By Maysa Eissa, Esq., Associate Director of Career Services, Adjunct Professor
Sara Denton (3L) has secured an internship with Jacobs & Schlesinger LLP for this summer. Jacobs & Schlesinger LLP is a boutique law firm in downtown San Diego specializing in immigration and nationality law and appellate litigation, including civil, criminal and immigration appeals. Working alongside Ginger Jacobs, a top immigration attorney, Denton has been immediately immersed into the fascinating practice of immigration law. In her first week, she has already helped prepare witnesses for a trial concerning removal proceedings and has accompanied a client to his naturalization interview to secure citizenship status. She is also assisting with the completion of U-Visa applications for victims of crimes that, if granted, will allow these individuals temporary legal status with work authorization and the possibility of applying for citizenship. Over the next few months, Denton will gain additional exposure to help further her knowledge and skillset in immigration law. Denton, a Las Vegas native, comes from a prominent Nevada family with deep roots in the legal community and civil rights movement, as well as the Democratic Party. Inspired by her grandfather, Ralph L. Denton, one of the longest standing attorneys and political activists in southern Nevada who advocated for human and civil rights, Denton was instilled with the values of humility, kindness and determination to help those who are not able to advocate for themselves.
Following the family tradition, Denton pursued an undergraduate degree at the University of Nevada, Reno in Spanish and in English Literature. There, she served as Vice-President of Development of Kappa Alpha Theta and as the Greek Standards Board Chair. She also solidified her Spanish language through a study abroad experience in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. After completing her undergraduate degree, Denton pursued a career in hotel management and worked for Hyatt Hotels and Resorts.
As a law student, Denton remains active by being a member of Phi Alpha Delta, Immigration Law Society and Alternate Dispute Resolution Team and serving as President of OUTLaw. She has also worked under Professor Slattery as a teaching assistant for Legal Writing I and plans to work with Professor Kaimipono Wenger on a research piece focusing on immigration issues within the LGBT community.
“I am so honored that Ginger Jacobs gave me the opportunity to work alongside such talented and passionate individuals who share the same goals,” said Denton. “I am proud to continue my grandfather’s legacy by helping those in need as I feel that we are a nation of immigrants who all deserve a chance. It is so important to provide everyone with the same opportunities that I have been given, and I hope a career in immigration law will allow me to carry out my dream while helping others pursue their own. I look forward to my summer with the Jacobs & Schlesinger team, and I am happy to know that I will be working alongside some great attorneys, including Emily Wietzel, a recent TJSL alumna (2011).”
To learn more about this firm, visit www.jsslegal.com/gjacobs.html.