Welcome OCVLC's Newest Staff Members

OCVLC is pleased to announce the addition of two attorneys to our staff: Yazmin Wadia and Nelly Wright. After spending nearly two years clerking for the Honorable David F. Rees in Multnomah County Circuit Court, Ms. Wadia comes to us with substantial knowledge concerning trial advocacy and court practices and procedures. A graduate of Arizona State University and Willamette University College of Law, she served as the Public Interest Law Project president and received a fellowship to aid migrant farmworkers in Woodburn. Ms. Wadia is passionate about protecting the rights of crime victims within the justice system. She will be working primarily with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Multnomah County.
 
Ms. Wright began working and volunteering at a domestic violence shelter in Columbia County, Oregon when she was in high school. Working with survivors of domestic violence at a young age ignited her interest in victims’ rights and advocacy. After graduating from Lewis and Clark College she attended Willamette University College of Law. In law school, Ms. Wright clerked for the Marion County District Attorney’s Office, where she specialized in violation of restraining order cases. After law school, she worked as a deputy district attorney for five years, where she specialized in domestic violence, animal abuse, and sexual assault cases. As a prosecutor, Ms. Wright had the opportunity to work closely with children and adult survivors of abuse. Outside of work, Ms. Wright enjoys fishing, gardening, and exploring the Pacific Northwest with her dogs and friends.

Last October OCVLC hired Amanda Burnett as their Victim Advocate and Administrative Specialist. Ms. Burnett graduated Cum Laude from Western Washington University where she was chosen as the Outstanding Graduating Senior for the Political Science Department. She began her career in advocacy with Allies in Change, where she gained extensive knowledge of the dynamics of domestic violence. Ms. Burnett is committed to supporting victims as they navigate the legal system and assert their rights.