Darcy Gallego ’25 is passionate about public service and immigration justice, serving as a member of Fordham Law’s student-run Immigrant Advocacy Project and as a Stein Scholar. She was recently selected for the highly prestigious Skadden Fellowship and will be starting a position this fall at the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) in its Immigrant Protection Unit. At NYLAG, she’ll be working on an innovative legal project that involves preparing pro se asylum seekers for their hearings in immigration court.
What is your hometown?
Piscataway, N.J.
Where did you study before Fordham Law?
George Washington University, where I earned a B.A. in international affairs.
What are your areas of interest?
Immigration, international human rights, workers’ rights, and civil rights.
Why did you choose Fordham Law?
The students and faculty members I met before coming here made me feel welcome. I felt like this would be a school where I would be challenged but could also thrive as part of the community, and that’s been precisely the case. It’s been challenging but incredibly worthwhile because of the people I have met and all I have learned.
What has been the best thing about studying law in New York City?
Besides being so close to Central Park and having access to cuisines from all over the world, studying in NYC has given me access to the robust legal services apparatus here. It’s been the perfect place to learn from dedicated advocates, and I’m excited to start my career as a lawyer here soon.
What were you involved in at the Law School?
I was involved in Stein, Law Review, LALSA, and IAP. If I had to pick my favorite, it would be being a part of IAP. I was vice-chair during my 2L year and am a 3L advisor this year. IAP allowed me to build a community that cares just as much about immigration as I do. The people I have met through IAP have brought me joy in moments of despair and have inspired me to remain steadfast in my commitment to doing this work.
What was your favorite experience at Fordham Law?
My favorite experience was participating in the Criminal Defense Clinic. It was the most demanding but rewarding learning experience I have had in law school. It’s been a privilege to represent clients in Manhattan Criminal Court. I didn’t know much about criminal law and was nervous before taking the clinic, but it’s been a great experience thanks to Professors Cheryl Bader and Mariam Hinds and my fellow clinic participants. I’ve learned more than I ever could have imagined.
What are your career plans?
I will be a Skadden Fellow at the New York Legal Assistance Group in its Immigrant Protection Unit. I’ll be working to implement the project I proposed for the fellowship, which consists of preparing pro se asylum seekers for their hearings in immigration court and taking on a select number of cases for appeal. Long term, I plan to continue to serve immigrant communities through policy work or impact litigation.
What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming 1Ls?
Stay in touch with your purpose. Check in with yourself consistently and remind yourself why you decided to come to law school.
Did you have any important mentors during law school?
Yes! I have many mentors to thank in the Fordham Law community for supporting me these past three years: Professors Jennifer Gordon, Gemma Solimene, Russell Pearce, and Director of Legal Writing Aysha Ames, as well as Feerick Center Executive Director Dora Galacatos and Associate Director Emerson Argueta. They’ve all provided me with invaluable advice and guidance. They’ve been in my corner every step of the way, and I’ll always be grateful for that.
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