Yessenia Gutierrez ’26 is from South Florida and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a double major in Biology and Latin American and Latino Studies. This summer, she worked as a Peggy Browning Fellow with the United Auto Workers in Detroit, Michigan. She was thrilled to learn from one of the unions at the cutting edge of the labor movement and energy transition.
How did you find this summer opportunity?
The Peggy Browning Fellowship is very respected among the labor law community. The summer before law school, my friend suggested I apply, and once at Minnesota Law, one of my student mentors recommended it as well.
How does your experience connect with what you currently envision doing with your law degree?
I entered law school to become a labor lawyer, after six years working in labor, first as a union organizer then as a compliance investigator for the Philadelphia Department of Labor.
The UAW is a frontrunner for the reinvigorated labor movement. Interning with them this summer has been an unmatched learning opportunity, as well as a great working environment. I am trying to absorb every experience to sharpen my skills and hope to put them to use post-graduation advocating for labor in the Just Transition.
Please describe a “typical” workday on the job.
My days are mostly spent researching specific questions and writing memos to my supervising attorneys. I meet with attorneys as needed, to ask questions while researching or follow up on next steps.
During lunch, I’ve been able to attend several webinars, both through the Peggy Browning Fellowship and the Minnesota State Bar Association, such as “Organizing in the South” and “Ethical Considerations of AI,” respectively.
What is something you learned or experienced that was surprising or particularly compelling during this summer position?
Labor law is so expansive, and is frequently shifting, based on who the President appoints to the National Labor Relations Board and any SCOTUS cases. It reminded me that labor lawyers are only one support beam for the labor movement, an important one, but that the real strength of labor is in the workers. It is important for workers to be strong, organized, and independent, to withstand those political winds.
What are some key takeaways from the experience so far?
The UAW organized a tour of the Ford Rouge Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, as well as UAW Local 600. There, I learned about the Ford Hunger March of 1932, where five workers were shot to death by the local police. Learning more about this part of American history has boosted my interest in labor law. It is another example of the bravery and grit of workers, and their families, who have literally put their lives on the line to fight for a stronger and fairer economy.
How has your summer experience compared with your expectations?
My internship has exceeded my expectations. I have been able to research a broad swath of labor law and have met some incredible labor lawyers and fellow Peggy Browning fellows.
What advice would you offer another law student thinking about working in a similar position next summer?
I highly recommend law students interested in labor apply to the Peggy Browning Fellowship. I would also recommend working with a union and cannot recommend the UAW enough. Reach out to fellow students, professors, and practitioners, to learn more about their experiences and interests. Share your own passions and ask for their advice. Join a community, such as a student group or off-campus organization, that will cheer you on, and point you in the right direction.
How are you spending your free time this summer?
I am having an amazing time exploring Detroit, biking on Belle Isle, going to museums, keeping up with movie releases, trying to gain a green thumb, and crafting.
What are you most looking forward to in returning to Minnesota Law this fall?
I am excited to take classes in labor and environmental law. I also cannot wait to organize events with my amazing colleagues in the student groups I am a part of, including the Student Employment and Labor Law Association, Asylum Law Project, American Constitution Society, and Minnesota Plaintiffs Law Association.