Alissa Osberg ‘24 has been named a George Barrett Social Justice Fellow for the Vanderbilt Law Class of 2024. The Barrett Fellowship will fund Osberg’s work with the DC Volunteer Lawyers Project.
Osberg’s appointment as a George Barrett Social Justice Fellow was announced by Dean Chris Guthrie. The Barrett Social Justice Fellowship honors the legacy of renowned Nashville civil rights attorney George “The Citizen” Barrett ’57 by enabling a Vanderbilt Law graduate to carry out a one-year public interest project under the supervision and sponsorship of a host organization. The law school funds the fellow’s salary and health insurance at the host organization.
Osberg interned in the Family Law units of Colorado Legal Services and the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau. She also participated in the Youth Opportunity Clinic and completed an externship in the Family Law Unit of the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands.
As a Barrett Fellow, Osberg will provide representation and advice to survivors of domestic violence in order of protection hearings. DC Volunteer Lawyers Project provides comprehensive legal services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual assault, and other forms of gender-based violence, and to vulnerable children living in dangerous situations.
“I came to law school to become an advocate for families disadvantaged by the justice system. This fellowship is exactly the work I hope to pursue throughout my career, as I plan to focus my career on ensuring that survivors are not only able to access the courts, but also be heard in an empathetic and empowering manner,” Osberg said. “In this role, I will learn from seasoned domestic violence attorneys and advocates and gain valuable experience in the courtroom and through partnerships with community organizations.”
At Vanderbilt Law, Osberg served as a Managing Editor on the Vanderbilt Law Review and the Legal Aid Society Auction Co-Chair. She also participated in Mock Trial and Moot Court.
Osberg earned her bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University, majoring in Psychology, with minors in English and Women’s and Gender Studies.
