Campbell Law Spotlight: Emma Whitten ’22
A: I attended James Madison University where I majored in history with the intention of becoming a history teacher. However, during my studies, I found myself increasingly drawn to women’s history, particularly through my capstone project on Title IX. The research I conducted during my studies inspired me to become an attorney to expand my toolbox for helping others.
Q: How did your experience with the Restorative Justice Clinic shape your career aspirations?
A: The Restorative Justice Clinic at Campbell Law, led by Professor Jon Powell ’08, was transformative. It showed me the diverse ways attorneys can make a difference, beyond courtroom proceedings. Through this experience, I became a trained circle keeper, learning valuable communication skills applicable in various settings, from classrooms to reformative programs.
Q: How did you discover your interest in public interest law?
A: Initially, I struggled to envision myself in a legal setting as the initial paths presented in law school, working for a law firm or a corporation, did not fit my personality. However, attending a public interest career fair at Campbell Law introduced me to LANC. Meeting a Campbell Law graduate who was a domestic violence attorney at Legal Aid resonated with me, and I knew that’s where I wanted to focus my efforts. Legal Aid only took 2Ls for their internship program, so I waited until then to apply. When I did eventually land the internship, the experience solidified my desire to pursue public interest law, and I was fortunate to have supportive mentors like Elysia Prendergast-Jones who I still keep in touch with
Q: What led you to pursue a position as a Benefits Attorney at LANC?
A: Although criminal law was initially my favorite class in school, I realized through an internship with the Wake County District’s Attorney Office that traditional courtroom settings weren’t for me. When Legal Aid had an opening for a benefits position, it aligned with my interest in transactional work that was still client facing. Despite feeling nervous about lacking formal education in the subject, I applied and thankfully got the job and started working after graduation. In this role I represented low-income individuals in administrative hearings regarding eligibility for employment, disability, food stamps, and other government benefits.
Q: Could you elaborate on your transition to practicing law in Virginia and your role at the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society?
A: Soon after entering practice, I realized that I wanted to return to my home state of Virginia. This was particularly challenging because Virginia is one of the few jurisdictions that has not adopted the Uniform Bar Exam, which I had passed the summer after graduation. This meant that I had to take another bar xxam one year after taking my first bar exam. As the contents of the Virginia Bar differ from the Uniform Bar Exam, I studied during evenings and on weekends while working full time at LANC. While studying for the Virginia bar exam, I secured a position at the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society pending successful bar results. One of the elements of this job that appealed to me was the Medical-Legal Partnership (MLP-Richmond) that the firm has with VCU Health. MLP-Richmond at VCU Health is a partnership that works to ensure legal and social issues no longer challenge patients and their families. The program at VCU Health, like similar MLPs across the nation, intervenes to address social determinants of health such as unlawful evictions, poor housing conditions, insurance and public benefit denials, employment discrimination and domestic violence by providing free civil legal aid to low-income patients. I started this position the Monday after taking the bar exam and was able to transition to a full attorney role once I received the news that I had successfully passed the Virginia bar exam. My current role is as a health, public benefits and elder law attorney.
Q: How does the legal aid system in Virginia differ from that of North Carolina?
A: Each state has some type of civil legal aid system, but they are structured differently. In Virginia, legal aids are grouped regionally, with organizations like Central Virginia Legal Aid Society serving specific counties. This structure contrasts with North Carolina, where there is one statewide firm called Legal Aid of North Carolina.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring attorneys interested in public interest law?
A: It’s essential to find mentors and seek out examples of professionals in the field you aspire to enter. Researching opportunities and reaching out to those already practicing can provide invaluable guidance. Additionally, don’t underestimate the importance of well-rounded legal education, including classes that may not seem directly related to your interests but offer valuable skills for a successful career.