Public Service Lawyering: Why Representation and Perspective Matters

Michaela K. Rossettie Azemi
Michaela Rossettie Azemi, Esq. is the Director of Pro Bono Services and
Externships at Cornell Law School. She is responsible for the development
and oversight of Cornell’s Pro Bono Program which includes managing the NY
State Pro Bono Scholars program, working with current students seeking NY
State Admission to achieve the requisite 50-hours of pro bono service, and
highlighting pro bono opportunities and achievements of law school alumni.
Ms. Azemi also manages Cornell’s Externship Program, overseeing student
experiential learning off-site, coordinating with placement organizations and
agencies, and teaching a required externship course for second- and third-
year students.

Ms. Azemi previously served as the Associate Director in the Office of Judicial
Engagement and Professional Development at Cornell Law School and as
both a Staff Attorney and Coordinator of Pro Bono Services for Legal
Assistance of Western New York, Inc. (LawNY®). Ms. Azemi received her B.A.
in Sociology and Women’s Studies from the University of Delaware in 2009
and her J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 2012
and was admitted to practice in 2013.