Founder Sophie Alcorn loves mentoring students. So when LawyerUp invited her to facilitate an online discussion with students in its ScholarUp summer program, she jumped at the chance. The students were so inspired by Sophie that they named themselves the “Alcorn Scholars.”
Established just a few months ago, LawyerUp is the brainchild of founder and CEO Umeesha D’Alwis, an energetic and enterprising student at Pepperdine University. After losing three internship opportunities due to COVID-19, she created LawyerUp. LawyerUp’s ScholarUp program provides virtual legal internships to students around the globe.
“I am so impressed not only by Umeesha’s tenacity and the grassroots effort of students helping other students, but by the fascinating points of view and experiences that the student participants brought to the table during our discussions,” says Sophie.
Each week, LawyerUp’s ScholarUp summer program exposed students to a legal issue in a small group session moderated by a legal expert. The students discussed timely topics, such as the impact of landmark cases, the legalization of drugs or guns, and diversity and inclusion in the law. Students created an article, presentation, video, or other creative work on each topic. At the end of each week, each group nominated a student for outstanding contributions. From the group of nominees, one was selected as the week’s “Featured Scholar.” The Featured Scholar’s work was published on LawyerUp’s social media platforms.
Alcorn Scholars Impress
For ScholarUp, Sophie facilitated a discussion on privacy and security with a diverse group of eight students. They were all between the ages of 16 and 18 and all from the U.K. The Alcorn Scholars impressed Sophie and made her proud. At the end of the ScholarUp program, the Alcorn Scholars had earned more Featured Scholar titles than any other group.
“My discussions with the Alcorn Scholars left me with an immense feeling of confidence in these future leaders,” says Sophie. “If they’re given a chance, I’m sure they will succeed at building the future of their dreams.”
Sophie’s experience with the Alcorn Scholars has had a lasting impact. That experience coupled with the experience that prompted a YouTube Live stream she did to discuss the implications of the F-1 student visa ban led her to create Community for Global Innovation (CFGI) with David Valverde Vargas, the founder of Pranos.ai. CFGI, a nonprofit, that brings companies and individuals around the world together to stand in solidarity with international students, bound by the belief that everyone deserves a chance to succeed.
“I’m humbled by the huge response to our CFGI initiative,” says Sophie. “I appreciate all the companies and individuals committed to helping international students succeed.”
More About Sophie
Sophie believes in overcoming borders, expanding opportunities, and connecting the world. She earned the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization’s Certified Specialist Attorney in Immigration and Nationality Law designation. And she is one of the 10 best immigration lawyers in California. She contributes to TechCrunch and hosts the podcast Immigration Law for Tech Startups. She has been featured in the New York Times, The Atlantic, Business Insider, The Financial Times, and Teen Vogue.
Sophie is passionate about empowering individuals to build the life they dream about. She believes that everybody deserves that chance.
About Alcorn Immigration Law
Established in 2015, Alcorn Immigration Law has become Silicon Valley’s premier immigration and nationality law firm.
Alcorn Immigration Law received the 2019 Women’s Business Enterprise Award for Excellence. Attorney and Practice magazine named the 2020 top immigration law firm for startups in California. In 2020, Martindale-Hubbell awarded Alcorn Immigration Law its highest rating for professional excellence in legal knowledge, communication skills, and ethical standards.
The Alcorn Immigration Law team can help you build the life of your dreams. Contact us for a consultation.
