Gabby Renae

This summer I worked with the Parent Child Advocacy Division at Portland Metropolitan Public Defense. This summer has been a profoundly transformative period in my legal career, marked by two pivotal experiences that have significantly deepened my understanding of both juvenile delinquency and dependency law.

One of my most rewarding achievements was successfully arguing a motion to dismiss in a dependency case. The case involved a mother whose situation had escalated to the point where her children were at risk. Through meticulous preparation and advocacy, I demonstrated that the mother had engaged in the necessary services, addressing both her own needs and those of her children. I effectively showcased that the safety concerns originally present had been resolved, leading to the dismissal of the case. This experience was not only a triumph in the courtroom but also a profound lesson in the impact of legal intervention on family dynamics and child welfare.

Equally enlightening was my work on a motion to suppress evidence in a juvenile delinquency case. The core issue was that the juvenile in question had not been afforded their Miranda rights during an interrogation. By presenting a compelling argument that the violation of these constitutional protections compromised the integrity of the evidence, I succeeded in having the evidence suppressed, which resulted in the dismissal of the case. This experience underscored the critical importance of procedural safeguards in protecting the rights of juveniles and reinforced my commitment to ensuring justice is upheld in every aspect of legal proceedings.

Through these cases, I have gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of both juvenile delinquency and dependency law. The hands-on experience has not only enhanced my legal acumen but also deepened my appreciation for the complexities involved in advocating for vulnerable populations. As I move forward in my legal career, these experiences will serve as a cornerstone of my practice, shaping my approach to cases and reinforcing my dedication to justice and advocacy.