Ep 121: Using Your Law Degree For Good with Victim Rights Law Center
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Nora Grais-Clements, a dedicated attorney working in victims' rights law. Nora shares her inspiring journey from unconventional law school entry to her impactful work at the Victim Rights Law Center. She highlights the importance of using a law degree for positive change, emphasizing the need to be upstream in the work, contributing to healing rather than perpetuating trauma. Nora delves into the foundation and mission of the Victim Rights Law Center, the first nonprofit in the U.S. focusing on the needs of sexual assault survivors. Nora also shares valuable insights on maintaining emotional well-being in this challenging field, emphasizing the importance of proactive self-care and setting boundaries.
Nora Gais-Clements, Esq.
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Nora Grais-Clements, Esq., joined the Victim Rights Law Center in March 2018 as a Staff Attorney in the Western Massachusetts office. She provides direct representation to victims of sexual assault in Western MA with a focus on housing, safety, and privacy matters, as well as working with victims with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Prior to joining VRLC, Nora worked as a staff attorney at the Committee for Public Counsel, in the Children and Family Law Unit, representing low-income clients in child welfare matters. She has a background in social justice work, immigration, and domestic violence advocacy. Nora received her B.A. from Smith College and her J.D. from the University of Connecticut School of Law. She is admitted to practice in Massachusetts and Connecticut and is fluent in Spanish.
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Episode Highlights
Introduction
Nora Grais-Clements, staff attorney at the Victim Rights Law Center (VRLC), joins for an enlightening discussion.
Nora's unconventional journey into law school with a three-year-old and her transition to victims' rights law.
Nora's desire to move upstream, contributing to healing and positive change rather than perpetuating trauma.
Transition from child welfare law to the VRLC to make a more impactful difference.
The Victim Rights Law Center (VRLC)
Nora provides direct representation to sexual assault survivors in Western Massachusetts.
Focus on housing, safety, and privacy matters, with a specialization in supporting victims with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Nora's background in social justice, immigration, and domestic violence advocacy.
The VRLC is the first nonprofit in the U.S. focusing on the needs of sexual assault and rape survivors.
Recognition that the criminal justice system alone may not fulfill victims' needs.
Provides free, holistic, client-centered representation, specializing in various practice areas beyond criminal justice.
Training and technical assistance to lawyers nationwide for similar client-centered methodologies.
Services Beyond Legal Representation
VRLC helps survivors with restraining orders, educational needs (Title IX and K-12), housing issues, employment law, and public benefits.
Specialization in humanitarian immigration work for survivors seeking legal status in the U.S.
Geographic Scope of VRLC Services
Represents clients in Massachusetts or those assaulted in Massachusetts.
Separate branch in Portland, Oregon, extending services and support.
Importance of Healthy Boundaries in Trauma-Informed Lawyering
Nora emphasizes the significance of self-care and establishing boundaries.
Proactive self-care practices and the role of healthy boundaries in sustaining impactful work.
Most Fulfilling Aspects of Nora's Work
Witnessing clients reclaim their voice, especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Teaching law students and observing their growth and confidence in contributing meaningfully to the team.
Advice for Aspiring Attorneys
Focus on your unique journey; don't compare it to others'.
Stay open to exploration within the legal field; your first job is not your last.
Seek opportunities in organizations prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Internship Opportunities at VRLC
Robust internship program welcoming students nationwide.
A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a stipend provided.
Closing Thoughts
Nora shares insights into the power of starting from a place of belief and the journey toward justice and healing.
Tweetable Quotes
“I always say to my clients, ‘I’m going to tell you what might happen if we go this way, and I’m going to tell you what might happen if we go that way, but you drive the bus, you’re my boss.’ And for clients who haven’t had a voice. Whether it be because of disability or for some other element of marginalization in their life, that alone is a win. Whether we get the legal remedy that we were looking for, it sort of becomes irrelevant. The client has found their voice and is able to speak up for themselves, and that for me is extremely fulfilling.”