Alissa Neuman
During her time at the public defender’s office at the George N. Leighton Criminal Court Building, 3L Alissa Neuman has learned most of its young clients aren’t inherently bad, but need guidance.
Neuman is the summer 2012 recipient of the Jack Carey Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded three times a year to law students clerking at the Cook County Public Defender.
Neuman received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology at Northern Illinois University, but decided to pursue law knowing that having a law degree would take her career a step further. Interested in going into criminal defense, Neuman knows it’s an area of law that truly helps people. “It’s a job that needs to be done and you actually have an impact.”
Many of the clients Neuman interacts with are young. She believes most of them don’t intend to get involved in illegal activity, but just that they hit a rough spot. Neuman likes to help these youths to target and overcome any criminal tendencies.
A 711-licensed student, Neuman will be working in the Felony Trial Division with Assistant Public Defender Mark Douglass. She is the 30th recipient of this $2,500 scholarship.
Neuman is currently working as a legal clerk for attorney Timothy J. Fiscella, writing appellate briefs for criminal matters and assisting in drafting pre- and post-trial motions, as well as administrative tasks.
Her volunteer experience includes working with Metropolitan Tenants Organization, offering advice on tenants’ rights, and Opportunity Knocks, helping young adults with developmental disabilities.
