Shane Salwasser, 2L, was recently named an Equal Justice Works 2021 Rural Summer Legal Corps Student Fellow. The Rural Summer Legal Corps, a partnership between Equal Justice Works and the Legal Services Corporation, is a summer internship designed to help address the access-to-justice crisis for people living in rural areas. Shane was one of 35 students selected from over 460 applicants. For the duration of the internship, he will work with Iowa Legal Aid to provide direct civil legal assistance to rural clients and engage in community outreach and education.

Shane took the time to answer a few questions about the opportunity:

How did you learn about the Rural Summer Legal Corps program and what drew you to the opportunity?

I found out about the program on the Drake Law Career Development Office website. I grew up in a rural agricultural community, and even though I am far from home the idea of working with the rural community made me feel right at home, so I applied.

How did Drake Law prepare you to serve in this role?

Drake Law taught me what I would need to know to be a good law clerk: do not be afraid to ask questions, anticipate and embrace new legal puzzles, and focus on quality research and writing skills.

What will your day-to-day as a Student Fellow look like?

I will be providing direct civil legal services to clients by being involved in client intake, drafting legal documents, and various research projects that will benefit rural Iowans in poverty law matters.

What are you most looking forward to about the fellowship?

I am most looking forward to seeing how promoting equal access to the justice system can benefit rural Iowa. Assisting people with their legal claims when they otherwise would not have the ability to obtain representation is the most rewarding aspect of being a part of this fellowship. I hope to gain from this fellowship values that encourage me to remember people who are less fortunate no matter where I take my future career.

Learn more about student opportunities and Drake Law’s role in rural practice law here.