Meet Jasmine Valle ’13, CUNY Law alum and Principal Law Clerk to Justice Lourdes M. Ventura, in Queens Supreme Court-Civil Term
On a typical morning
If anyone reading this has a two-year-old, then you know that no morning is typical with a toddler. Every morning my little one surprises me with how much she knows and has grown, and after our morning adventures, I get ready for work.
On your first job after graduation- the good, the confusing, and the enlightening:
My first job was at the Legal Empowerment and Assistance Program (“LEAP”) as a housing Staff Attorney. Before working at LEAP, I had no housing law experience; however, LEAP appealed to me because it was located in the community where I was raised and lived. And I knew this was my opportunity to give back to the community that had given so much to me. Housing Law quickly became my passion, and I was enlightened by my clients and their resilience to keep pushing forward.
On memorable moments during your time at CUNY Law:
Receiving the acceptance letter into the CUNY Law Pipeline Program was my most memorable moment because it made me feel like CUNY Law chose me and believed in me. That letter was the pivotal moment in my life which lead me to where I am today.
On what has stuck with you after your time at CUNY Law:
The CUNITY Spirit has stuck with me since graduating CUNY Law. When I was at CUNY Law, there was such a sense of unity and camaraderie among the students, and even after graduating, whenever I meet fellow CUNY Law graduates or current CUNY Law students it always feels like meeting long lost family.
On what your favorite aspects of being a court attorney/clerk are:
My favorite aspect of being a Court Attorney/Principal Law Clerk is the ability to be a legal advisor and to work hand-and-hand with a New York State Supreme Court Judge.
On what working with students has taught you about yourself:
Working with students has taught me about myself in that we never stop learning. In addition, teaching gives you a front-row seat to another person’s journey, and that is truly a humbling experience.
One bit of advice for students who want to practice law but who are unsure about what area:
I would advise those students to try it all! Students should volunteer and/or take continuing legal education classes in the areas that may interest them to explore their interests further. I would also like to remind students that the Law is a vast area, and they don’t have to choose just one area of the law.
How do you balance your work and livelihood? What does down time look like to you?
I balance my work and livelihood by always living in the present. Being an attorney is hectic, and it is always important to remember to live in the present. I spend my downtime with my closest friends and family.
How can students get in touch with you?
I believe students should network, create connections, and seek mentorship now to help them with a smooth transition into the legal community. If any students would like to connect, I can be reached at:
- Email-Jasmineivalle@gmail.com
- Instagram- jasmine_i_valle_esq
- Facebook – Jasmine Valle
Also be sure to check out Jasmine’s conversation on IG Live with Therese McNulty, Associate Director of Career Planning during this month’s #CareerConversations
