On Tuesday, June 7, 2016, Bressler hosted the inaugural event launching the Ronnie Ann Powell Internship at Partners for Women and Justice ("Partners"). The ten-week summer program is designed to provide a law student with hands-on experience representing victims of domestic violence.
The internship was established by Partners and Bressler in memory of Ronnie Ann Powell, a Principal at Bressler and a long time volunteer at Partners, who died suddenly last year. Partners is a domestic violence organization that Ronnie was devoted to for many years and which the firm continues to support though the Pro Bono partnership.
The inaugural event included the introduction of the first recipient of the Ronnie Ann Powell internship, Erin Gunter, a second-year law student at UC-Davis School of Law.
Gunter became passionate about domestic violence work while representing victims of domestic violence through a clinical program at UC-Davis School of Law. Appreciative for this internship opportunity, Gunter said, "I found helping women through what for many of them is the hardest time of their lives to be extremely gratifying ... . I love working directly with clients and being able to see the difference before and after the restraining order and the impact I have on their lives. I am very grateful for the opportunity to learn more about domestic violence law and improve my litigation skills by learning from the amazing attorneys at Partners this summer."
Twelve Bressler attorneys make up the firm’s pro bono program with Partners. These volunteers have completed the accredited Continuing Legal Education Domestic Violence Training Program and provide legal representation and counseling.
Included in the photo from left to right are Sam Thomas, Chair of Bressler's Pro Bono Committee, Erin Gunter, the 2016 recipient of the Ronnie Ann Powell Internship, Karen Murphy and Sara Mazzolla, members of Bressler's pro bono program with Partners, and Michelle Lefkowitz, Director of Legal Programs at Partners for Women and Justice.