For John Danos, JD’25, working at the Drake Legal Clinic was more than an academic experience. It was a transformative journey that changed their life forever.
As a student attorney in the Drake Legal Clinic’s Refugee Clinic, John represented a client over the course of three semesters, building a strong relationship with them and eventually securing a win for their case before the Omaha Immigration Court.
The Clinic’s structure, which provides students with real clients and real cases, helped John develop practical legal skills far beyond classroom learning.
“I’m really grateful that I was able to stay with the same client for three semesters,” they said. “That continuity helped me build trust and see the full picture of what it means to advocate for someone.”
The case dealt with complex asylum issues that required expertise in comparative immigration law and international legal research. After John’s final court appearance, the prosecuting attorney reached out to praise their preparation, professionalism, and litigation skills.
“That moment was a real confidence builder,” John said. “It reminded me that I belong here and that I’m ready for this.”
Allison McCarthy, director of the Refugee Clinic, supervised John’s work over the past year and a half.
“John is a very talented and special person,” she said. “They’ve been successful in the Clinic because they’re dedicated, hardworking, and compassionate. They built a strong connection to their client and consistently went above and beyond.”
Allison praised not only John’s legal skill but also their emotional intelligence and commitment to the work.
“Bright, smart, and dedicated people like John make great immigration attorneys. We need more people like them in this work.”
During their time in the Clinic, John handled a wide range of legal responsibilities that prepared them for future practice. Beyond legal skills, they gained valuable insights into client relationships and personal growth.
“This experience gave me the chance to apply everything I’ve been learning and see the real-world impact,” John said. “It wasn’t just about the law – it was about advocacy, empathy, and showing up for someone.”
The experience also helped shape John’s career goals. As they prepare for the Bar Exam, they plan to continue pursuing a career in immigration law.
“I would love to continue doing immigration work for the rest of my life,” they said. “I’m committed to the fight now.”