Legal Clinics

Defender Aid Clinic

Student Clinic Director: Sarah Kelley

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I am a bicultural, Chicana woman who was born and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado, to the most incredible, caring, and dedicated parents, Dan and Norma. Although I lived nestled up against the Rocky Mountains, most of my upbringing was spent running through rows of fields with my cousins on my abuelo’s pumpkin farm in Brighton, Colorado. Every step I take, I bring the lessons of resilience, community, and fierce advocacy taught to me by my family.

I graduated from Colorado State University in 2017 with a degree in Political Science and Spanish. Shortly after completing my undergraduate degree, I began employment at Hopkins Law where I worked on dependency and neglect cases as a paralegal. Without formal legal education or experience, I was given the opportunity to regularly attend court, advocate for our clients during meetings, and prepare motions to submit on their behalf. Throughout this time, I began identifying the intersections of the legal system and the barriers that kept people entangled by it. I knew law school was the next step for me. Forever a student, I am excited to continue learning how to bridge the gaps that harm people involved with the criminal legal system and to find creative solutions that meet the needs of my clients and their families throughout my career.

I have the privilege of serving as this year’s Student Director for the Defender Aid Clinic and am honored to continue working with dedicated professionals to defend and protect the dignity, liberty, and futures of our most vulnerable community members.

 

Contact the Defender Aid Clinic

Email: uwdefaid@uwyo.edu

Phone: 307-766-3223