Week 2: Real-World Writing

My second week at GAIN was when the real work began. I started receiving assignments and was excited (and a little nervous!) to dive in. One of my main projects this week was writing a legal memo in support of an asylum application.

Having just completed two semesters of legal research and writing in law school, it was eye-opening to see how the writing process stands in the real world. Instead of working within a carefully curated set of materials, I had to do my own research – reading country condition reports, analyzing the client’s unique circumstances, and determining the best legal arguments to make. And beneath all of it was the human story. This isn't an academic exercise, and every sentence matters because it directly impacts someone’s life.

Working on the legal memo reminded me of the responsibility and agency that comes with being an advocate. The weight of that responsibility can feel heavy at times, knowing that the words we write can affect whether someone is granted safety, but it is also incredibly empowering. This is why I came to law school.

I also assisted with some smaller projects this week, which gave me a broader view of the kinds of legal needs facing immigrant communities. It’s both humbling and motivating to realize how many barriers and challenges our clients face, and how vital GAIN’s services are in helping them navigate those hurdles.