Clinic Student Vanessa Peck: Dedicated to Serving the Underserved

Vanessa Peck, a third-year student at Widener University Commonwealth Law School, has made a significant impact through her work with the Central Pennsylvania Law Clinic, gaining hands-on experience while advocating for those in need.

A 2020 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in political science, Peck knew early on that she wanted to use her voice to help others. This drive to make a difference led her to pursue a legal career. “My desire to make a difference in society and advocate for others led me to law school,” said Peck, who hopes to focus on providing legal representation to individuals who struggle to access the legal help they need, whether in civil or criminal law.

Peck chose to join the law clinic for the opportunity to gain practical experience, knowing that it would provide a unique, real-world education. “The law clinic is well known for letting students take the lead with cases and really get involved firsthand,” she explained. “It offered me the opportunity to handle cases as if I were an experienced attorney, with the guidance of Professors (Mary Catherine) Scott and (Rebecca) Waldemar.”

Throughout her time at the clinic, Peck has worked on a variety of cases that have shaped her legal education in profound ways. From estate documents to divorce cases, she was exposed to areas of law she never expected to find interesting. However, it was the chance to go to court and represent clients that left the biggest impact. “For the first time, I truly felt like an attorney,” said Peck. “The work is not just about interpreting statutes; it's about real people facing life-changing struggles.”

Scott, associate clinical professor of law and director of the Central Pennsylvania Law Clinic, praised Peck for her leadership and commitment. “Vanessa will be an outstanding advocate when she graduates. She is motivated and thinks outside of the box,” Scott said. “In one of her cases, she was tasked with writing a response to a complex landlord-tenant dispute that required creativity and persuasion. Vanessa did an excellent job and put her client in a much better position than was initially contemplated.”

Peck's work at the clinic has been particularly rewarding, as she was able to witness the positive outcomes of the cases she worked on. “Seeing a case through from the initial client interview to final judgment is incredibly rewarding,” she said. “The clients appreciate the services we provide, and it’s fulfilling to know that my work made a real and positive impact in our community.”

While rewarding, working at the clinic has also been challenging. Peck emphasized the difficulty of taking on cases and learning through trial and error, especially when dealing with real clients. However, she credits these challenges with helping her develop critical lawyering skills. “It was intimidating at first, but those challenging experiences built my confidence and ability to be an effective and compassionate lawyer,” she said.

Scott added, “Vanessa does not shy away from volunteering for a case over and above what was assigned to her and was an excellent clinic leader to her colleagues. In her second semester taking the clinic, she was always available to answer any questions from the other law students who were new to the clinic, and she set the tone for professionalism and work ethic in the office.”

Peck also offered advice for students considering joining the law clinic: “Do it! I never once regretted my time there,” she said. “The experience was invaluable, and I learned so much not only about the law but also about building lasting relationships with my fellow interns and mentors.”

In addition to her work at the clinic, Peck is also an active member of the Women’s Law Caucus at Widener Law Commonwealth. While her time at the clinic has been largely volunteer-based, Peck views the experience as one that goes beyond a paycheck. She earned six externship credits through the clinic, but the lessons and experiences she gained have provided lasting value that extends far beyond financial compensation.

Peck’s journey through the law clinic has solidified her desire to serve those in need and to continue learning and growing as a legal professional. After passing the bar, she hopes to continue her work in public service, advocating for clients who otherwise might not have access to the legal system.

Interview was conducted in Winter 2025.