Immigration Services Attorney

Jess joined the Institute as an immigration services attorney in May 2026. She has extensive and varied experience in public interest law, serving as an immigration attorney, a migrant farmer advocate, a restorative justice facilitator and mediator, to name a few. Through these experiences, Jess has developed a passion for confronting the root causes of systemic issues through healing-centered processes and criminal justice reform.

Jess became interested in serving immigrant communities after years spent living abroad, which deepened her appreciation for cultural exchange and the challenges of navigating unfamiliar systems and adapting to new environments. She is excited to continue serving immigrant communities and to contribute to the Institute’s mission of welcoming and supporting newcomers.

She holds a JD from Mitchell Hamline School of Law, with a concentration in Alternative Dispute Resolution, and a BA in Religious Studies from Beloit College.