2026 Interns

Adrian Alizadeh is a rising third-year at Penn State Dickinson Law. Adrian chose to return to the Shelby County Public Defender to follow up on the great work he was able to experience last summer, and to continue learning from the phenomenal mentors working at the office. This summer, Adrian hopes to be better situated to contribute more to a meaningful impact on the lives of our clients.

Michal Becker is a rising third-year student at Boston University School of Law. She holds an undergraduate degree in Economics and is interested in how legal institutions shape access to resources, opportunity, and fair outcomes. She is spending her summer at the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender because of its strong commitment to increasing access to justice and providing high-quality representation. In her free time, Michal enjoys painting and running.

Maddie Bell is a rising third-year law student at Notre Dame Law School. Maddie is returning to the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender for a second summer. As someone hoping to practice public defense in Tennessee, she is excited to continue to learn from such a passionate group of advocates. In her free time, she enjoys running, watching Formula 1, and growing her lego collection.

Cassandra Branson is a rising second-year at Texas A&M University School of Law. She chose to spend her summer at the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender because of her passion for fighting mass incarceration and over-policing, and because of her long-standing belief that everyone deserves robust legal representation regardless of socioeconomic class. In her leisure time, she enjoys hiking, the ballet, and finding new coffee shops.

Rachel is a rising third-year student at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Rachel chose to work at the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender this summer because she is passionate about ensuring the rights of all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic status, are protected. Rachel loves running, watching movies, and reality TV.

Kewe Chen is a rising second-year student at Cornell Law School. Kewe chose to spend her summer at SCPD because she wants to continue growing as a legal advocate for underrepresented communities, strengthening her commitment to public service. Kewe is also excited to come back home to Memphis. Her fun fact is that she’s tried fermented shark in Iceland!

Romaissa Ghenai is a rising third-year student at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and is originally from Miami, Florida. She brings a background in international human rights law and civil rights litigation, shaping her commitment to advocacy and accountability. Her interests reflect a dedication to advancing justice for individuals and communities impacted by systemic injustice. This led her return this summer to the Shelby County Public Defender’s Office, where she seeks to advocate for indigent clients and protect the fundamental rights of individuals navigating the criminal legal system.

Andrew Henton is a rising second-year student at the University of Wyoming College of Law. Andrew decided to intern at the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender because he felt called to return home and serve the city that shaped who he is. Andrew loves all things, sports and outdoors, especially playing soccer and watching the Memphis Tigers.

Lauren Igoni is a rising second-year student at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Lauren chose to work at the Shelby County Public Defender’s Office this summer to learn effective client advocacy and gain hands-on experience in indigent defense. In her free time, she enjoys baking and trying new restaurants.

Isabelle Janney is a rising second-year student at the University of Mississippi School of Law. Isabelle chose to work at the Shelby County Public Defender’s Office this summer because of her strong interest in public interest law and her desire to serve others. Something interesting about Isabelle is that she has a strong passion for the arts, including writing, music, and anything creative.

Natalie Johnson is a rising third-year student at the University of Mississippi School of Law. Natalie is working at the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender this summer to advocate for the underprivileged because of her passion for ensuring fair representation for all. In her free time, Natalie enjoys needlepointing, baking, and spending time with her chihuahua Noodle.

Madison Jones is a rising third-year student at the University of Mississippi School of Law. She is passionate about providing representation to indigent individuals and believes everyone deserves access to quality counsel, regardless of circumstances. This commitment has led her to the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender, developing her advocacy skills while serving those in need. Additionally, Madison is an excellent tap dancer.

Meagan Lovorn-Stauffer is a rising third-year student at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. For the past two semesters, Meagan has had the privilege of interning with the SCPD and is thrilled to continue this summer. She’s passionate about public interest work and hopes to build a career in indigent criminal defense. Outside of law school, Megan loves trying new Memphis restaurants and relaxing with reality TV alongside her husband and pets.

Vighnesh Mehrotra is a rising second-year student at Cornell Law School. Vighnesh came to the US for his undergrad in 2019 and has lived here ever since. Having never been in the South before, Vighnesh is very excited to learn more about Memphis and explore its culture (particularly its food). As an immigrant, Vighnesh knows how important it was to have someone in his corner standing up for him in judicial proceedings. He hopes to do the same for others. In his downtime, Vighnesh loves supporting Arsenal Football Club and reading Latin American fiction.

Lauren Mein is a rising second-year student at the University of Minnesota Law School. She is passionate about legal advocacy within the criminal legal system and is excited to support the work of the Law Offices of the Shelby County Public Defender this summer, serving members of the Memphis community. When she’s not studying, Lauren enjoys traveling, volunteering, and spending time with friends and family.

Theodore Mejia is a rising second-year student at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. He chose to work at the Shelby County Public Defender’s Office because of his passion for serving the community that raised him. Theodore is a former Americorps Member and has lived in three different states.

Chase Moore is a rising second-year student at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in Columbus, Ohio. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Chase previously worked in higher education leadership, where he supported students in navigating institutional policies and advocating for their needs. Chase is excited to join the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender to return home and serve the Memphis community while developing his skills in client advocacy and criminal defense. In his leisure time, Chase enjoys life coaching and traveling, exploring new restaurants, running, and spending time with family and community.

Zach Moore is a rising second-year student at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of law, holding undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Communication. He is committed to serving indigent clients and the community as a whole, and is eager to contribute to the Shelby County Public Defender’s mission of providing high-quality representation to those most in need. Zach is an avid sports fan—particularly of his Boston Red Sox—and has been to games at over half of the current (and a few demolished) major league ballparks.

Madison Motley is a rising second-year student at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Madison is eager to work at SCPD this summer to further expose herself to the structures of our local justice system. As a native Memphian, Madison is extremely passionate about being a resource and an asset to our community.

Elijah Oaks is a rising second-year law student at Columbia Law School. After graduating from Dartmouth College with a degree in English, he spent one year advocating policy reform in the criminal justice space. He is excited to return to his home state and continue his work in criminal justice with the Shelby County Public Defender’s Office this summer.

Matthew Phillips is a rising second-year student at William & Mary Law School. He chose to work at SCPD because he is a Memphis native and wants to positively impact his city by passionately advocating for the indigent community. Matthew is enthusiastic about literature and art, and he enjoys practicing his Italian language skills with the goal of eventually reaching fluency.

Ashlinn Queor is a rising second-year student at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Ashlinn chose to work at SCPD this summer because she is dedicated to advocating for defendants in marginalized communities and her goal is to ensure fair representation for all. In her free time, she likes to watch movies and spend time with loved ones.

Emily Rodabaugh is a rising second-year law student at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Emily chose to work at SCPD this summer because she has a passion for advocacy and strives to have a career dedicated to zealous representation of those within the criminal legal system. In her free time, Emily enjoys walking around the city with her dog Nova and working out.

Allison Rozear is a rising second-year student at the University of Connecticut School of Law. Allison is excited to get involved with public service, advocacy, and community support with SCPD. In her free time, Allison likes crafting, music, and hiking.

Luke Tankersley is a rising second-year student at the University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. My goal in attending law school and graduating is to work for the public defender's office to provide those in need with the proper help in navigating our complex legal system. Therefore, the SCPD offered the most complete and extensive option for aspiring criminal defense attorneys like me. My interesting fact would be that Mike Miller and I had a practice basketball scrimmage when I was in high school at his house.

Sabrina Treacy is a rising second-year student at Georgetown University Law Center and is thrilled to be in Shelby County this summer. Although she was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, and calls Brooklyn, NY home, Shelby County holds a dear place in Sabrina’s heart as her family originates from the area and the nearby Mississippi Delta. Aside from her studies, Sabrina, a dancer, attends ballet, modern, and yoga classes to maintain her skills and relax.

Khilan Walker is a second-year student at New York University School of Law, originally from Nesbit, Mississippi. He chose to work at the Law Office of the Shelby County Public Defender to make a meaningful impact advocating for justice in the marginalized communities he grew up in and around. In his free time, Khilan doubles as a chess enthusiast, aspiring fashion designer, and a sports fan who enjoys everything from youth games to the Pros.

Tylan Walker is a rising second year student at North Carolina Central University School of Law. Tylan has always had a passion for criminal defense and has been committed to serving his community. He aspires to be a strong advocate for individuals navigating the legal system, particularly those whose voices often go unheard. Tylan is excited to continue growing this summer as he prepares for a future career dedicated to justice and advocacy.