Ciera Borden, ’27, pursued two opportunities this summer: one in the in the Office of Legal Counsel of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and the other in the other at Washington, DC-based nonprofit organization Equal Justice Under Law. Each opportunity has offered Borden a unique lens through which to explore different careers paths in public interest. 

How did you connect with these summer opportunities?  

My college roommate, who is a former Office of Legal Counsel clerk, recommended I apply there, and I found the Equal Justice Under Law opportunity in the Law School’s Virtual Public Service Interview Program.  

How does your experience connect with what you currently envision doing with your law degree? 

My two summer jobs have almost entirely encompassed my wide range of legal interests. I am most passionate about state government and juvenile justice. At the Office of Legal Counsel, I worked in state government. At Equal Justice Under Law, I am helping fight the criminalization of poverty. 

Please describe a “typical” day at work. 

At the Office of Legal Counsel, my day’s work ranged from analyzing pending Michigan legislation, potential appointments, clemency petitions, or intergovernmental relations; it really depended on the day. At Equal Justice Under Law, I am researching cases at all stages of litigation. 

What is something you learned or experienced that was surprising or particularly compelling during this summer position? 

Learning about the prevalence of poverty taxes throughout the country, and the various mechanisms used by state and local governments to seemingly punish their most vulnerable citizens for being poor, has been incredibly frustrating.  

What are a couple of your key takeaways from the experience so far? 

I’ve had two very different summer experiences. My main takeaway from both is that meaningful legal work comes in endless forms. Coming into law school, it felt hard for me to pin what kind of public interest work was compatible with my strengths and interests. Trying out government and a nonprofit work has been informative on that front. 

What advice would you offer another law student contemplating working in a similar position next summer? 

I would really recommend that other law students work in their home state. I found it fascinating and fulfilling to focus on legal issues directly impacting me, my loved ones, and future generations of Michiganders.  

How are you spending your free time this summer? 

I am writing this from an Alaskan cruise ship – certainly the highlight of my summer! Otherwise, I have spent most of my free time just getting to know our nation’s capital. I’ve kayaked the Potomac River, taken the metro to its ends, and checked out new museums when I’ve gotten the chance.  

What are you most looking forward to in returning to UChicago Law this fall? 

I am most looking forward to living in Hyde Park for the first time this fall! For the past two years, I have lived in the South Loop. But with my partner, Nick, starting 1L at the Law School, we thought we ought to move a bit closer to our newly shared epicenter!