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Aneudy Gonzalez worked at UMass Law's Immigration Law Clinic, which provides free legal services to immigrants.
Aneudy Narciso Gonzalez ’15 went to law school so he could make a difference in his community. Growing up in Harlem, New York, he witnessed what could happen to people without access to legal services.
Aneudy gained experience working at UMass Law's Immigration Law Clinic, which provides free legal services to immigrants. Following graduation, he plans to work as a public interest attorney.
Commitment to public interest law
For the past 13 years, I worked in the human service and healthcare field. I’ve worked as a behavioral specialist, case manager, personal advocate, and teacher assistant. I decided to go law school because I always wanted to make a difference in my community.
I was born in a Third World country and grew up in Harlem, New York. I noticed that many individuals had to endure injustices because they could not advocate for themselves due to a lack of education or financial means. I believe that everyone should be entitled to justice regardless of their intellectual capacity or financial stability.
I decided to attend UMass Law because of its commitment to public interest law. Prior to applying for admission, I had the opportunity to attend an open house, and I was very compelled by their determination to assist the underrepresented population. UMass Law shares the same principles that I do.
Compelling experience: immigration law clinic
My experience at the Immigration Law Clinic was truly compelling. The clinic gave me the opportunity to assist those who truly have all odds against them.
Unfortunately, our legal system does not afford the right to free legal counsel to those in immigration proceedings, and inherently their rights are often compromised due to lack of legal representation. However, the Immigration Law Clinic offers free legal services to immigrants who cannot afford to retain an attorney to ensure that their rights are being protected.
While at the clinic, I was able to help victims of domestic violence and/or violent assaults expose their assailants to the authorities and obtain humanitarian visas for taking a stand against violence. The clinic gave me the opportunity to make a difference in many lives.
After graduation: public interest attorney
Post graduation, I am planning to work as a public interest attorney. I want to continue building on the principles that I learned at UMass Law and the Immigration Clinic.