Nellie Youssef
Pre-Law Student
ABOUT ME
Hello, my name is Nellie Youssef, a senior at the University of Arizona, where I've been on an incredible journey of academic and personal growth. The focus of my studies at the University of Arizona is criminal justice and psychology, with my academic journey guided and fueled by a profound passion for studying law and justice, the criminal justice system, and judicial procedures. Throughout my undergraduate career, I have seized opportunities to engage in meaningful coursework, collaborative projects, internships, and extracurricular activities that align with my academic and personal interests. As a dedicated student, I have excelled in my academic pursuits and taken various leadership roles to foster a community for like-minded individuals passionate about the same things as I am. These experiences outlined in my digital portfolio have allowed me to develop my professional skills and further my career while contributing to a vibrant academic and social community.
EXPERIENCE
Ta/Preceptor
Department of Planetary Sciences
Intern
Ferguson Hill Filous PLLC
Founder, Secretary, & Social Chair
Alpha Phi Sigma
Secretary & Social Chair
Criminal Justice Association (club)
Intern
Dallas County JP 4-1 Court
January 2023 - Present As an undergraduate TA/preceptor, I️ provide support both in and out of the classroom involved in specialized work within the Department of Planetary Sciences on an individual basis for students at the University of Arizona. Moreover, I have been appointed to assist in a large-class course similar to one that I’ve previously taken and recognizably excelled in. I️ uphold a weekly 60-minute individual office hour session, participate in weekly team meetings, grade student papers/projects, and function as an overall role model and additional classroom mentor for students. Additionally, I️ worked with the course instructor and a small teaching team consisting of myself, one graduate student, and one other other undergraduate student to plan and coordinate class experiences to meet the course objectives. On both an individual and team basis, the goal is to ensure that students have adequate opportunities to develop and facilitate tasks and activities identified by the instructor.
September 2023 - Present As an intern at FHF, I assist staff with time-sensitive work while also attending court hearings, client meetings, firm meetings, etc. I actively participate in the review and analysis of legal documents, including police reports, disclosure, and court filings under the guidance of staff. This postion has offered me hands-on experience in criminal defense law, allowing me to learn from the experienced attorneys to broaden my knowledge in the legal realm.
May 2023 - Present Along with the rest of the executive board of the Criminal Justice Association special-interest club, I founded the first Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society. The purpose of this group is to provide scholarships, job oppertunities, and a deeper understanding of the criminal justice field to recognize and aknowledge members' academic excellence.
April 2023- Present As part of the executive board for the special-interest Criminal Justice Association, I help coordinate club matters including but not limited to bi-weekly club meetings, field trips, social events, and guest speakers. The goal of the club is to educate members on the criminal justice field and prepare them for what they might expect or encounter in the field.
May 2023- July 2023 As an intern at the Dallas County JP 4-1 Court, I had the privelage of being an integral part of the judicial process, working in a dynamic legal environment. I assisted court clerks and staff with case management, case law research, and courtroom support, while also gaining observational learning from court proceedings and public interaction with various members of society as well as attorneys and litigants. Working closeley with judges, court staff, and law enforcement has exposed me to the diverse and complex aspects of the legal system, providing valuable insights into the real-world application of law.
EDUCATION
August 2020 - Present
The University of Arizona
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Candidate for Bachelor of Science, College of Social & Behavioral Sciences, May 2024
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Criminal Justice and Psychology focus
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Honors: Deans List with Highest Academic Distinction & Honorable Mention
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Criminal Justice Association, Executive Board
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Alpha Phi Sigma, Founder & Executive Board
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Alpha Phi, Member
Holmdel High School
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High School Diploma (received July 2020)
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Spanish Honor Society
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National Honor Society
September 2016- July 2020
WRITING PORTFOLIO
THE CONTENTIOUS CAPITAL PUNISHMENT SENTENCE This ten page academically aknowledged paper delves into the complex and contentious topic of capital punishment, examining its ethical, legal, and social dimensions. My goal with this paper is to shed light on the moral implications of taking a life as punishment for heinous crimes, as well as its efficacy as a deterrent to crime. Through a balanced analysis of historical and contemporary cases, legal precedents, and sociological data, this essay aims to foster a deeper understanding of the death penalty's role in our justice system and provoke thoughtful reflection on the principles of justice, human rights, and the potential for reform in the pursuit of a more just society.
AN EYE FOR AN EYE:
NATURE OF MURDER IN TUCSON & PIMA COUNTY:
FINAL ANALYTICAL REPORT This analytical report provides an in-depth analysis and examination of data from murders in Tucson and Pima County over a five month (semester) period. This report meticulously dissects the demographics, circumstances, locations, gender dynamics, relationships, etc. surrounding these tragic events. By drawing comparisons to data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) system, this analysis report not only sheds light on the unique patterns and trends within Tucson but also offers a broader perspective on how these incidents fit into the national landscape
2023 REPORT ANALYSIS The Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner's annual report serves the purpose of offering a comprehensive overview and analysis of the office's activities, specifically focusing on death investigations within Pima County, Arizona, and neighboring regions. My analysis of this report aims to outline the legal framework governing the reporting and investigation of deaths, and details the various types of cases handled by the Medical Examiner's Office. The report presents a thorough examination of the workload, including the number and types of cases, examination procedures (autopsy, external examination, death certificate cases), and statistical analyses for the year 2021.
PIMA COUNTY OFFICE OF THE MEDICAL EXAMINER'S REPORT:
CASE BRIEF PORTFOLIO
INCLUDES CASES: 1. Katz v. United States 2. United States v. Jones 3. Kyllo vs. United States 4. Lo-Ji Sales vs. New York 5. United States v. Santana 6. Perry v. New Hampshire 7. Miranda v. Arizona 8. Whren v. United States 9. Illinois v. Gates
SKILLS
Effective Written/Verbal
Communication
Strong Writing Skills
Creativity and Problem
Solving
Organization and Time
Management
Leadership
Emotional
Intelligence
REFERENCES
Steve Kortenkamp
Associate Professor of Practice - College of Science (Lunar & Planetary Labratory)
University of Arizona
Katie Filous Malka
Criminal Defense Attorney
Ferguson Hill Filous
Xavier Segura
Assistant Professor of Practice - School of Government & Public Policy
University of Arizona
ADDITIONAL INTERESTS
Law enforcement, Public/Private Criminal Defense, Courts, Criminal Justice Ethics, the Criminal Justice System, Judicial Procedures, Criminal Legalities, Reading and Writing, and Journalism.
