Law students Myranda Sandberg (left) and Madison Wadsworth are serving as law clerks at GN-IP this summer
This summer, two law students are joining GN-IP as law clerks to support the legal team’s work screening and investigating potential cases of innocence. Myranda Sandberg will be starting her 3L at Mitchell Hamline School of Law in the fall and graduating with her law degree in December. Madison Wadsworth is a rising 3L law student at the University of Minnesota Law School.
GN-IP: Tell us a little about yourself.
Myranda Sandberg: I am from Rice Lake, Wisconsin, a small, conservative town of about 8,000 people. I spend my free time snuggling with my cat, Bonito, and watching horror films with my husband, Martin (who is also from Rice Lake and who also graduated from Mitchell Hamline).
Madison Wadsworth: I am from a small college town called Logan, Utah. It's a really beautiful place, so I wanted to make sure whatever law school I attended had that same natural beauty. That's part of why I am at the University of Minnesota, where I’m focusing on criminal law and policy. When I have free time, I love to kayak, read, catch a stand-up comedy show, or practice the guitar.
GN-IP: Why did you want to work as a law clerk for GN-IP this summer? What attracts you to innocence work and criminal law?
MS: I grew up with a single mother and two older brothers—one of which was diagnosed with autism at a young age. My brother’s perseverance and uniquely fascinating mind led to my desire to learn about the human psyche. I completed my undergraduate program at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology. I took a class called Psychology and the Law, which sparked my interest in the Innocence Project when we learned about a proven false confession case.
I loved the intersection of psychology and the legal system, so I continued on to receive my master’s degree in Forensic Psychology. With a goal of becoming a licensed psychological examiner who could testify in court someday, I began to itch for more information on the criminal justice system. Like a proper true-crime junkie, I obsessively began listening to wrongful conviction podcasts and watching true-crime documentaries. I soon realized that to make a change in wrongful convictions, I needed to demand a voice in the courtroom. This is when I applied for law school.
I began working with the Innocence Project for a year-long course for school and loved the work so much that I decided to devote time this summer to continue volunteering. It is terrifying that an innocent person may spend years in prison because the criminal justice system failed them (and the community). This has continued to illuminate my determination to help those who fall victim to a broken system.
MW: I have been interested in criminal law and innocence work since I can remember -- I was always obsessed with "Forensic Files" and "Dateline." It never sat right with me how people are treated in the American criminal "justice" system. I think everyone accused of a crime deserves dignity, compassion, and zealous representation. They don't deserve disproportionately long sentences or a conviction record crippling them for life. This is true for anyone convicted of a crime -- but wrongful convictions represent the worst of our system's failures. No matter how long it takes, or how much work it requires, getting an innocent person out of prison is always worth it, and I feel I have a calling to do so. After taking Professor Julie Jonas' (former GN-IP Legal Director) Wrongful Convictions class, I knew I had to try and work for GN-IP, and thankfully she agreed.
GN-IP: What are you most looking forward to learning or trying during your time with GN-IP?
MS: This summer, since COVID restrictions have been lifted, I look forward to visiting more potential witnesses, meeting applicants in person, and reviewing cases with my supervisors at the office.
MW: So far, I have really enjoyed the investigation. Looking over a giant file and finding "holes" or new avenues to investigate is fun and it is so rewarding when you find the answer to your question. I am also looking forward to meeting with potential clients and witnesses and getting that hands-on experience.
GN-IP: What advice do you have for law students or future law students who are interested in criminal law and innocence work?
MS: To those who are skeptical of the flaws in our criminal justice system and to those who hold an interest in criminal law, I encourage conducting more research: listen to interviews, read through case files, watch documentaries, play podcasts, open conversation with others, and always ask questions.
MW: I think it can be easy to forget why you came to law school -- the stress can overshadow your passions. My advice is that no matter how busy you are, it is important to get involved, whether it be clinics, jobs, events, or other opportunities. For example, I also participate in the Second Chance Saturdays Expungement Clinic, and no matter how I'm feeling about school at the moment, helping people get justice reminds me why I'm here and allows me to keep pushing. Don't lose sight.