Welcoming our Summer Law Clerks
June 1, 2026
ALRP’s law clerks & volunteers play a vital role in serving our clients. Over the years, hundreds of ALRP law clerks have been a part of our work, with many continuing to stay involved throughout their careers as volunteer Panel attorneys, board members, and even joining ALRP as full-time staff. We’re thrilled to introduce this summer’s law clerks and Point Foundation fellow, and welcome them into our growing community!
Esmé Lipton is a second-year law student at UC Davis School of Law. She is interested in public defense, housing rights, gender and racial justice, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Born and raised in San Francisco, Esmé was drawn to ALRP because she is dedicated to serving marginalized communities in the Bay Area and providing accessible legal support to vulnerable individuals. Although she will be assisting with an array of projects and tasks this summer, Esmé will primarily focus on Eviction Defense and housing matters.
Giancarlo Rodriguez is from Little Rock, Arkansas. He is a rising 2L at the University of Arkansas School of Law. His career aspiration is criminal and immigration law. He's looking forward to diving into housing and employment discrimination law, working one-on-one with clients and drafting court documentation, collaborating with ALRP attorneys on housing and immigration cases, and developing interpersonal skills with clients to better serve future clients. In his free time, he likes to study at coffee shops, go to the gym, and explore Arkansas's natural landmarks.
Austin Patenaude-Arroyo is a second-year student at USF School of Law. He is interested in estate planning, civil litigation, and providing compassionate advocacy through public service work. As a recent arrival to the Bay Area, he looks forward to working with ALRP in giving back to the city that has welcomed him. In his spare time, Austin enjoys cooking, running with his dog, and creative writing.
Lucia Garcia-Martinez just finished her first year at Wellesley College, where she plans to pursue a double major in Anthropology and Political Science. She has a strong interest in defending immigrant rights and the rights of those living with HIV/AIDS. Lucia joins us a recipient of the Point Foundation's Internship & Professional Development Award, which provides financial support to selected students participating in hands-on learning experiences that enhance academic and career success. She is looking forward to advocating for ALRP's clients, educating herself on the compounding vulnerabilities those living with HIV/AIDS face, and gaining insight into how to fight for clients in the legal world.
Cassandra Pujol is a second-year law student at UC Law San Francisco. She was drawn to ALRP because of the work we have done and continue to do to expand access to resources for people living with HIV/AIDS in the Bay Area. Cassandra is excited to learn more about the complex legal issues involved in the cases ALRP handles by providing any necessary support this summer. After law school, she hopes to continue a career in public interest law. In her free time, Cassandra enjoys attending live music shows, baking, and spending time with her friends.