JIFS Student Isabella Villalta '25
What sort of work have you been involved in with JIFS?
During the semester, I worked directly on two cases, a parole hearing and a resentencing case. Currently, I am prepping my client for his upcoming parole hearing, gathering documents and meeting with him to practice. For my resentencing client, we have successfully negotiated a shorter, more just sentence and are in the process of finalizing that sentence. He will be resentenced very soon. Both of my clients were sentenced to exceedingly high sentences as juveniles.
Why is the JIFS clinic work so important?
The work at the JIFS clinic is tremendously important. We represent people who were condemned to lengthy sentences as juveniles. These individuals are often forgotten and left to live their lives in prison, some with no hope for release. Our clients are incredible people who deserve a second chance at life. The JIFS clinic represents them with a force fueled by a passion for stopping mass incarceration and getting justice for these unfairly sentenced individuals.
What are some skills you've honed/gained in this clinic?
JIFS has given me a place to hone in on my legal writing and trial advocacy skills, and my ability to effectively talk to, interview, and give counsel to real-life clients. We are constantly learning of new laws or cases that have either helped or hurt our clients. We have to stay up to date and be adaptable to any situation we are put in and any reaction we may receive from the courts.
What are some lessons you've learned that you will take with you post-graduation?
Every experience I’ve had in the JIFS clinic, I believe, will be with me for the rest of my life. It is important work, but it is also difficult and can be emotionally taxing. However, the clients, the people we represent, they teach me lessons every day. My clients have taught me so many things in our conversations, speaking of their lives and sharing the lessons in patience, honesty, compassion, and remorse, they have learned. I will take everything they’ve taught me with me post-graduation. They are why the work is so worth it.
Would you recommend the clinic experience to other law students? If so, why?
I would highly recommend JIFS to other law students. JIFS is undoubtedly worth the work. It is immeasurable how much life and legal experience the JIFS clinic provides you. It puts a face and a very present reason for why we do all the work we do in classes and law school in general. Not only this, but it is a wonderful environment. The JIFS clinic is very close, and we work closely with Professor Hawthorne and the JIFS staff attorneys. You not only become colleagues with one another but you build a greater sense of community. So, yes, do JIFS, it is (though I am biased) the best thing to do at Loyola Law School.