This summer, the Barrow County Public Defender’s Office welcomed three pre-law interns who have spent the past several weeks gaining firsthand experience in indigent criminal defense. Returning interns Yinia Hernandez-Tavarez and Kenneth “Kenny” Aldana joined the office for another summer after making valuable contributions during previous internships, while Andre Grant joined the team for his first summer with the Barrow County Public Defender’s Office. Although each intern brings a unique background and perspective, they all share a common interest in criminal defense and a desire to advocate for individuals navigating the criminal justice system.
Yinia, a recent Berry College graduate, will begin law school at the University of Georgia this fall. Inspired by her work with Spanish-speaking youth in the juvenile court system, she developed an interest in public defense that continued to grow during her first summer with the Barrow County Public Defender’s Office. Returning for a second summer, she has continued building on that experience while preparing to begin her legal education.
Kenny, a rising senior at the University of Georgia majoring in Philosophy, also returned for a second summer after discovering a passion for criminal defense during his first internship. Before pursuing public defense, Kenny worked with the Federated States of Micronesia Football Association, where he became passionate about advocating for underserved communities and ensuring that those who are often overlooked have an opportunity to be heard. That commitment naturally led him to criminal defense, where he hopes to spend his career standing beside individuals as they navigate the criminal justice system. His commitment to advocating for those who are often overlooked has continued to grow through his work with the office.
Andre, who joined the office this summer, is a University of Georgia student majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science on the pre-law track. Andre transferred from Piedmont University after two years, where he excelled both academically and as an NCAA men’s soccer student-athlete. He has a strong commitment to serving underserved communities through organizations that support Spanish-speaking families and individuals experiencing homelessness. His long-term goals include pursuing a career in criminal defense while advocating for underserved communities, mentoring young people, and promoting rehabilitation and successful reentry opportunities within the justice system.
Throughout the summer, Yinia and Andre have been assigned to Superior Court, while Kenny has primarily worked in State Court. Working alongside our attorneys, the interns have reviewed discovery, conducted legal research, visited the jail to meet with clients and take applications for representation, assisted in court proceedings, and helped prepare cases for hearings and trial. As fluent Spanish speakers, all three interns have also played an important role in communicating with and translating for many of our Spanish-speaking clients, helping ensure they are informed and able to effectively communicate with their attorneys.
Their hands-on experience has provided valuable insight into the practice of criminal defense while reinforcing the importance of client-centered advocacy and equal access to justice. We are grateful for the enthusiasm, professionalism, and dedication Yinia, Kenny, and Andre have brought to the Barrow County Public Defender’s Office this summer. We appreciate their contributions to our team and look forward to seeing all three continue their legal education and future careers in public service.