Since 1981, the Post-Conviction Justice Project (PCJP) has trained hundreds of law students to stand for justice and contribute to legislation that is transforming our legal landscape.
Under the direction of professors Michael Brennan, Heidi Rummel and Michael Parente at the USC Gould School of Law, PCJP has advocated for thousands of incarcerated people at parole hearings, on habeas corpus in state and federal courts, at resentencing hearings, and in prison workshops.
The Project hires six supervising students each summer and enrolls fourteen additional students in the fall for the academic year. Students develop critical lawyering proficiencies through hands-on legal experience and examine and discuss broader criminal justice issues.
Meet the 2025-2026 Students
Amber Nunnery
Amber is a second-year law student from Houston, Texas. She earned her B.S. from Howard University and previously worked in corporate merchandising at Victoria’s Secret. Her work at PCJP has been the most meaningful part of her law school experience because it allows her to build trust with clients, honor their stories, and advocate for dignity and second chances. A fun fact about Amber is that she is currently represented by a New York modeling agency.
Ann Jung
Ann Jung is a 3L law student at USC Gould School of Law. Currently she is working as a student legal representative for clients in the PCJP clinic under the guidance of attorney Michael Parente. Her current work focuses on preparing a Petition to Advance for the second parole hearing of a client as well as preparing a client for a Comprehensive Risk Assessment. She holds a BA in Business Organizations from Brown University.
Arielle Amador
Arielle is a second-year law student from Orange County. She earned her B.S. in Business Administration and her B.A. in English Literature, Rhetoric, and Cultural Studies from Chapman University. Arielle joined PCJP to learn more about criminal defense and to advocate for the people who needed it the most. In PCJP, she helps incarcerated people navigate the parole process. In her free time, Arielle likes to read seventeenth century English plays.
Astrid Najarro
Class of 2027
Astrid is a second-year law student and Los Angeles native. She earned her B.A. in Political Science from the University of San Diego. As the daughter of Salvadoran immigrants, her first-generation experience shaped her early awareness of the legal system’s inequities, particularly the impact of criminal justice practices on her own family. Astrid joined PCJP to support underrepresented communities like hers and to help ensure that no one navigates the parole process alone. She is also a certified yoga instructor and believes in the restorative potential of movement as a tool for rehabilitation within the incarcerated community.
Austin Brewster
Advanced/3L
Austin is a third-year law student from Kent, Ohio. She received her Bachelor’s of Arts in International Relations from Kent State University. Prior to law school, she worked for the Italian military as an English instructor. She continues her work with PCJP after discovering a passion for working with incarcerated populations in their rehabilitation and post-conviction justice. A fun fact about Austin is that she has medaled twice at the U.S. Figure Skating Collegiate Nationals: taking the Pewter medal for Kent State University in 2022 and the silver medal for USC in 2023.
Avi Ballen
Class of 2027
Avi Ballen is a second-year law student at USC Gould School of Law and a student-attorney with the Post-Conviction Justice Project. He received his bachelor’s degree from Excelsior University and spent several years working in sales before pursuing a career in law. Avi came to law school because he wanted to do work that makes a real difference, and he is especially passionate about PCJP’s mission because he believes deeply in second chances. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and son. A fun fact: Avi was once the drummer in a heavy metal band.
Calen Garrett
Advanced/3L
Calen Garrett is a second-year law student from Concord, CA. He received his Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from The University of Washington. Calen joined PCJP because he is passionate about criminal law and hopes to use it in the future to help people. A fun fact about Calen is that he almost walked a marathon by mistake.
Caroline Roberts
Advanced/3L
Caroline is a third-year law student from Moraga, California. She received her Bachelor of Art in English and Philosophy from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. After she graduates, Caroline will join the office of the Idaho State Public Defender. She loves her work at PCJP because she is passionate about advocating for those incarcerated and believes in the power of redemption. A fun fact about Caroline is that she has ridden her bike from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
Garrett Lim
Class of 2027
Garrett is a second-year law student from Irvine, California. He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Minor in Spanish from Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. During college, he worked as a Microbiology Lab Teaching Assistant and Spanish Tutor/Manager of Tutoring Services. He joined PCJP because he is passionate about advocating for those who have undergone a journey of rehabilitation and redemption and to gain hands-on legal representation experience. A fun fact about Garrett is that he is an Eagle Scout.
Grant Hoffman
Advanced/3L
Grant is a third-year law student from Newbury Park, California. He received his Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Science from The University of California, Davis. He joined PCJP because he cares deeply about the incarcerated population in California and enjoys working directly with his clients. A fun fact about Grant is that he has over twenty house plants.
Ian Wang
Advanced/3L
Ian is a third-year law student who grew up in Shanghai before moving to New York at 17. He received his Bachelor’s of Art in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Michigan. Before law school, Ian served as the legislative director for a New York City Council Member. He joined PCJP because of his passion for criminal justice work and helping people. A fun fact about Ian is that he’s lactose intolerant but is always willing to take the risk for a good slice of pizza.
Jack Flemming
Advanced/3L
Jack is a third-year law student from Pasadena, California. He received his Bachelor’s of Art in History from Whitman College. Prior to law school, Jack spent a year with the California Conservation Corps in South Lake Tahoe, where he served on a wildland firefighting hand crew. He joined PCJP because he believes that people deserve a second chance and feels that draconian punishment is incompatible with meaningful rehabilitation. A fun fact about Jack is that he is an avid hiker and likes to play movie themes on his violin.
Janice Jung
Class of 2027
Janice is a second-year law student and earned her B.A. in International Relations and Global Economy from the University of Southern California. Janice immigrated from Korea with her parents and grew up in LA County. She joined PCJP to learn more about the impact of criminal justice practices in her own community and fight against the legal system’s inequities. In her free time, Janice likes to hangout in K-town, visit museums, or go snowboarding.
JJ Alvarez
Class of 2027
Joseph is a third-year law student from Tacoma, Washington. He received his
Bachelor’s of Art in Philosophy from the University of Puget Sound. He joined PCJP
because intends to go into a career of public defense. A fun fact about Joseph is that he
participated in the APPE Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl National Competition throughout his undergraduate experience.
Zhongqi “Jocky” Cheng
Class of 2027
Jocky is a second-year law student who grew up in China before moving to the United States in 2014. Before law school, he worked as a project management engineer after earning his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Miami University, Ohio. He came to law school to help people directly and joined PCJP because he is a firm believer in second chances and rehabilitation, and is eager to gain practical experience serving others. A fun fact of Jocky is that he learned much of his English and Japanese through playing video games.
Kenza Frangello-Walthour
Class of 2027
Kenza is a second-year law student from Chicago, Illinois. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Redlands’s Johnston Center in Political Ecology and Gender Theory. After graduation and prior to entering law school, she worked as a GED tutor in a juvenile detention center in Brooklyn. She spent another year working as a farmer and line cook in New Zealand while exploring both islands. Kenza joined PCJP because she values the mission, savors being an advocate and enjoys learning through experience. Fun fact: Kenza has an identical twin sister.
Mahitha Vuggumudi
Class of 2027
Mahitha is a second-year law student from San Ramon, California. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She joined PCJP because she has always been passionate about criminal justice and believes strongly in second chances. A fun fact about Mahitha is that she grew up playing the violin and the double bass.
Mia Payne
Class of 2027
Mia is a second-year law student at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law from Aurora, Colorado. She received her undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Denver. Before law school, she did “highly relevant legal work” as one of Santa’s elves (seriously) and a line cook. As a future public defender, Mia joined PCJP because she believes in second chances and wanted the opportunity to advocate for them in a post-conviction setting. A fun fact about Mia is that she watched the 1982 movie version of Annie so much growing up that she ruined the DVD. Legend has it that this inspired her to dye her own hair ginger.
Michele Danigelis
Advanced/3L
Michele is a third-year law student from San Mateo, CA. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Villanova University. Michele joined PCJP because she believes in promoting access to justice and was excited by the opportunity to work directly with clients.
Raajvi Patel
Advanced/3L
Raajvi is a third-year law student from Albuquerque, New Mexico. She received her Bachelor’s of Art in Political Science from Tulane University, where she also volunteered with the Orleans Public Defenders Office. She joined PCJP because of her belief that everyone deserves a second chance. A fun fact about Raajvi is that she enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her cat Ivy!
Yuna Ko
Class of 2027
Yuna is a second-year law student from Fullerton, CA and received her bachelors from UC Santa Barbara. Before law school, she worked in digital marketing and also worked as an LSAT tutor, helping prospective law students achieve their goals. She went to law school to help people, and joined PCJP to advocate for justice and gain more practical experience in serving others. A fun fact about Yuna is that she has two cats and has gone skydiving.
Alumni Classes
2024 – 2025 Students
Alana Berger
Advanced/3L
Alana is a third-year law student from Basking Ridge, New Jersey. She received her Bachelor’s of Art in History from the University of Michigan. She participated in the Inside Out program in college in which she facilitated art classes with women incarcerated in the Southeastern Michigan area. She joined PCJP because of her academic and familial experience with the criminal justice system which inspired her to advocate for incarcerated individuals. A fun fact about Alana is that she was an EMT in high school.
Anna Barbier
Advanced/3L
Anna is a third-year law student from the Bay Area. She received her Bachelor’s of Art in Political Science and Psychology from Sciences Pop Paris and Columbia University. She joined PCJP because she wants to work towards a more compassionate world, in which human dignity is affirmed and restored. A fun fact about Anna is that she enjoys trying new coffee shops, going on long walks, reading memoirs, and being near the ocean.
Aren Park
Advanced/3L
Aren is a third-year law student from Seoul, South Korea. She received her Bachelor’s of Art in Journalism from the University of Massachusetts. She joined PCJP because she believes in second chances and freedom for deserving clients. A fun fact about Aren is that she can spin a basketball and walk down the stairs at the same time.
Avery Brogle
Advanced/3L
Avery is a third-year law student from Boulder, Colorado. She received her Bachelor’s of Art in Psychology from the University of Colorado Boulder. Avery interned at a nonprofit providing social-emotional skills training to incarcerated individuals. She joined PCJP because she believes in anti-carceral work and advocating for indigent clients. A fun fact about Avery is that as a kid, she was a horse girl and won a national championship in Western horsemanship!
Edward Muallem
Advanced/3L
Eddie is a third-year law student from Sacramento, California. He received his Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from the University of California, San Diego. He joined PCJP because he believes in rehabilitation and second chances. He is excited to make a difference through the law in action and learn from the clinic’s clients.
Elizabeth Miller Shai
Advanced/3L
Elizabeth is a third-year law student from Oakland, California. She received her Bachelor’s of Art in Sociology from the Wesleyan University. During her time at Wesleyan University, she taught a course analyzing depictions of crime in media. She joined PCJP because she believes everyone deserves a fierce advocate. A fun fact about Elizabeth is that her favorite TV show is Survivor.
Kelly Chu
Advanced/3L
Kelly is a third-year law student from Chino Hills, California. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Philosophy, Politics, and Law from USC. She joined PCJP because she believes in the transformative power of prison reform and is passionate about making a difference one person at a time, offering hope to those who need it most. A fun fact about Kelly is that she is a commissioned artist.
Leelah Hatcher
Advanced/3L
Leelah is a third-year law student from Corona, CA. She received her Bachelor’s of Art in History from Cal poly Pomona and received her Masters in History from Cal State Fullerton. She joined PCJP because she is passionate about second chances. A fun fact about Leelah is that she holds the Pac-man record at seven different arcades throughout California.
Naira Khaild
Advanced/3L
Naira is a third-year law student from Los Angeles, California. She received her Bachelor’s of Art in English with a minor in Journalism from the University of California, Berkeley. Prior to law school, she worked at a plaintiff’s law firm for two years, assisting with a number of civil rights, employment, and consumer class action cases. She joined PCJP because she is passionate about criminal justice and prison reform. A fun fact about Naira is that she was born in Australia.
Peter Foster
Advanced/3L
Peter is a third-year law student from Charlotte, North Carolina. He received his Bachelor’s of Art in Public Policy and Costume Design from UNC Chapel Hill. He spent a couple years working on a ski lift before ending up in Los Angeles where he also works in the Federal Public Defender’s Noncapital Habeas Unit. He joined PCJP because he was eager to help clients reunite with their homes and their loved ones.
Rebecca Huryk
Advanced/3L
Rebecca is a third-year law student from Jersey Shore. She received her Bachelor’s of Art in Political Science and Philosophy from Boston College. Before law school, Rebecca worked in politics and government, where she came to appreciate the power of the community in the pursuit of individual flourishing. She joined PCJP because she believes the usual cruelty of the US carceral system is inhumane, ineffective, and arbitrarily applied to further subjugate marginalized individuals. A fun fact about Rebecca is that her first job was dancing at a theme park.
Roshana Krishnappa
Advanced/3L
Roshanna is a third-year law student from Naperville, Illinois. She received her Bachelor’s of Art in Psychology and Sociology with a minor in Social Justice from Case Western Reserve University. Before law school, Roshana completed a year of service with Americorps, where she worked as a peer mentor and teaching assistant for students attending an underserved high school in Cleveland. She joined PCJP to advocate for clients with compassion and empathy. A fun fact about Roshanna is that she fostered six kittens and their mom with her roommate.
Sophia Brodofsky
Advanced/3L
Sophia is a third-year law student from Santa Barbara, California. She received her undergraduate degree from USC. She worked as a paralegal during her gap year and felt most excited about the pro bono cases she had the opportunity to manage. Sophia joined PCJP because of her passion for advocacy and criminal justice reform. A fun fact about Sophia is that she climbed Half Dome in Yosemite during a fire.
Austin Brewster
Class of 2026
Austin is a second-year law student from Kent, Ohio. She received her Bachelors of Art in International Relations from Kent State University. Prior to law school, she worked as an English teacher in Italy. She joined PCJP because she wanted practical experience during law school. A fun fact about Austin is that she went to high school in Taiwan.
Brianna Estevez
Class of 2025
Brianna is a third-year law student from Tampa, Florida. She received her Bachelor’s of Art` in Psychology from the University of South Florida. While in law school, Brianna interned with the Harriett Buhai Center for Family Law, the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, and Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers. After law school, she will be returning to Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers as a Post-Bar Scholar. A fun fact about Brianna is that she volunteered at the LA County Bar Association’s Domestic Violence Project.
Bryan Choi
Class of 2026
Bryan is a second-year law student from Irvine, California. He received his Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. Before attending law school, he gained professional experience working in the banking and the medical device industry. Bryan joined PCJP to gain hands-on experience representing real clients and helping them achieve justice. A fun fact about Bryan is that he’s a huge sports fan and has scored a field goal at SoFi Stadium!
Caitlin Cummings
Class of 2026
Caitlin is a second-year law student from Pacifica, CA. She received her Bachelor’s of Art in Public Relations and a minor in Legal Studies from the University of Southern California. She joined PCJP because she wanted to advocate for those who could not advocate for themselves within the prison system to make a personal and systemic impact. A fun fact about Caitlin is that she played NCAA Beach Volleyball for the USC Trojans from 2020-2023.
Calen Garrett
Class of 2026
Calen Garrett is a second-year law student from Concord, CA. He received his Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from The University of Washington. Calen joined PCJP because he is passionate about criminal law and hopes to use it in the future to help people. A fun fact about Calen is that he almost walked a marathon by mistake.
Caroline Roberts
Class of 2026
Caroline is a second-year law student from Moraga, California. She received her Bachelor’s of Art in English and Philosophy from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Last summer, Caroline interned in the Capital Habeas Unit of the Federal Public Defender in Idaho. She joined PCJP because she wanted to continue advocating for those incarcerated. A fun fact about Caroline is that she has ridden her bike from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
Grant Hoffman
Class of 2026
Grant is a second-year law student from Newbury Park, California. He received his Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Science from The University of California, Davis. He joined PCJP because he cares deeply about the incarcerated population in California and enjoys working directly with his clients. A fun fact about Grant is that he has over twenty house plants.
Ian Wang
Class of 2026
Ian is a second-year law student who grew up in Shanghai before moving to New York at 17. He received his Bachelor’s of Art in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Michigan. Before law school, Ian served as the legislative director for a New York City Council Member. He joined PCJP because of his passion for criminal justice work and helping people. A fun fact about Ian is that he’s lactose intolerant but is always willing to take the risk for a good slice of pizza.
Jack Flemming
Class of 2026
Jack is a second-year law student from Pasadena, California. He received his Bachelor’s of Art in History from Whitman College. Prior to law school, Jack spent a year with the California Conservation Corps in South Lake Tahoe, where he served on a wildland firefighting hand crew. He joined PCJP because he believes that people deserve a second chance and feels that draconian punishment is incompatible with meaningful rehabilitation. A fun fact about Jack is that he is an avid hiker and likes to play movie themes on his violin.
Joseph Alvarez
Class of 2026
Joseph is a second-year law student from Tacoma, Washington. He received his
Bachelor’s of Art in Philosophy from the University of Puget Sound. He joined PCJP
because intends to go into a career of public defense. A fun fact about Joseph is that he
participated in the APPE Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl National Competition throughout his undergraduate experience.
Lincoln Currie
Class of 2026
Lincoln is a second-year law student from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He received his Bachelor’s of Science in Journalism from Boston University. He most recently externed in the Tax Division of the United States Attorney’s Office in the Central District of California. He joined PCJP because he believes in redemption. A fun fact about Lincoln is that he co-authored a book in 2022.
Michele Danigelis
Class of 2026
Michele is a second-year law student from San Mateo, CA. She received her Bachelor’s of Arts in Political Science from Villanova University. Michele joined PCJP because she believes in promoting access to justice and looks forward to learning directly from clients. A fun fact about Michele is that she has a dog named Toblerone.
Nicholas Considine
Class of 2026
Nick is a second-year law student from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. He received his Bachelor’s of Art in Economics and Art History from the University of Chicago. Prior to law school, Nick worked at Legal Aid Chicago’s Housing Practice Group where he helped test for discrimination occurring in Chicago’s rental housing market. He joined PCJP because he has always been passionate about criminal justice and abolition and was excited by the opportunity to work directly with clients. A fun fact about Nick is that he does not like maple syrup except for a little drizzle on scrambled eggs.
Raajvi Patel
Class of 2026
Raajvi is a second-year law student from Albuquerque, New Mexico. She received her Bachelor’s of Art in Political Science from Tulane University, where she also volunteered with the Orleans Public Defenders Office. She joined PCJP because of her belief that everyone deserves a second chance. A fun fact about Raajvi is that she enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her cat Ivy!
Sabarin Ahmed
Class of 2026
Sabarin is a second-year law student from Alberta, Canada. She received her Bachelor’s of Art in Strategic, Legal, and Management Communications and African American Studies from Howard University. She joined PCJP because she hopes to make a tangible impact on lives affected by this system, participating firsthand in the fight for justice and reform.
Vaughan Price
Class of 2026
Vaughan is a second-year law student from Westfield, New Jersey. He received his Bachelor’s of Art at Tulane University. He joined PCJP because the project serves a valuable end. A fun fact about Vaughan is that he is an identical twin.
Yasmine Soleymanlou
Class of 2025
Yasmine is a third year law student from Paris, France. She received her Bachelor’s of Arts from Université Paris Saclay and her Master of Laws (LLM) from USC Gould School of Law. She joined PCJP to gain hands-on experience working independently as a student attorney. A Fun fact about Yasmine is that she knows every Ariana Grande song by heart.
2023 – 2024 Students
Nicole You Advanced/3L
Nicole grew up in a small town in northwest Connecticut and graduated from The University of Chicago with a major in Political Science. She joined PCJP this summer because she wanted to use her legal training to help others and hopefully make a meaningful impact on someone’s life. Fun fact: Nicole was stuck in Nicaragua for two months at the beginning of the pandemic (March 2020 to May 2020)!.
Jaana Singh Advanced/3L
Jaana grew up on a “fish-shaped island” off the coast of Manhattan. While attending Bowdoin College, she traveled once a week to Portland, Maine to volunteer at a legal clinic that provided free legal assistance to low-income Mainers with civil legal problems. She joined PCJP because she believes in second chances, forgiveness, and mercy. Fun fact: Jaana loves Harry Styles and was the #1 fruit ninja player in the world in 2018!
Mackenzie Mullin Advanced/3L
Mackenzie is from the Bay Area, California. She went to New York University where she majored in Media, Culture, and Communication. Mackenzie joined PCJP because she believes in rehabilitation, second chances, and is passionate about prison reform. Fun Fact: Mackenzie has a french bulldog named Billie.
Clair Hagan Advanced/3L
Claire hails from Cary, North Carolina and studied journalism at UNC Chapel Hill before moving to Los Angeles for law school. She worked in government and politics before law school and joined PCJP to try to make a difference one case at a time. Fun fact: Claire likes to paint and (shameless plug) sometimes does pet portraits.
Laura Wang Advanced/3L
Laura is from Cedar Rapids, Iowa and attended the University of Iowa, where she majored in English and Chinese. After graduating, she received a Fulbright grant to teach English in Taiwan and then moved to Portland, Maine to work at a study abroad non-profit. She is now pursuing a career in law to expand access to justice and advocate for indigent clients. She is humbled to work for PCJP and help clients regain their freedom. Fun fact: She has lived through a major flood, earthquake, and derecho.
Kathleen Moore Advanced/3L
Originally from Sacramento, CA, Kathleen graduated from USC Marshall School of Business in 2018 and is happy to be back at Gould getting her J.D. She joined PCJP because she believes in second chances and anti-carceral work. Fun fact: Kathleen has a 2017 Rose Bowl ring with her name on it from when she worked with the USC Football team in college. It’s so large it goes past her knuckle and is very hard to wear. Fight on!
Christian Adams
Christian is a third-year law student from Greenville, South Carolina. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Clemson University. He joined PCJP because he is passionate about U.S. prison reform and the history of the carceral state.
Shelby Enman
Shelby is originally from San Jose, California, and graduated with her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Texas Christian University. Shelby came to law school wanting to continue her career fighting for social justice and against structural oppression. She joined PCJP because of her passion for criminal justice reform and anti-carceral work. In her free time, Shelby can be found teaching yoga and practicing mindfulness techniques like meditation and journaling.
Caitlin Autry
Caitlin is from Sacramento, CA. She graduated with her Bachelors from USC in Law, History, & Culture with minors in Sports Media and Spanish. She joined PCJP because she is passionate about justice reform and believes that deserving clients should earn a second chance. She was a paralegal assistant prior to law school and loves to chat about sports and musical theater. Fun fact: Caitlin has played golf since she was 3 years old.
Anna Barbier
Anna moved to the U.S. from France during her childhood and was raised in the California Bay Area. She studied Political Science and Psychology in the Dual B.A. Program between Sciences Po Paris and Columbia University. Anna joined PCJP because she wants to work towards a more compassionate world, in which human dignity is affirmed and restored. She enjoys trying new coffee shops, going on long walks, reading memoirs, and being near the ocean.
Alanna Berger
Alanna is from Basking Ridge, New Jersey and studied history at the University of Michigan. Before law school, she worked at a law firm in Chicago. She participated in the Inside Out program in college in which she facilitated art classes with women incarcerated in the Southeastern Michigan area. Alanna joined PCJP because of previous academic and familial experience with the criminal justice system that instilled a desire to advocate for incarcerated individuals. Fun fact: Alanna was an EMT in high school.
Sophia Bordofsky
Sophia grew up in Santa Barbara, California before moving to Los Angeles for her undergraduate studies at USC. Now back as a law student, Sophia is ecstatic to be joining PCJP. Sophia credits her late Freedom Rider grandmother with instilling in her a passion for advocacy and criminal justice reform. She worked as a paralegal during her gap year and felt most excited about the pro bono cases she had the opportunity to manage. Sophia loves going to the beach, traveling, camping, and hiking (fun fact: she climbed Half Dome in Yosemite during a fire).
Avery Brogle
Avery is from Boulder, Colorado and attended the University of Colorado Boulder, where she majored in psychology and interned at a nonprofit providing social-emotional skills training to incarcerated individuals. She joined PCJP because she believes in anti carceral work and advocating for indigent clients. Fun fact: as a kid, Avery was an actual horse girl and won a national championship in Western horsemanship!
Kelly Chu
Kelly was born and raised in Chino Hills, California and is a proud alumna of the University of Southern California with a major in Philosophy, Politics, and Law. She joined PCJP because she believes in the transformative power of prison reform and is passionate about making a difference one person at a time, offering hope to those who need it most. Fun fact: Kelly is a commissioned artist and loves painting places she can’t afford to travel to (yet).
Peter Foster
Peter came to USC from Charlotte, North Carolina, by way of Jackson, Wyoming. Back home, he studied Public Policy and Costume Design at UNC Chapel Hill. He spent a couple years working on a ski lift before ending up in Los Angeles where he also works in the Federal Public Defender’s Noncapital Habeas Unit. At PCJP, he’s excited to work with clients trying to get back to their homes and loved ones.
Mia Grindon
Mia is an aspiring public defender. She grew up in Los Angeles and attended Northwestern University, where she double majored in Communications and Middle East & North Africa Studies. After a two-year stint as a digital product manager in New York City, Mia decided to pursue law to more effectively advocate for underrepresented individuals and interests. She joined PCJP because she is passionate about decarceration and expanding access to justice. When her schedule allows, Mia loves to visit her maternal family in France and help with the family business, winemaking.
Jasmine Kaur
Jasmine was born and raised in Angeleno, CA. She grew up in Van Nuys and attended UCLA , where she studied Sociology with Honors and Education Studies as my minor for undergrad. She initially wanted to become an FBI agent in high school and joined an extra criminal justice class. Her instructor taught in the Police Academy and she remembers touring a minimum security jail and seeing the hundreds of weapons locked away in the back closet contrasted with the inhumane conditions of the jail –– no privacy to pee, large metal slabs with three-tier beds, moldy roofs, etc. Since then, she’s maintained a passion for prison reform (specifically, abolition) and is excited to participate in PCJP. A fun fact about Jasmine is that she technically has five professional degrees and is currently completing her sixth (J.D.)!
Bridget Gehan
Bridget grew up in Los Angeles, culminating in her graduating from University of California, Los Angeles where she studied Political Science and Art History. Despite this, she is proud to now be a Trojan and to be a member of PCJP. Bridget believes that every person is capable of change and rehabilitation. Before and during law school, Bridget worked in criminal law with both prosecution and private defense. Fun Fact: Bridget plays soccer with the USC Law Soccer Team!
Leelah Hatcher
Leelah is from Corona, CA. She majored in History at Cal Poly Pomona and received her Master’s in History at Cal State Fullerton. Leelah joined PCJP because she is passionate about second chances. Fun fact: she holds the Pac-Man record at seven different arcades throughout California.
Rebecca Huryk
Rebecca is a second-year law student from the Jersey Shore. She studied political science and philosophy at Boston College. Before law school, Rebecca worked in politics and government, where she came to appreciate the power of the community in the pursuit of individual flourishing. She joined PCJP to put her skills to work because she believes the usual cruelty of the US carceral system is inhumane, ineffective, and arbitrarily applied to further subjugate marginalized individuals. Fun fact: Rebecca’s first job was dancing at a theme park
Naira Khaild
Naira is a second-year law student who has spent most of her life in California. She grew up in Los Angeles and moved to the Bay Area for college, receiving her bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Journalism from the University of California, Berkeley. Prior to law school, she worked at a plaintiff’s law firm for two years, assisting with a number of civil rights, employment, and consumer class action cases. She is passionate about criminal justice and prison reform, and is delighted to join PCJP and help clients regain their freedom. Fun fact: Naira was born in Australia (but unfortunately, she doesn’t have the accent).
Roshana Krishnappa
Roshana is a second-year law student from Naperville, Illinois. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology with a minor in Social Justice from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Prior to law school, Roshana completed a year of service with Americorps, where she worked as a peer mentor and teaching assistant for students attending an underserved high school in Cleveland. Roshana is passionate about criminal justice reform and joined PCJP to advocate for clients with compassion and empathy. Fun fact: Roshana is an animal lover and recently fostered six kittens and their mom (who were found on the USC campus) with her roommate.
Elizabeth Miller Shai
Elizabeth is originally from Oakland, California and is proud of her Bay Area roots. She studied Sociology at Wesleyan University, where she taught a course analyzing depictions of crime in the media. Elizabeth joined PCJP because she believes everyone deserves a fierce advocate. Fun fact: her favorite TV show is Survivor.
Edward Muallem
Eddie is from Sacramento, California and graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a B.S. in Biology. He joined PCJP because he believes in rehabilitation and second chances. Eddie is excited to make a difference through the law in action and learn from the clinic’s clients.
Sonia Ost
Sonia is a third-year law student from Illinois who received her bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Religion from Colgate University. After college, she joined AmeriCorps teaching math to children in Flint, Michigan. She joined PCJP because she wants to advocate for clients to get a second chance to live freely. Fun fact: She gave a statement to the 40th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.
Gabrielle Silberman
Gabrielle is a second-year law student who grew up in Tarpon Springs, Florida. She graduated from Boston College, where she majored in Applied Psychology and Theology and minored in Managing for Social Impact. Before law school, Gabrielle worked as a case manager at Homeboy Industries’ Youth Reentry Center and as an elementary school teacher. Gabrielle joined PCJP because she is passionate about access to justice, rehabilitation, and second chances. Fun fact: Gabrielle once built and launched a disco ball themed rocket that went up 3000 feet!
Aren Park
Aren grew up in Seoul, South Korea and graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a major in Journalism. She joined PCJP because she believes in second chances and freedom for deserving clients. Fun fact: Aren can spin a basketball and walk down the stairs at the same time!
Sophie Walker
Sophie is a third-year student originally from Dublin, Ireland but grew up in Houston, Texas. She received her Bachelors of Arts from The University of Texas at Austin. Prior to law school, Sophie worked in the Travis County jail teaching life skills classes where she developed a passion for incarcerated individuals and their journey back into society following release. Sophie’s fun fact is that she graduated high school a year early and college a year early!
2022 – 2023 Students
Claire Hagan
Claire hails from Cary, North Carolina and studied journalism at UNC Chapel Hill before moving to Los Angeles for law school. She worked in government and politics before law school and joined PCJP to try to make a difference one case at a time. Fun fact: Claire likes to paint and (shameless plug) sometimes does pet portraits.
Laura Wang
Laura Wang is from Cedar Rapids, Iowa and attended the University of Iowa, where she majored in English and Chinese. After graduating, she received a Fulbright grant to teach English in Taiwan and then moved to Portland, Maine to work at a study abroad non-profit. She is now pursuing a career in law to expand access to justice and advocate for indigent clients. She is humbled to work for PCJP and help clients regain their freedom. Fun fact: She has lived through a major flood, earthquake, and derecho.
Kathleen Moore
Originally from Sacramento, CA, Kathleen graduated from USC Marshall School of Business in 2018 and is happy to be back at Gould getting her J.D. She joined PCJP because she believes in second chances and anti-carceral work. Fun fact: Kathleen has a 2017 Rose Bowl ring with her name on it from when she worked with the USC Football team in college. It’s so large it goes past her knuckle and is very hard to wear. Fight on!
Nicole You
Nicole grew up in a small town in northwest Connecticut and graduated from The University of Chicago with a major in Political Science. She joined PCJP this summer because she wanted to use her legal training to help others and hopefully make a meaningful impact on someone’s life. Fun fact: Nicole was stuck in Nicaragua for two months at the beginning of the pandemic (March 2020 to May 2020)!
Jaana Singh
Jaana grew up on a “fish-shaped island” off the coast of Manhattan. While attending Bowdoin College, she traveled once a week to Portland, Maine to volunteer at a legal clinic that provided free legal assistance to low-income Mainers with civil legal problems. She joined PCJP because she believes in second chances, forgiveness, and mercy. Fun fact: Jaana loves Harry Styles and was the #1 fruit ninja player in the world in 2018!
Sophia Sahagún Advanced/3L
Sophia is a second-year law student from Santa Ana who received her B.A. in Philosophy from UCLA. Prior to law school, Sophia interned at the LA County Department of Public Health, where she conducted research on adverse health outcomes and disparate impact to low-income communities of color. Sophia joined PCJP to help deserving clients earn their freedom.
Sharifa Hurt Advanced/3L
Sharifa Hurt is a second-year law student from Los Angeles, who received her bachelor of arts from the University of California at Berkeley. Prior to law school, Sharifa briefly worked in the travel industry as a travel specialist for a luxury cruise line. Sharifa is passionate about criminal justice reform and joined PCJP to represent deserving clients working toward their release from prison.
Madeline Stefani Advanced/3L
Madeline Stefani is a third-year law student from Los Angeles, California who received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from UC Santa Barbara. Madeline returns to the clinic for a second year because she believes in abolition and rehabilitation. She is fervently committed to utilizing her access to legal education to assist those who need, but cannot afford, legal representation. Fun facts: Madeline is a trained opera singer; she has not one, but two Lord of the Rings tattoos.
Angela Chuang Advanced/3L
Angela is from Orange County, California and went to USC for undergrad, where she studied Political Science. She joined the clinic for her 1L summer to advocate for second chances and has remained a part of the clinic since because she has truly loved working with the clinic’s clients and the wonderful team that makes PCJP what it is today. A fun fact about Angela is that the day before her very first day with PCJP, she got a puppy named Asami!
Rohan Garg Advanced/3L
Rohan Garg is a second-year law student from Southern California who received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California at San Diego where he was a member of the mock trial team and international affairs journal. Rohan is passionate about criminal justice and joined PCJP to work with clients toward their freedom.
Ciara Hockey Advanced/3L
Ciara Hockey is a second-year law student from Virginia who received her bachelor’s degree in English and Philosophy from Georgetown University. During her first year of law school, Ciara worked in re-entry services and immigration. Ciara joined PCJP because she fiercely believes in the power of hope and second chances. She joined PCJP to advocate for second chances for her clients.
Kosha Patel Advanced/3L
Kosha Patel is a second-year law student who grew up in Southern California. She received her bachelor of arts from the University of California at San Diego where she studied International Studies and Political Science and volunteered with AmeriCorps. Kosha is passionate about prison reform and increasing access to justice, and joined PCJP to make a difference in the lives of deserving clients.
Brianna Khong Advanced/3L
Brianna Khong is a second-year law student who received her bachelor of science in Media, Culture, and Communication from New York University. Brianna’s long-time passion for social justice drew her to PCJP. She believes the criminal system needs more people who protect individual dignity and foster compassion, and she enjoys connecting with and learning from clients this year.
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