Adrian is an Arizona State University and University of New Hampshire Law School graduate. Before law school, Adrian was VLP’s pro bono coordinator. He received a graduate award at UNH Law for his dedication to social justice and public service. Most recently, he served as a Law Clerk for a criminal trial judge in St. Paul, Minnesota. Outside of VLP, Adrian enjoys literature, anime, comics, video games, history, and spoiling his dog Sammi (a VLP office favorite).
Maya joined VLP in Fall 2021 as the Multi-Unit Paralegal. She graduated from Bates College in 2020 and worked as a Tutor Advocate with the New York State Migrant Education Department. In this position, she supported low-income migrant families in navigating the public education system. Maya enjoys baking, going for walks, and trying out new restaurants in her spare time.
Edo joined VLP’s COVID Eviction Legal Help Project in March 2021 on a contract basis. She transitioned into the position of Marketing & Outreach Manager. Edo graduated from The Fashion Institute of Technology and co-founded a jewelry brand that focuses on preserving her native Khmer arts and culture. Edo is looking to give back, make a difference for underserved communities, and help those most affected by the pandemic.
Olivia Cella joined VLP as a Bilingual Paralegal in the Family Law and Guardianship Unit shortly after graduating from Colby College in 2023. Before completing her bachelor’s degree, Olivia worked as a Legal Intern at Northeast Legal Aid and the Medical-Legal Partnership of Boston. She worked at Vinfen Corporation, Bay Cove Human Services, and Colby College’s Title IX Office. Olivia is passionate about working with diverse, underrepresented populations. She also enjoys long runs, cooking, and surfing.
Laura joined VLP in 2022. She started as a Bilingual Paralegal in the Eviction Legal Aid team before becoming the Housing and Appeals paralegal. Laura graduated from Pine Manor College with a B.S. in Social & Political Sciences and a minor in Criminal Justice. Laura worked at the Somerville District Court as an Administrative Assistant to the Probation Department. She has also worked for an immigration firm, serving as an interpreter and Legal Assistant. Laura enjoys playing soccer, riding motorcycles, and shopping in her spare time.
Yesenia started at VLP in November 2020. Yesenia is a lifelong Bostonian. She received an Associate Degree in criminal justice from Bay State College. She recently graduated from Drexel University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Jennifer feels privileged to be a part of the Volunteer Lawyers Project’s paralegal team. She was born and raised in the neighborhoods of South Boston and attended Boston Architectural, MassArt and Lesley University. She values every aspect of the capital of her residence as it is steeped in U.S. history. Jennifer feels blessed for the opportunity to assist Massachusetts residents.
Gloria graduated from Salem State University with a B.S. in Criminal Justice in 2022. She will be receiving her M.S. in Criminal Justice in Spring 2023. Before joining VLP, Gloria interned at the Boston Court Service Center, where she mainly helped Spanish-speaking litigants fill out court documents.
Amari Bruno joined VLP in November 2023 as the Pro Bono Assistant. They graduated from Eastern University in 2023 with a Bachelor’s in Sociology with Pre-Law and Political Science minors. Amari has a history of public service legal support. They have worked at FreeFrom in their Systems Change Initiative, A Breeze of Hope Foundation’s legal advocacy team, and The Boston Project Ministries’ Sisterhood program. Amari is very passionate about economic justice and its role in the fight against gender-based violence.
Grace is a Staff Attorney at VLP, where she practices in the Bankruptcy and Consumer Law Units. Since 2020, Grace has volunteered with VLP as a Pro Bono Attorney. Grace graduated from Northeastern University School of Law and has a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Political Science from Gordon College. Grace has experience working in the public and private sector of law practice, including with Project Citizenship, Conn Kavanaugh, The Gillette Company, The United States Attorney’s Office, and the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Grace has mentored and advised law students, legal professionals at Suffolk University Law School, and law students at Boston University School of Law.