron Moreano ’24
I am extremely grateful to have been able to work in a public interest summer internship position during the Summer of 2023 with the nonprofit legal firm Community Legal Advocates of New York. I’m also deeply grateful to the University at Buffalo School of Law Summer Public Interest Funding & Fellowship Program for making it possible for me to dedicate my time to provide legal assistance with immigration law in a public interest setting. Without the support of this program, I would have been unable to fulfill my lifelong dream of being able to dedicate myself fully to work which aligns with my vision of social justice and social progress.
I have many personal and family ties to the Hispanic community of New York. As an Ecuadorian American and a Spanish speaker, I found the process of assisting clients with their immigration needs to be extremely rewarding. My position consisted mainly of family-based affirmative immigration applications and petitions, which allowed me the opportunity to meet a wide variety of clients from many different walks of life.
Growing up in a Spanish-speaking household, I always took a keen interest in furthering my understanding of the language. Little did I know that this skill would play a crucial role in my journey as a legal intern. Throughout my time working with clients, I quickly recognized that my ability to communicate with them in their native language was more than just an asset—it was a bridge of understanding and empathy.
Immigration processes can be daunting and complex for anyone, but for those who are already navigating the challenges of adapting to a new culture and legal system, it can be especially overwhelming. My proficiency in Spanish not only allowed me to provide a higher level of service to these clients, but it also helped them feel more at ease during a time that is, for most people, an extremely stressful and unfamiliar process.
One of the most gratifying aspects of my internship was being able to connect with clients on a personal level. Hearing their stories, understanding their hopes and fears, and guiding them through the intricacies of the immigration system felt like a privilege. Every success, no matter how small, was a victory not just for them, but for me as well.
As the summer comes to a close, I am leaving this internship with a profound sense of accomplishment and a renewed commitment to public interest law. I’ve seen firsthand the impact that legal assistance can have on individuals and families, and I am more determined than ever to continue working towards justice, equality, and access to legal resources for all.
In closing, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude once again to the University at Buffalo School of Law Summer Public Interest Funding & Fellowship Program for providing me with this invaluable opportunity. I also specifically want to thank the 2023 UB Law Alumni Association Public Interest Fellowship program specifically for making this possible. This internship has reaffirmed my passion for immigration law and my belief in the power of language and empathy to bridge gaps and make a positive difference in people’s lives.
Name: Cameron Moreano ’24
Fellowship: 2023 UB Law Alumni Association Public Interest Fellowship
Placement: Community Legal Advocates of New York
Location: Garden City, NY
One important lesson I have learned from this fellowship: “I have learned the importance of connecting with clients on a human level, and how that experience helps them be more comfortable and open with you when assisting them with their legal needs.”
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