By: Kate Vavara
In early August my second summer at the Legal Services Center as an undergraduate intern within the Safety Net Project, assisting with casework relating to criminal record sealing and appeals for Social Security Disability Benefits. Under the supervision of Julie McCormack, Senior Clinical Instructor and Director of the Safety Net Project, I was able to legally represent clients as a Student Advocate.
As a member of the Safety Net Project intake team, I aided in contacting over 75 potential clients throughout the summer. Potential clients typically reach out directly to the Legal Services Center for assistance, either by phone, email, or visiting the Jamaica Plain office. However, I had the opportunity to participate in tabling at Roxbury Community College and attend the annual Greater Boston Reentry Summit. This in-person outreach allowed me to connect individuals throughout the Greater Boston area to essential legal services.
I also worked within the CORI Sealing Initiative, established by the Safety Net Project in Fall 2019, to administratively seal the criminal records of clients, the majority of which had only dismissals and non-convictions on their records. These records, despite the absence of convictions, make it difficult for these individuals to find safe and secure housing, access educational opportunities, and obtain employment.
I decided to return to the LSC after a successful first internship within the Safety Net Project. In the summer of 2024, I was assigned a case that had gone in and out of court for almost ten years, with unfavorable decisions from Administrative Law Judges and remands by the Appeals Council. Sadly, in early 2024, the client had passed away from his conditions, despite his young age. The family decided to continue the appeal process, and his sister, Melissa*, was made a substitute party. Throughout that summer, I formed a close bond with Melissa. Although it was difficult for her to discuss her late brother’s ailments, she was determined to continue his efforts and obtain retroactive payments that would go towards supporting his disabled son. We worked together to prepare a strong testimony to present to the judge, and Melissa provided an essential perspective as her late brother’s main caretaker.
Although the case’s two-thousand-page ERE and complicated case history was initially intimidating, I received significant support from members of the Legal Services Center. Reading the work of students Lowry Yankwich ‘21, Jasmine Park ’25, Koko Wing ’25, and Sam Holloway ‘24, who previously worked on the case, I was able to understand the case’s complexities. As I developed a comprehensive hearing memorandum, Sam Holloway ‘24 dedicated much time to work with me and provide constructive feedback, despite preparing for his own federal court hearing and studying for the Bar Exam. My supervisor, Julie, worked tirelessly with me to aid in my preparation for the hearing, all while guiding me and my fellow interns through other cases and projects.
In August of 2024, I appeared in the court of an Administrative Law Judge to represent the claimant, while under the supervision of Julie. For the hearing, I submitted my completed hearing memorandum, I presented an opening statement, and I led direct and cross-examinations of Melissa, the Vocational Examiner, and the Medical Expert.
Beginning my senior year at Mount Holyoke College, my personal goals of pursuing a career in public interest law have already been solidified, thanks to my experiences at the Legal Services Center. The skills I have gained, including representing a client in court, legal writing, building trust with clients, and developing a case strategy, will continue to develop as I continue advocacy efforts. Throughout the school year, I will be conducting volunteer community outreach within the Safety Net Project. In addition, I will be continuing to work in partnership with Julie to expand and mentor the new summer internship program for Mount Holyoke College undergraduates, which launched this summer. Not only does the program provide hands-on legal experience and mentorship to students, but it allows the Legal Services Center to take on new clients and provide more disadvantaged individuals in the Greater Boston area with quality pro-bono legal representation.
*Claimant’s sister’s name has been changed for confidentiality
For more on the Safety Net Project: HERE