Summer Interns Turn Passion into Progress at the Justice Center

This summer, a new wave of energy boosted the City Bar Justice Center, as we welcomed nine talented undergraduate and law school students to our immersive internship program. Gaining hands-on experience with our civil justice projects and other organizational functions, our summer interns made impactful contributions, advancing our efforts to provide free, high-quality legal assistance to New Yorkers of limited means. We are grateful for our 2023 summer intern class for their support with administrative, client-focused, and programmatic work. Expressing their shared commitment to our mission to advocate for justice, the following includes insights from our summer interns about their work, lessons learned, and experiences at the Justice Center. 

Caraline Higgins, Rising 2L at Fordham Law School 
Consumer Bankruptcy Project and Pro Bono Initiatives Intern 
“At the Justice Center, I learned substantive bankruptcy law, strengthened my issue spotting abilities, and further developed my interpersonal and professional skills. I also developed pro bono management experience while liaising between CBJC and law firms or corporate legal departments. I also conducted research around developing volunteer programs for lawyers which culminated in a proposal for CBJC to launch a volunteer interpreter program. I am extremely grateful for the cultural competency skills I developed this summer. I grew as a student, future attorney, and as a person.” 

Danielle Stoller, Rising 2L at Brooklyn Law School 
Federal Pro Se Assistance Project Intern 
“I found this summer at the Justice Center rewarding, and appreciated the new things I learned this summer. It was a great opportunity to refine my legal research, writing, and critical thinking skills – all while advocating for individuals in their pursuit of justice.” 

Jenny Chen, Rising Senior at Hunter College 
Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project and Legal Clinic for the Homeless Intern 
“I found my internship with CBJC to be extremely fulfilling. The most rewarding part of my summer here was the opportunity to participate in legal clinics, listening to clients’ stories and learning about the issues affecting NYC entrepreneurs. It’s been wonderful working with and getting to know people that are passionate about providing legal assistance to those most in need.” 

Julia Betts Lotufo, Rising Senior at Stanford University 
Administration Intern 
“While I had many great moments at CBJC this summer, my most rewarding project was producing a detailed report evaluating the organization’s website accessibility. I conducted a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative analysis and provided actionable recommendations that can be applied in the future! I feel very lucky to have dedicated my summer to projects that will ultimately help even more people in need get free legal assistance.” 

Kayla Satt, Rising 2L at New York Law School 
Immigrant Justice Project Intern 
“My experience at CBJC was incredible. I learned how to conduct client intakes, draft client memos, and perform legal research. I truly felt the impact I was making through my work at the organization. Jen and Caitlin are the nicest people and the best supervisors anyone could ask for. Everyone at CBJC has been endlessly kind and I cannot thank them enough for this experience.”  

Lindsey Lubowitz, Rising 2L at Fordham University School of Law 
Planning and Estates Law Project Intern 
“The Justice Center allowed me to further improve my research, writing, and in particular, my people skills. I gained confidence in my work as the summer went on and truly valued the connections I made with my colleagues and clients. CBJC is a special place, and I am so grateful that this is where I took the first step in my legal career.” 

Luciana Batkay, Rising 2L at Elisabeth Haub School of Law 
Veterans Assistance Project Intern 
“The most rewarding part of working at CBJC was witnessing the real impact our work had on the people we serve. For the time I was here, I saw how CBJC helps make positive change in the lives of New Yorkers most in need. I got to do this while also improving skills that’ll make me a better advocate.”  

Olivia Cassandro, Rising 3L at Brooklyn Law School 
Federal Pro Se Assistance Project Intern 
“The most rewarding aspect of my internship with CBJC was the hands-on client experience I gained. This helped my career by allowing me to develop client-facing skills in areas of law that I am interested in practicing, such as employment discrimination.” 

Shauna Perigo, Rising 2L at NYU Law School 
Cancer Advocacy Project and Elderlaw Project Intern 
“I appreciated the opportunity for direct client interaction. During my summer at CBJC, I completed client intakes and even had the opportunity to meet directly with a client to prepare her legal documents. I enjoyed the opportunity to work in a real legal setting and collaborate with the other interns, coordinators, and project attorneys. I also really enjoyed the Brown Bag lunches, where we got to learn about each project at CBJC! These workshops were super informative for my career.”