Clinic Perspective: Amy Petkovsek ’06, Deputy Chief Counsel, Maryland Legal Aid
What did you enjoy about your clinic experience?
My clinic experience was amazing and set the course for my entire legal career. I had the opportunity to represent parents in special education proceedings regarding access to education in Baltimore City. I also had the chance to teach in a Baltimore City public high school, Baltimore Freedom Academy, and draft a Know Your Rights and Constitutional Law curriculum for other law student teachers to utilize.
Was there a particularly memorable moment from your clinic experience that you'd like to share?
My "Know Your Rights" class at BFA was full of memorable moments. One of the students, "MP" wrote me a letter on the last day that said, "never doubt that one person can make a difference in a child's life, because you have with this class." I have a photo of me with that class of students in my office still today, 20 years later, and remember their resilience, desire to learn, and dedication to justice.
What was your greatest takeaway from your clinic experience?
The needs of low-income clients are vast, and yet, the ability to represent these individuals and amplify their voices is an honor as an attorney. Their journeys are individually challenging and collectively overwhelming, but the need for advocates to listen and engage, and empower communities, is tremendous.
How has your clinic experience benefited you in your career and approach to lawyering?
I chose Maryland Law above other options solely because of the clinical program. I took advantage of 4 semesters of clinical work while at UM Law, and it is the reason why I have made a career in public interest law and spent the last 15 years at Maryland Legal Aid.