Passion for activism leads to UC Law student’s DV Clinic experience

The hands-on clinic provided both frustrating and gratifying moments for Mitchell. For her, reviewing evidence can be a difficult and draining task, as it captures the violence the clients faced on a regular basis.

But it’s not all bad, as she says “the rewarding moments come when the clients express how thankful they are for all the work we did, especially after we formed such a close relationship with them.”

This experience, along with others at UC, reinforce Mitchell’s decision to study law in the Midwest.

“The school was just really inviting and welcoming, and I’ve enjoyed my time here so far in the joint degree program,” she says.

In her master’s program, Mitchell is writing a thesis focused on the intersection of how immigration and labor laws affect women migrant farmworkers. This past summer, she conducted research with a justice organization that works with women farmworkers who deal with sexual assault and harassment in their workplace.

“That intersection is so interesting to me,” she says, “and I’m glad I have the opportunity to explore labor law along with civil law.”

Looking forward, she still wants to work with survivors of domestic violence and abuse, but is unsure if she wants to do it through labor law or civil protection law.

“I’ve got a few options on the horizon, but in any case, I’m excited to do the work I’ve been practicing, and I look forward to helping out as many people as I can.”