Alumni Snapshots
Shanjida Chowdhury ('20), Staff Attorney, Immigration Representation Project, Legal Services of New Jersey
“I work on the Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative (DDDI), doing removal defense work. We provide free immigration representation to indigent immigrant clients in a detained and non-detained capacity. In my time with DDDI, I've worked on a number of diverse cases with completely different procedural postures, from representing unaccompanied minors seeking asylum to incarcerated individuals who are undergoing immigration and criminal proceedings simultaneously. The cases I have worked on have been diverse and fast-paced, and there are a lot of moving parts. Needless to say, my job requires a great deal of multitasking, something that CIRC really prepared me to do."
Berenice Beltran Maldonado ('20), Department of Homeland Security/USCIS
“During my time at the Center for Immigrants' Rights Clinic (CIRC), I engaged in hands-on clinical experience in immigration law through community outreach, education, pro bono legal support, and policy work. This definitely impacted my career choice and provided me a better understanding of immigration law and policies.”
Marcus Hobson ('19), Senior Associate U.S. Immigration Attorney, Vialto Partners
“I was able to gain practical experience, including interviewing and counseling clients, fact-gathering, problem-solving, community outreach, and policy analysis. The highlight of my experience with CIRC, was being able to provide legal education and training to both the University Park Police Department and State College Police Department. The skills and experience I received from CIRC has prepaid me for the challenges faced by immigration attorneys.”
Carlos M. Camandang ('18), Assistant General Counsel II, Los Angeles Unified School District
“CIRC provided me with skills that are still relevant to my practice today, including attention to detail, public speaking skills, and maintaining client relationships. I am grateful for everything that Professor Wadhia taught me and her continued mentorship even years after graduation.”
Deokhee Ryu ('18), Associate Immigration Attorney, Berry Appleman & Leiden, LLP
"I represent companies to hire and maintain foreign workers who are critical to their business. Specifically, I work on non-immigrant and immigrant petitions including H-1B, L-1, TN, PERM, EB-1, and Adjustment of Status. My personal experience as a former international student and at CIRC helps me better understand the complex nature of immigration law and communicate with my clients.”
Dave Harrington ('16), Immigration Attorney, Albarelli & Harrington, LLC
“I currently work full time as an immigration attorney in Allentown PA. I do a combination of Asylum and removal defense as well as family-based immigration. I practice in the Philadelphia, Newark, and New York City Immigration Courts. I've assisted people with their VAWA proceedings as well as other humanitarian-based immigration relief. I also do Special Immigrant Juvenile work by getting custody orders through the state courts in Pennsylvania. Most of my clients are from Central and South America, but I also assist people from Kenya, the Philippines, and Syria to come to the United States.”