The next spotlight on VLJ’s four exceptional Summer 2023 interns is Fotini Sisois. Fotini's dedication and diverse skills are happily welcomed in the VLJ programs she supports during her internship: South Ward Promise Neighborhood, Driver's License Restoration, Children's Representation, and Human Trafficking.
Fotini’s time at VLJ thus far has seen her handle wide-ranging assignments and duties, from assisting with status adjustment applications for survivors of human trafficking, intake screenings, legal research, and drafting persuasive letters of support for clients working to restore their driver’s license.
Fotini received a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Florida, and she currently attends Rutgers Law School-Newark where her commitment to justice shines through her extracurriculars. Fotini has been part of Street Law throughout law school, and she serves as the Symposium Editor for the Women's Rights Law Reporter. Another impressive feat, Fotini serves as President of the Rutgers Law Student Bar Association.
Since joining VLJ, Fotini has had several memorable experiences, and a highlight has been the summer Lunch & Learn series that provides invaluable learning opportunities from insightful and powerful speakers. Fotini appreciates the chance to work with multiple programs, allowing her to gain exposure to different areas of VLJ, the law, and ultimately, affording the ability to diversify her legal acumen.
When asked about the importance of pro bono work, Fotini noted pro bono’s role in ensuring equitable access to legal services. Fotini believes that everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances, deserves the opportunity to obtain legal representation, “Pro bono work plays a crucial role in breaking down barriers and providing equal access to justice for all.” Indeed, Fotini translates VLJ's mission statement of "Ensuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty" to:
“It means that even those people who face temporary setbacks deserve a fair chance to fight their battles. Justice should not be reserved for those who can pay for it. Justice should be easily accessible to everyone, no matter who they are, where they come from, what they do, or how much money they earn.”
Our gratitude abounds to Fotini for spending her summer with VLJ as well as the passion she brings every day. Her commitment to ensuring access to justice is inspiring, and we have no doubt she, like our other Summer 2023 interns, is a pro bono superstar in the making. Welcome and thank you, Fotini!
Connect with Fotini on LinkedIn
““Ensuring access to justice for people experiencing poverty means that even those people who face temporary setbacks deserve a fair chance to fight their battles. Justice should not be reserved for those who can pay for it. Justice should be easily accessible to everyone, no matter who they are, where they come from, what they do, or how much money they earn.””