The Center for Law, Equity, and Race (CLEAR) at Northeastern University School of Law is proud to announce its spring 2023 Hinckley Allen Racial Justice Fellows: Jalon Fowler ’25, Claire Bergstresser ’23, Marissa Roaché ’24, Caitlin Rams ’24 and Amanda Brea ’23. Hinckley Allen established its Social Justice Partnership Program to offer meaningful financial support and resources to nonprofit organizations in our communities that have a mission and record of furthering social justice and racial equity. Hinckley Allen funding will support Northeastern Law students engaged in CLEAR’s research projects.

“Our intent is to maximize our impact by investing a greater level of financial and human capital in our communities with our Social Justice partners. We want to develop close relationships with them and leverage the resources, stakeholders, and experience of the firm to support their efforts,” said Noble F. Allen, partner, and chair of the firm’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee at Hinckley Allen. The firm intends this to be an annual program, offering a significant and enduring way to partner with organizations in the communities it serves to address racial inequities.

The Center for Law, Equity and Race (CLEAR) was founded in 2021 at Northeastern University School of Law. The Criminal Justice Task Force at CLEAR is focused on creating a more just and fairer criminal justice system through systemic changes. Among other research and initiatives, the Criminal Justice Task Force has helped to create and secure funding for a state-wide, state-funded reentry network to help people coming out of prison; supported training on restorative justice practices; and co-hosted a series of expert panel discussions regarding the history of racial injustices in the legal system in Massachusetts.

“We are grateful to Hinckley Allen for this generous gift,” said Professor Deborah Ramirez, co-faculty director of CLEAR. “These outstanding law students are passionate about racial justice and advocating for social equality. This partnership will enrich the research and advocacy being done by CLEAR’s Criminal Justice Task Force and help us train the next generation of racial justice advocates.”

Jalon Fowler ’25 holds a BS in management information systems from Northeastern University and an MS in computer systems from Bentley College. In addition to serving as a Hinckley Allen Fellow, she is the recipient of a CEO Action for Racial Equity Fellowship, focused on galvanizing the business community to address social injustices. Jalon is passionate about juvenile justice, special education, and social justice. She has served as commissioner for the city of Revere Human Rights’ Commission, Everett’s Coordinated Family and Community Engagements and is an appointed Special Education Surrogate Parent.

Claire Bergstresser ’23 is the recipient of a Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants Access to Justice Fellowship in addition to her Hinckley Allen Racial Justice Fellowship. She has completed co-ops with the Disability Law Center, the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts, and, Kotin, Crabtree, and Strong during her time in law school as well as worked within the school’s Immigrant Justice Clinic. Claire would like to pursue a career in consumer protection and information security after graduation in May 2023.

Marissa Roaché ’24 is passionate about criminal justice reform and prisoners’ rights. Before law school, Marissa taught restorative justice and reentry classes at correctional facilities in both California and Washington State. She has experience working directly with clients on reentry services in Massachusetts through Northeastern Law’s Prisoners’ Rights Clinic and a co-op at Prisoners’ Legal Services. Marissa is grateful for the opportunity to continue this important work as a Hinckley Allen Racial Justice Fellow this spring.

Caitlin Rams ’24 is the recipient of a Chief Justice Ralph Gants Task Force Fellowship in addition to her Hinckley Allen Racial Justice Fellowship. She is an associate editor of Northeastern University Law Review. Caitlin completed a co-op assisting representing clients, in trial or appellate matters, charged with or convicted of multiple serious felonies. Prior to attending Northeastern Law, Caitlin worked as a community provider in Boston for individuals living with multiple psychiatric diagnoses. She will be joining Goulston & Storrs this summer.

Amanda Brea ’23 is a Janey Scholar and the recipient of a 2022 Anderson and Krieger Diversity Fund award in addition to being honored with a Hinckley Allen Racial Justice Fellowship. As a law student, she has participated in Northeastern Law’s Community Business Clinic. She has also interned with Citigroup, Flanagan & Associates, and is presently at the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts. In addition, she has assisted Northeastern University’s Planning, Real Estate, and Facilities department incorporate sustainability language in their procurement contracts. Amanda would like to pursue a career in transactional law and compliance after graduating in May 2023.

About Northeastern University School of Law

The nation’s leader in experiential legal education since 1968, Northeastern University School of Law offers the longest-running, most extensive experience-based legal education program in the country. Northeastern guarantees its students unparalleled practical legal work experiences through its signature Cooperative Legal Education Program. More than 1,000 employers worldwide in a wide range of legal, government, nonprofit, and business organizations participate in the program. With a focus on social justice and innovation, Northeastern University School of Law blends theory and practice, providing students with a unique set of skills and experiences to successfully practice law.

For more information, contact [email protected].

About Hinckley Allen

Hinckley Allen is a client-driven, forward-thinking business law firm with one goal: to provide value and deliver results for our clients. Recognized as an AmLaw 200 firm, our lawyers collaborate across practices and pursue excellence to deliver exceptional client service. Clients include leading regional, national, and international companies in a wide range of industries. With offices throughout the Northeast – Boston, Hartford, Providence, Manchester, and Albany – and Chicago, Hinckley Allen has been a vital force in law, business, government, and our communities since 1906.