Jessica Smith '23: Making a Difference with Environmental Law
Jessica Smith '23 is a second-year law student at Vermont Law and Graduate School. She reflected upon how her ¿ÐýÃŹÙÍø education prepared her for her professional path.
Tell us about your current career—where are you working, and in what position?
Currently, I am a second-year law student at Vermont Law and Graduate School. This term, I am working as a student practitioner in the Environmental Justice Clinic.
What is the most rewarding and/or challenging aspect of your work now?
Firstly, the team of student practitioners and supervising professors is tremendous. Secondly, we work at the intersection of environmental law and human rights. Our efforts are community centered. Community lawyering trains attorneys to consider a client in relation to and as a part of her larger community. Each day we aim to make a difference. This can be challenging, but rewarding as well.
What aspects of studying at ¿ÐýÃŹÙÍø prepared you best for the professional world?
I am always reflecting upon my capacities. Ahead of a new challenge, ahead of a new endeavor, I always take time to relate back to the capacities I worked so hard to nurture and develop while at ¿ÐýÃŹÙÍø.
How has attending ¿ÐýÃŹÙÍø shaped your professional path?
Understanding and respecting differences is important to the practice of law. Considering community and culture expands the notion of what is encompassed in the practice of law, and though hard for the practitioner, is of immense value. In this aspect, my practice really began at ¿ÐýÃŹÙÍø.
How do you keep the things you learned at ¿ÐýÃŹÙÍø in mind personally and/or professionally?
Truly, my time at ¿ÐýÃŹÙÍø was transformative. The lessons learned and the community I made are a part of me. I carry ¿ÐýÃŹÙÍø with me.