Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website
During a recent spring break, students from St. John's Law School engaged in the Public Interest Center's Spring Break Service Program, garnering a transformative experience. The program, described as unique by Kayla Dorancy ’26, offered students a chance to gain hands-on experience, particularly in public defense.
"My good friends Nicolas Espinosa ’24, Justin Gorgchuck ’25, and Caroline Johnson ’25 introduced me to the program, sharing how unique the experience was, especially the chance to spend time in a federal defender’s office working on death penalty appellate cases,” Dorancy shared. Encouraged by her peers and advisors, she decided to apply, motivated by her commitment to public defense, alongside Fiona Donovan ’25.
The program involved over 50 participants, including current first-year and upper-level students and LL.M. candidates, who volunteered substantial time in legal services across areas such as civil legal aid and criminal justice. According to Public Interest Center Director Jeanne Ortiz-Ortiz, "We had an overwhelming response this year, with 70 students prepared to volunteer their time for social justice and public interest causes." The program also welcomed new partner organizations such as Queens Defenders and Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A.
Dorancy and Vivian Cordon ’27 worked with the Federal Defenders of the Western District of Missouri's Capital Habeas Unit, taking on significant tasks for a longstanding death row client. Dorancy described the experience as formative, expressing her aspiration to emulate the values she encountered there.
On a different front, Anna Sanchez ’27 contributed to Mobilization for Justice, a New York legal services organization. Sanchez found the housing court experience eye-opening, remarking, "It really opened my eyes to the need for housing lawyers." She also noted the comfort clients received from communication in their native language, as she interpreted interviews for Spanish-speaking individuals.
The students' commitment and capability in addressing public interest issues didn't go unnoticed. "I couldn’t be prouder of our students and what they represent," Ortiz-Ortiz commented on the positive feedback received from partner organizations.
Reflecting on the program, Dorancy emphasized the impact of legal education in serving communities. She recalled a client's prayer for her and her colleagues' continued dedication to justice, reinforcing her resolve to use her education positively.
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