Kerese Foster

Summer Placement: Phillips Lytle

Law School: University of Buffalo

Kerese is originally from Jamaica and decided to pursue law because of its important role in bother government and greater society. While in law school, she has been active in the Black Law Students' Association and Moot Court.

Kristy Brightman Frame

Summer Placement: Harter Secrest & Emery LLP

Law School: Syracuse University

"The MCBA Diversity Clerkship Program has been an amazing learning experience.  Getting exposure to a firm this early on in my career and seeing how the law is actually practiced has given me the opportunity to discover what areas of law I enjoy and may want to pursue in the future.  The most valuable part of this experience is making connections with the legal community in Rochester, and I can only hope that at some point in the future I will work with them again. "

Stacyann Freckleton

Summer Placement: Woods Oviatt Gilman

Law School: University of Buffalo

Stacyann is originally from Brooklyn and worked in the legal industry before beginning law school. In participating in the Diversity Clerkship program, she saw an opportunity to positively balance society and the legal profession.

Ching Huey

Summer Placement: Brown & Hutchinson

Law School: University of Buffalo

"The program was a great experience for me. I received practical experience that complemented my education. It also allowed me to explore and enjoy everything Rochester has to offer. I have enjoyed the programs, the work, and the people. Special props to Ms. Louise Spinelli!!"

Summer Placement: Public Defender Office of Monroe County

Law School: Syracuse University

"Not many places would acknowledge they have a problem with diversity and take proactive steps to address the problem. This program is one that is proactive and serious about addressing the lack of diversity in the Rochester legal community.

Roslyn McLin

Summer Placement: Ward Norris Heller & Reidy

Law School: University of Buffalo

"Participation in the MCBA Diversity Clerkship Program has been invaluable. I obtained practical knowledge, which is different from how we learn our first year in law school. I was assigned to one law firm, but I had the opportunity to gain insight from numerous members of Rochester's legal community. I have had experiences in my first year that some students will not encounter until they are out of law school."

Dan Montanez

Summer Placement: Hiscock & Barclay

Law School: University of Buffalo

"The Diversity Program through MCBA allowed me to get hands-on experience in the practice of law. I worked for a prestigious law firm in Rochester, NY and did everything from researching and writing major briefs to meeting with clients and experts. Overall, my experience working and living in Rochester is priceless. I would consider Rochester as a place to live and practice law. I think it is a great place."

Luis Ormaechea

Summer Placement: Nixon Peabody LLP

Law School: Syracuse University

"I valued the opportunity to simultaneously apply for a position with several firms and legal services providers. This allowed me to focus on my studies rather than on a job search during the busy academic year. Moreover, the program gave me a chance to learn what it would be like to practice law in Rochester and introduced me to a large network of legal professionals in the area. "

Dino Peragallo

Summer Placement: Eastman Kodak Company

Law School: University of Buffalo

"The Minority Law Clerk Program provided its students with an opportunity to explore the diverse legal profession in a city that welcomes you with open arms. It also provided its clerks with numerous opportunities to meet, network, and learn from practicing attorneys. This program will be the cornerstone of our legal careers and relationships for years to come. "

Luis Segura

Summer Placement: Empire Justice Center

Law School: University of Buffalo

"I worked for ten weeks with the Empire Justice Center on very interesting cases involving federally-protected rights. My research allowed me to learn about areas of law not covered in my first-year classes. Working alongside dedicated and skilled attorneys like Bryan Hetherington and Michael Mulé reminded me of the true value of a law degree: the ability to protect the rights of those in need. Rochester is a wonderfully ambitious city and a great place to work. "

Javier Tapia

Summer Placement: Boylan, Brown, Code, Vigdor & Wilson LLP

Law School: Syracuse University

"Through my experience in the MCBA diversity clerkship program as a summer associate at Boylan Brown, I have seen firsthand the community involvement that many Rochester area attorneys make in order to continue making Rochester the great city that it is. I look forward to returning to Rochester and joining its vibrant legal community." 

Vivek Thiagarajan

Summer Placement: Harris Beach PLLC

Law School: Syracuse University

"The MCBA Diversity Program has been excellent, as it has exposed me to Rochester's vibrant attorney community.   I appreciate the community's ability to balance work and family.  As an aspiring attorney, I definitely believe Rochester is a city where I would like to begin my career. "

Sunghwan Youn

Summer Placement: Wolford Leclair

Law School: University of Buffalo

"I am impressed by dedication of this legal community to educate and invigorate minority students. This program was beneficial to my growth as a law student. It was also a great privilege of participating in this program to meet the federal court judges in Rochester in their chambers as well as a chance to hear Governor Spitzer speak when he unexpectedly stopped by our Diversity reception. 'Rochester is made for living.' I totally agree with that."