Public Counsel is proud to welcome our 2025–2026 Master of Social Work (MSW) Internship cohort, an exceptional group of emerging social workers who will be with us throughout the academic year, from Fall 2025 through Spring 2026.
Each year, our MSW Internship Program plays a vital role in strengthening Public Counsel’s interdisciplinary approach to justice. Social workers are deeply embedded across our legal projects—bringing trauma-informed practice, cultural humility, and systems-level insight that help ensure our clients are not only legally represented, but genuinely supported.
This year’s cohort brings a wide range of lived experiences, professional interests, and passions that will enrich our work across projects and communities. We are grateful for their commitment to justice, dignity, and community-centered advocacy.
We are thrilled to welcome the following MSW interns to Public Counsel:
- Tatiana Adams (she/her) – Opportunity Under Law
- Sandra Antunez (she/her) – Community Development Project
- Beck DeJesus (they/them) – Education Rights
- Marissa Ragaza (she/her) – Gender Justice Project
- Sheree Fischer (she/her) – Consumer Rights & Economic Justice Project
- Leslie Hernandez-Martinez (she/her) – Homelessness Prevention Project
- Mateo Rios (he/they) – Immigrants’ Rights Project, Anti-Detention Team
- Norma Osorio (she/her/hers) – Immigrants’ Rights Project, Survivor Team
Over the coming months, these interns will collaborate closely with attorneys, organizers, and advocates across the organization—supporting clients, strengthening legal strategy, and contributing to systemic change.
We are excited to learn from this talented group and grateful for the energy, care, and insight they bring to Public Counsel. Please join us in warmly welcoming our 2025–2026 MSW interns as they begin their journey with us.
Former MSW Intern Testimonials/Reflections
“Stepping into a law office as a social worker can feel intimidating, but I learned quickly that social workers are not outsiders — we are bridges. Our voices matter, and our training brings dignity, empathy, and holistic care into legal advocacy.”
— Former MSW Intern, Public Counsel
“I was anxious and unsure of myself when I started, but I was never alone. My supervisor and team genuinely wanted me to succeed and guided me step by step. The level of support here made all the difference.”
— Former MSW Intern, Public Counsel
“Public Counsel truly values trauma-informed practice — not just for clients, but for interns too. Emotional well-being, reflection, and care are treated as essential to sustainable advocacy.”
— Former MSW Intern, Public Counsel
“I learned how social work and legal advocacy intersect to strengthen outcomes for clients and communities. This experience reshaped how I understand justice-centered, interdisciplinary practice.”
— Former MSW Intern, Public Counsel
