More than 100 rising second- and third-year Fordham Law students are wrapping up their summer associate programs, judicial internships, and fellowships throughout the country and around the world. Through their experiences, they have been forging new connections, honing their lawyering skills, and immersing themselves in the practice of law while pursuing their passions.
Donyea James ’26 spent the summer gaining hands-on experience protecting the legal rights of survivors of domestic violence as a fellow at Sanctuary for Families, a leading service provider and advocate in New York for survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking, and related forms of gender violence. The opportunity was made possible through Fordham Law’s Domestic Violence Action Center Summer Fellowship Fund.
What is your hometown?
Royal Palm Beach, FL.
Where did you study before Fordham Law?
I earned my B.A. in economics and French at Vanderbilt University.
What are your areas of interest?
Although I am interested in capital markets and art law, I found out about this internship through the Public Interest Legal Career Fair co-sponsored by Fordham Law School. I was fortunate to have a one-on-one table talk with the director of Sanctuary for Families’s internship program, and I talked with her about my past experience working in local government. This experience opened my eyes to the complexities and shortcomings of New York housing law.
What did you do this summer?
I was a legal intern at Sanctuary for Families, working with the organization’s Matrimonial & Economic Justice Project, specifically in the housing and public benefits group. I helped housing attorneys and the public benefits group advocate for their clients. I was exposed to so much in a short amount of time and had opportunities to draft memos, affidavits, and notices that were used in actual proceedings. I was also able to advocate for clients looking to receive public benefits. Advocacy was a very interesting part of my role because I was able to take the lead in various avenues including holding client meetings, speaking with agencies, and helping clients fill out applications for benefits.
What attracted you to this legal internship program?
I admired the diversity of the range of services Sanctuary for Families provides for survivors of gender-based violence in New York, free of charge. Since working here, I can see how every staff member here goes above and beyond to meet the needs of the clients.
What were you most excited about for this opportunity?
I was most excited to see how attorneys advocated for the clients in New York City, whether in the court system or in advocating for benefits. I had a previous professional experience where I was exposed to how local governments used federal funding to help homeowners keep their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How do you think this summer experience will help you when you return to Fordham Law?
This opportunity enlightened me to how attorneys navigate housing court and the process of litigation, as well as how an attorney keeps the client’s best interest at the forefront while doing the best they can to be a fierce advocate.
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