The LAW Way

I arrived in Grand Rapids, Michigan not quite knowing what to expect—just the name of a judge, a calendar, and a strong sense that something meaningful was about to happen.

On my first day, they assigned me to an empty judge’s chamber and said, “Looks like we made you a judge on Day One.” We all laughed, but inside, I was moved. You see, before I ever set foot in a U.S. courtroom, I spent nearly 14 years in Venezuela’s judiciary protecting children’s rights. Sitting in that chamber felt like a full circle—like the universe was whispering, You belong here too.

This summer, through the ABA Business Law Section’s Diversity Judicial Clerkship Program, I had the immense privilege of clerking for the Michigan Court of Appeals under Judge Christopher Yates. I witnessed my very first trial in the United States—finally!—after six years of working as a civil litigation paralegal in Florida where, let’s be honest, everything just… settles. Watching a full trial unfold in the Court of Claims was like finding the missing piece of a puzzle I didn’t know was incomplete.

I also wrote a bench memo on a fascinating case involving conflicting appellate opinions—an exercise that sharpened both my analytical skills and my admiration for judicial nuance. But the real treasure of this experience was the people: Judge Yates, with his brilliant legal mind and human warmth; Andrew and Elizabeth, the dream team who made every day a joy and taught me more than they know. From the start, Judge Yates had been helping find placements for ABA clerks, but in the end, he said, “I’ll take her—if she’s willing to come to Grand Rapids.” That decision changed everything for me.

And Grand Rapids… oh, Grand Rapids. This city stole a piece of my heart. Everyone I met was so genuinely kind, curious, and ready to help. The pace was peaceful, the vibe creative and kind. Compared to Miami—my beloved, chaotic Miami—GRR felt like a place where people breathe before they talk. And maybe that’s why something unexpected happened: I found peace. And something even more unexpected… I found connection. Let’s just say, by the middle of my clerkship, I was ruling in favor of something I never anticipated: love.

This experience was more than just a line on my résumé. It was a turning point. It reminded me of why I chose this path in the first place—to learn, to serve, to grow, and to build bridges between past, present, and future.

To the ABA BLS team—Chad, Gina, and everyone behind this life-changing opportunity: thank you. Thank you for opening a door I didn’t know existed and letting me walk through it with purpose.

To Grand Rapids: I came for the law. I left with lessons, laughter, love, and a whole new outlook.

Until the next chapter, Lissie