Published:
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
On top of a full course load and student leadership roles at Seattle University Law School, Claire McNamara has joined the team at the ACLU of Washington. As a legal extern this term, Claire will assist staff attorneys with research, trial preparation and writing memoranda covering a wide range of issues – including public records law, mental health, and criminal justice.
“I’ve always admired and found the ACLU’s work to be inspiring, said Claire. “I went to law school because I wanted to work on a broad range of issues, and the ACLU reflects that diversity. They empower people to advocate for their rights and are known for the quality of their substantive legal and policy work. I am very thankful to be assisting with their work.”
Claire is a native of Tucson, Arizona. During high school she enjoyed success in and outside the classroom as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper and on the stage performing ballet. Claire attended Scripps College in Claremont, California, and studied English and Social Psychology. While there, she honed her writing skills and expanded her awareness of social issues. She moved to Seattle in 2009 and now considers the city her home.
Claire brings to the ACLU an understanding of the complexities of improving access to justice for all people. Before attending law school, Claire worked at OneAmerica – a job that influenced her decision to pursue a career in law focused on issues of social justice. There, as an administrative coordinator, Claire planned events and coordinated large-scale lobbying efforts for local immigrant rights and human rights advocates. In addition, Claire also volunteered with King County Family Law CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). As a CASA, Claire provided objective and emotional support to vulnerable children as their legal matters progressed through the courts.
As a law student, Claire looks forward to taking a course from Justice Mary Yu during her last semester at Seattle University this spring. She will graduate with some notable achievements: Presidential Scholar, Managing Editor of the Seattle Journal for Social Justice, and President of the Dispute Resolution Board. In her free time, Claire practices yoga and teaches at the SU gym. She currently plans to take the Washington State Bar in July.
