Jessica Smith '23: Making a Difference with Environmental Law
Jessica Smith '23 is a second-year law student at Vermont Law and Graduate School. She reflected upon how her Bennington education prepared her for her professional path.
Tell us about your current career—where are you working, and in what position?
Currently, I am a second-year law student at Vermont Law and Graduate School. This term, I am working as a student practitioner in the Environmental Justice Clinic.
What is the most rewarding and/or challenging aspect of your work now?
Firstly, the team of student practitioners and supervising professors is tremendous. Secondly, we work at the intersection of environmental law and human rights. Our efforts are community centered. Community lawyering trains attorneys to consider a client in relation to and as a part of her larger community. Each day we aim to make a difference. This can be challenging, but rewarding as well.
What aspects of studying at Bennington prepared you best for the professional world?
I am always reflecting upon my capacities. Ahead of a new challenge, ahead of a new endeavor, I always take time to relate back to the capacities I worked so hard to nurture and develop while at Bennington.
How has attending Bennington shaped your professional path?
Understanding and respecting differences is important to the practice of law. Considering community and culture expands the notion of what is encompassed in the practice of law, and though hard for the practitioner, is of immense value. In this aspect, my practice really began at Bennington.
How do you keep the things you learned at Bennington in mind personally and/or professionally?
Truly, my time at Bennington was transformative. The lessons learned and the community I made are a part of me. I carry Bennington with me.