Rochelle Bogle, Class of 2024
After her past fellowship at a public defender’s office, third-year LSU Law student Rochelle Bogle decided to take a different approach to public interest law this summer. At the Georgia Innocence Project, a nonprofit organization that aims to represent the imprisoned innocent using newly discovered evidence, she has explored the “unique” world of innocence work.
“I knew that I wanted to do something where I could help real people,” said Bogle. “I am grateful for this opportunity because it has broadened my view of what I want to do in public interest law.”
Bogle assisted attorneys at the Georgia Innocence Project with investigation and trial transcriptions for cases like Sandeep “Sonny” Bharadia. Bharadia is currently serving a life sentence without parole. Bogle had the opportunity to meet Bharadia in person for his habeus corpus hearing that she was also able to attend. Meeting her client face-to-face was significant for Bogle.
“I got so much hands-on experience,” said Bogle. “I am grateful to have participated at the level I did with Sonny’s hearing and meet him in person.”
The Florida native knew it was impossible to make the seven-hour commute to Georgia every day, so she was especially grateful that her Public Interest Law Society fellowship eased the financial burden of participating in an out-of-state opportunity. Bogle realizes many students are unable to pursue public interest law internships because so many are unpaid.
“Funding fellowships will provide more opportunities for students to experience public interest law and, possibly, increase their chances of practicing it after law school,” Bogle said. “It’s contributing to good work and making a difference.”
Bogle plans to practice public interest law after graduation, concentrating on immigration law.
