Law Clerk (2022)
Eli MacDonald is a third-year law student and 2023 J.D. Candidate at Quinnipiac Law School and a Summer Associate at FronteraTECH Law for the summer of 2022. Eli grew up in North Carolina and has lived in Central and South America where he developed a deeper understanding of, and connection to, immigrant communities in the US.
While living in New Orleans, Eli began working in immigration detention centers in the Southeast and quickly discovered a passion for defending immigrants facing removal and detention. Eli’s interest in the conditions and systems impacting individuals in immigration detention centers sparked a broader interest in various forms of humanitarian immigration relief and inspired him to attend law school.
Throughout law school, Eli’s commitment to immigration advocacy remained steadfast. Through work with the Quinnipiac Law School Civil Justice Clinic, Integrated Immigrant and Refugee Services (IRIS) in New Haven, and various other immigration practices, Eli consistently sought out opportunities to assist in the representation of immigrants in the New Haven area. Some highlights of his recent work include preparing and accompanying clients to Asylum interviews in Manhattan, working closely with clients on their VAWA and U-Visa petitions, and delivering opening arguments before a Connecticut probate court in support of a SIJS (Special Immigrant Juvenile Status) determination. Recently, Eli has developed an interest in family petitions and guest worker applications, further increasing his excitement for the world of immigration legal practice.
In summary, Eli possesses a deep interest in immigration law and looks forward to a long career advocating for those who willingly or unwillingly come into contact with the US immigration system.
In his free time Eli loves to spend time in the ocean, hiking, listening to live music, and getting overly invested in recreational sporting events.
