In order to serve victims of crime and human rights abuses, the Center for Victim and Human Rights relies on our volunteer law clerks to help us accomplish our mission of empowering victims.  Thus, we selected Hayley Kemp, volunteer law clerk and student at the Robert H. McKinney School of Law, for this month’s Volunteer Spotlight.

Here is what we learned about Hayley:

What initially sparked your interest in volunteering as a law clerk for the CVHR?
I became interested in the CVHR because of their goals to help victims. My experiences in Uganda, Africa working with child soldier victims made me seek opportunities to help victims of violence in my own country. The CVHR was a natural choice as a place to work and aid victims in a legal professional setting.

What are you most excited to do or accomplish as a law clerk for the CVHR?
I am most excited to aid clients wherever I can and learn as much as possible while at the CVHR.

What has been your favorite part about being a law clerk for the CVHR?
My favorite part thus far about being a law clerk for the CVHR is the team atmosphere and the ability to ask questions in order to advance my knowledge about representing victims.

Best vacation you’ve been on?
The best vacation I have ever been on when I went to Italy for the first time to meet my mother’s family.

Do you have a favorite quote?
“I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” –Susan Sontag

Motto or personal mantra?
“Follow your arrow to where it points.”

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us?
I was extremely active in my sorority, Pi Beta Phi, during my undergraduate career at Franklin College.

What are three career lessons you’ve learned thus far?
The first career lesson I have learned is the importance of consistency. At the CVHR, the clients can come and go quickly and without consistency files can become confusing, especially to other team members. Second, I have learned more about how to maintain my emotions when dealing with clients such as victims with troubled pasts. Lastly, I have been taught the importance of the work that the CVHR does for those who cannot afford legal representation otherwise.

What book did you read last?
I am constantly re-reading the Harry Potter series.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to read and golf in my spare time.

What was your favorite book, toy, or outfit as a child?
My favorite book as a child was and is to this day The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain.