Feature Stories 2014: Justin Kadich: Awareness of immigration issues

‌Justin Scott Kadich JD '14, of Danvers, MA, has demonstrated a commitment to justice in the practice of immigration law. He worked at UMass Law's Immigration Law Clinic and organized a teach-in to raise awareness of local immigration issues.

‌What are your areas of interest in the study of law?

My fifth grade yearbook can confirm that I’ve wanted to be a lawyer since grade school. I’m interested in practicing immigration, criminal, and labor/employment law. I also have an academic interest in constitutional and national security law.

What have been the challenges of law school?

Law school is interesting, but challenging at the same time. The biggest challenges are devoting enough time to succeed and adjusting to a big change of lifestyle.

What have been some of your most rewarding experiences? 

My most meaningful experience in law school has been my work in the Immigration Law Clinic, where I successfully defended a lawful permanent resident from deportation and assisted other individuals obtain their visas. I’ve worked with a New Bedford community group to help victims of violent crimes, Mayan immigrants who were purposefully being targeted and attacked by local gangs. This spring, I also helped organize a teach-in at the law school to raise community awareness of immigration issues.

I've also served as Associate Editor of The UMass Law Review and as President of Outlaw, UMass Law's organization for LGBT students. Recently, we sponsored a visit from Maura Healy, candidate for Massachusetts Attorney General, who was instrumental in the state’s challenge to the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

What makes UMass Law special?

UMass Law's greatest asset is the faculty. The professors are highly knowledgeable, passionate about justice, and take the time to give students individual attention.

At UMass Law, there’s a sincere effort and commitment to the community. Students are more concerned about using their degree to positively affect the community than to make a lot of money. The strong sense of community and friendliness is refreshing.

At UMass Law, there's a sincere effort and commitment to the community. Students are more concerned about using their degree to positively affect the community than to make a lot of money.