AVA BERNIER

Versatile legal assistant excelling in legal document drafting and client communication. Adept at managing case files and conducting thorough legal research, I effectively support attorneys in achieving favorable outcomes. Recognized for my organizational skills, tenacity and commitment to timely filings in complex immigration and civil matters.

• Pre-Law Society, Durham, NH - September 2024 - May 2026

Engaged in professional development, enhancing legal knowledge and networking with industry experts., Spoke on panel discussions, and case study analyses to strengthen understanding of legal frameworks, advocacy, and career pathways in law.

• UNH Mock Trial, Durham, NH

Developed and presented legal arguments as an attorney in simulated trial competitions., Researched case law, rules of evidence and legal procedures to build persuasive arguments., Drafted opening and closing statements, direct and cross-examinations, and legal briefs., Refined public speaking, critical thinking, and persuasive advocacy skills through structured legal debates.

• Air Pollution, Article 21, and Continuing Mandamus in India, Research Paper

 Conducted in-depth legal analysis on the constitutional right to life under Article 21 and its judicial link to environmental protection., Critiqued India's failure to enforce air quality laws as a form of constitutional malpractice, integrating case law and policy analysis., Proposed the application of continuing mandamus as a long-term judicial mechanism to ensure state accountability and enforcement of environmental protections.

• Direct Democracy, Comparative Analysis, Research Paper

Showcased knowledge of democratic system by analyzing the impact of direct democracy on political participation., Expanded analytical, research, and critical thinking skills while synthesizing complex concepts.

• Undergraduate Research Conference, Contestant, Durham, NH

Presented original research on the impact of political party affiliation on attitudes towards electing women to positions of power., Analyzed partisan biases and effect on gender representation in political leadership., 01/24, 05/24

• Sortition Democracy Research Paper

 Authored a research paper on sortition democracy, exploring random selection of political representatives as an alternative to elections., Demonstrated strong research, critical analysis, and persuasive writing skills in presenting complex democratic concepts.

• Insanity Defense, Critical Analysis, Research Paper

Explored the intersection of mental health and legal accountability, analyzing ethical and legal complexities., Developed critical analysis, legal research, and persuasive argumentation skills through in-depth study.