"Taught generations of law students to be relentless advocates for their clients" -Shanna T

Dear Vanessa,

Retiring?! I can't believe it! It is impossible for me to express what a profound impact you have had on me personally and professionally as a public interest attorney. It is incredible to me what you could accomplish professionally on a daily basis and still be able to offer your students patience, advice, and extra help on school assignments (even if it wasn't related to the clinic). I learned from the best, and much of what you taught me I work to put into practice now that I am a supervisor and mentor. For me, you taught me and gave me the confidence to take on cases that are hard and not only take on the “good” cases. As you often reminded us, you do the best you can do at the time that you are doing it.

Looking back on my time at the IJC, I appreciated that you also taught your students to not forget about what makes us happy professionally. I remember one exercise when you had us describe our ideal working environment. A random assignment but one I still remember to this day! That exercise still comes to mind when I need to remind myself that my workspace is an important aspect of my job. I also have funny memories from the hours spent in the clinic, e.g., when you lent Malisa and me (the “almost lawyers”) your van in a blizzard so we could drive to Pennsylvania to get to a hearing. Ugh. We spun out in NJ and didn't make it, but your van came back in one piece (as did we)!

You have taught generations of law students to be relentless advocates for their clients and conscientious attorneys. I am looking forward to hearing more about your plans for what's next because I'm sure you have amazing adventures ahead of you.

All the best to you and your family. Congratulations!

Love,
Shanna T