Introducing Our 2020 Interns! – Part 1
Every summer, Legal Council welcomes a group of law students and interns interested in advancing health justice in Illinois. Learn more about four of our spectacular interns below. (Some answers edited for clarity.) Click here for part two of our intern series!
Olivia Blauert – Homeless Program Intern
Why did you want to intern with Legal Council?
I spent my gap year working for Habitat for Humanity as a volunteer coordinator. Many of my volunteers were disabled, and I saw the impact it had on their daily lives. Additionally, Habitat’s mission to provide adequate housing to individuals with low incomes reinforced the importance of housing in creating stability, and breaking the cycle of poverty. [Legal Council’s homeless program] seemed like a perfect fit.
What do you hope to learn this summer?
I hope to finally put my legal knowledge to use and to learn how to be strong advocate for my clients.
What are your plans when your internship with Legal Council ends?
I will start my 2L year at Northwestern with a lot of uncertainty thanks to COVID! Long term, I hope to pursue a career in public interest law.
What is your favorite book?
Since starting my college career I no longer read for enjoyment. The last books I have read were the Game of Thrones series. I hope they end better than the TV series.
If a movie was made of your life what genre would it be and who would play you?
It would be a dramedy starring Emma Roberts.
Jesse Burbank – Children & Families Program Intern
How did you hear about Legal Council?
I first heard of the Legal Council when I sought advice about careers in health law from one of my law school professors. When I found that the Legal Council offered PILI Fellowships, I knew it was my first choice.
Why did you want to intern with Legal Council?
I took every health law class at my law school and I thought the natural next step toward exploring the field is to see how people actually interact with the systems I studied. Legal Council offered an unmatched opportunity to do this.
What do you hope to learn this summer?
I hope to learn about the real-world impacts and challenges of solving health-related legal issues. Hopefully, I can make a difference in people’s lives along the way.
If a movie was made of your life, what genre would it be and who would play you?
I’d like for it to defy genre, like Parasite. It should incorporate a range of experiences and emotions that make up a complicated life. There aren’t many redhead actors. Maybe Ed Sheeran could explore acting more? He did make a guest appearance in Game of Thrones…
Are you a cat or dog person?
Right now, I’m a cat guy. I grew up with dogs but I currently have a cat! He’s a chill guy, and very low-maintenance—perfect for a young lawyer.
Nigia Cusic – Policy Intern
Why did you want to intern with Legal Council?
In my job before law school I became aware of a lot of the issues seniors face in health justice and, because of the pandemic I know these issues are heightened. I wanted a position where I could work to address these matters.
What do you hope to learn this summer?
I am hoping to learn how effective advocacy can influence policy change at the state level. I also want to learn how legal aid organizations support the communities they serve.
What are your plans when your internship with Legal Council ends?
After my internship ends, I will be starting my 2L year. I hope to go back school with a renewed focus and direction in regard to my career after law school.
What is your favorite summertime activity?
I love travelling during the summer. However, when in Chicago, I love trying new brunch spots and spending time with friends and family.
If a movie was made of your life what genre would it be and who would play you?
If a movie were made of my life, it would be a romantic comedy. I love romance and love laughing even more. I’m not sure who would play me; it would most likely be a new talent.
Maryam Emory – Children & Families Program Intern
How did you hear about Legal Council?
I first heard about Legal Council through a search of Medical-Legal Partnerships (MLPs) across the United States. I learned a bit more about it when a friend of mine went to a career fair and learned about Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI), who sponsors some law student internships at Legal Council.
Why did you want to intern with Legal Council?
I became very interested in Medical-Legal Partnerships during my second year of law school and specifically sought them for my 2L summer opportunity. Once I found Legal Council, I decided that this was where I wanted to learn from dedicated attorneys working in an MLP. My passion for health equity and knowledge about MLPs made the decision to apply a no-brainer for me.
What do you hope to learn this summer?
I hope to learn more about the effectiveness of MLPs and how I can be a better health equity advocate. I am also interested in learning more about how policy changes and organizations like Legal Council impact the larger scale of health care access.
What is your favorite summertime activity?
My favorite summertime activity is learning new recipes. I’ve baked more cookies and bought more seasonings/spices this summer than I have all school year.
If a movie was made of your life, what genre would it be and who would play you?
A movie about my life would definitely be a dramedy because my life is filled with funny and dramatic moments. Either I would play myself or Jurnee Smollett would play me. Growing up, people always said we looked alike.