Jose Abrigo ’13 is the Director of the LGBTQ/HIV Advocacy for LSNYC and co-counsel in NYS Social Safety Net Discriminates Against Nonbinary New Yorkers.
On how you start your day:
I usually start my day by checking emails. I respond to advocate inquiries and case consultations. Then I return any voice messages on my phone before turning to my next appointment (usually a meeting or a court appearance).
On how you became involved with the OutLaws, your most memorable work with them, and what students should know about this organization:
I joined OutLaws because I’ve been an LGBTQ+ advocate almost my entire life. During undergrad, I was involved in Queer Council, and this was just a natural continuation of that. It gave me the ability to continue to advocate for queer issues both within the law school and the larger New York community.
One of our most memorable OutLaw events was when former CUNY OutLaw alumnus, Daniel O’Donnell ’87, came to speak at the law school. Little did I know that, a few years later, I would work in partnership with his office to pass the Gender Recognition Act, where he was the primary Assembly sponsor.
Students should know that it was because of OutLaws that CUNY Law has gender-neutral bathroom options in the Long Island City building. We advocated fiercely with the administration to ensure bathroom access equality for all students!
Jose Abrigo ’13 and State Assembly Member Danny O’Donnell ’87, at Gov. Cuomo’s signing of the Gender Recognition Act
On your experience with the Economic Justice Project, how did you become involved, and what did you take with you from your experience to the legal profession:
The Economic Justice Project was one of the most valuable experiences of my law school career. The fact that I would be able to represent and assist clients as a 2L student is what drew me to the clinic. It provided valuable experience applying the law to real-life cases and reaffirmed my commitment to work in direct legal services.
I was also lucky to have been chosen to become a TA for the class my 3L year. Being a TA gave me valuable experience on supporting and supervising legal advocates, which I’ve taken with me to my role as a supervising attorney. Finally, the class provided me a solid foundational understanding of public benefits law with intersects and cross cuts into so many other areas of law (such as housing). To this day, I still practice and supervise other advocates in public benefits cases and engage in the occasional impact litigation. Take advantage of clinical opportunities in law school!
On what it’s like being a part of the LGBTQ2IA+ community while also serving them — does it make it harder or easier to serve?
Most of my clients are queer people of color. As a queer person of color, it makes serving other folks like myself much easier because we have a common experience we can draw upon. To be sure, you don’t need to identify as LGBTQ+ to serve the community, but, personally, it makes my job connecting with clients easier. I’m also much more connected to the issues. I’m passionate about serving my community, as it has been my goal my entire life, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to do it.
NYIC Immigration Rally 2017
On the LaunchPad for Justice program, what’s one takeaway you’d like students to know about the program:
LaunchPad was a great program that gave practical courtroom experience. It was a valuable addition to my resume, and I believe it helped me obtain my first job.
On how you find balance between your professional life and your personal life — how do you mitigate and prevent burnout?
I think I’m incredibly lucky in that I was able to obtain my dream job in the field that I’m passionate about. That is the main bulwark that prevents burnout — the fact that most of the things I do for my job I love doing.
Additionally, my unit is general practice, so I’m constantly learning and growing in new areas of law which keeps things fresh. I also make it a point to engage in self-care and indulge in some fun hobbies.
Finally, the knowledge that the work we do (in some small part) is hopefully making the world a more just and equitable place keeps me inspired to continue.
BLM Pride Rally June 2020
On life after graduation from CUNY Law — how do you stay connected to the CUNY Law community?
I’ve kept in touch mainly through the amazing faculty and staff. Whenever there was an invitation to help and support the students at the law school, I would jump at the chance (such as giving a guest lecture at a class, being a bar mentor, speaking at career events, doing mock interviews, connecting students to internships at LSNYC, donating to fundraisers, etc.). As a CUNY Law alum, I take the responsibility to support and cultivate the next generation of public interest lawyers seriously, so I stay connected to the law school in order to do that. I also try to attend or donate to PILA every year!
NYC Pride- LSNYC Contingent 2016
On hindsight: Is there anything you would have done differently in law school or in your career had you the insight you have now?
I would have taken “fun electives” rather than the classes I thought would help me prepare for the bar. That is what bar study classes are for, to enjoy learning all other aspects of the law while you have the opportunity.
On your hobbies and passions — when you aren’t directing projects with Legal Services NYC — what brings you joy?
Honestly, my job is my passion. But, I’m also deeply involved in LGBTQ+ activism issues around the country, especially those supporting queer youth, and I support other progressive causes like the Black Lives Matter movement. I’m also a video game nerd who travels around the world to attend meetings of my World of Warcraft guild. In my previous life before becoming a lawyer, I worked in ancient archaeology, so I always love going to museums.
For fun! Is there a favorite book/artist/musician/podcast, etc. you can’t get enough of that you think students should check out?
I’m a huge epic fantasy nerd. My latest favorite series is “The Broken Earth” trilogy by N.K Jemisin. (Queer, black, female authors in the fantasy genre are rare!) I’m currently also re-reading Frank Herbert’s “Dune” for the 20th time, in preparation for the movie release later this year.
How can the CUNY Law community connect with you (can be social/email/etc.), and, if you share social, are you ok being tagged?
I can be found on LinkedIn, feel free to message me there!
Also be sure to check out Jose’s interview with Therese McNulty, Associate Director of Career Planning, on this month’s #CareerConversations on Instagram Live!