Lewis Roca Blog

We officially welcome our 2024 Diversity Legal Writing Interns who have joined us in our Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Tucson offices.

PHOENIX OFFICE

Sadie Red Eagle Law School: Arizona State University, Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law Undergraduate: Dartmouth College, B.A. American Indian/Native American Studies and Government Double Major

Sadie grew up in San Diego, California and Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Sadie is a citizen of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians and a descendant of the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, and Fort Belknap Assiniboine. Sadie graduated from Dartmouth College in 2019, with a double major in Government and Native American Studies. After college, Sadie worked at the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) for three years before attending law school at Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University.

Sadie's commitment to justice traces back to her upbringing in a family troubled with legal issues, where she witnessed several family members facing legal issues without proper representation. Sadie expressed, “Several of my relatives dealt with legal issues and often lacked proper representation. I recall instances where my relatives had to represent themselves simply due to a lack of resources.” This personal experience fueled her determination to become an attorney, with a focus on making the law more accessible, especially for those with limited resources.

As a second-year law student at ASU, Sadie hopes to concentrate in Federal Indian Law and Environmental Law. She aspires to contribute to a firm addressing these crucial issues, with future plans to work within the federal government on tribal issues. Sadie noted, “Studying Federal Indian Law gives people the opportunity to help Tribal Nations build and sustain their sovereign identity. This is what I want to do—contribute to the well-being of Tribal Nations as a whole.”

Choosing Lewis Roca as her professional home was a natural decision for Sadie, drawn by the firm's reputation in Indian Law and Gaming. Introduced to the firm by college friend Wyatt Williams and NCAI colleague Jake Schellinger, Sadie found inspiration in Lewis Roca's impactful work, making it her top choice.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Sadie enjoys keeping up with the Phoenix Suns and San Diego Padres. Her and her family often attend Native American powwow competitions across the United States and Canada, which has allowed her to travel to every U.S. state and Canadian province. Cooking and gardening also rank among her diverse set of hobbies.

LAS VEGAS OFFICE

Danyelle Baldwin Law School: University of Nevada - Las Vegas,  William S. Boyd School of Law Undergraduate: University of Nevada - Las Vegas, William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, BASc Hospitality Management

Danyelle, a California native who relocated to Nevada at the age of 2, has firmly planted her roots in the state. During her undergraduate studies at the UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, where her initial ambition was to pursue a career as a wedding planner, she discovered her passion for bringing joy to people through events. However, her career path took an unexpected turn when she secured an internship with one of her dream companies, uncovering the intricate legal aspects of the hospitality industry. This experience ignited her passion for the legal field, specifically in Labor and Employment law, leading to her decision to attend law school.

Currently in her second year of law school at UNLV, Danyelle is concurrently pursuing her MBA in Business Administration. Her ambition is to influence workers' rights through a preventative lens. Danyelle expressed, "In the realm of employee-employer conflicts, by the time litigation arises, it's often too late. My focus is on preventative measures, ensuring companies can navigate challenges without reaching the litigation stage." Her ultimate objective is to make history as the first female Chief Legal Officer for Disney.

Danyelle's choice of Lewis Roca is grounded in the meticulous research she conducted at UNLV. What set Lewis Roca apart was its emphasis on Labor and Employment law, coupled with its commitment to community involvement and pro bono work. She highlighted, "It impressed me to see Lewis Roca received the 2023 Pro Bono Law Firm of the Year by the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada."

Outside of her academic endeavors, Danyelle loves to support local businesses in Las Vegas and discover new restaurants. She has expressed that her favorite Friday activity involves visiting the indoor swap meet, where she enjoys meeting and connecting with local business owners.

TUCSON OFFICE

Ryan Shearson Law School: University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law Undergraduate: University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver

Originally from Chicago, Ryan's journey took him across borders and cultures. After some time in Toronto, Canada, he returned to Chicago for high school and later headed north for his undergrad at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, where he studied Cognitive Systems. Post-graduation, Ryan entered the tech world at Slack, where his work on data privacy fueled his passion for law, eventually leading him to the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law for his legal education.

Ryan's commitment to data privacy and protection comes from a broader vision of the legal implications of emerging technologies. His time at Slack, where he saw the need for progress in the United States, ignited his passion for this field. Reflecting on this, he notes, "I've always been fascinated by data privacy and protection, and working at Slack, I saw firsthand that the U.S. has a lot of ground to cover. It inspired me to dive into this field, recognizing that the U.S. is behind the times."

Choosing Lewis Roca as his professional home was a decision influenced by both personal and professional factors. The firm's reputation, positive recommendations from friends, and, crucially, its unwavering dedication to diversity initiatives aligned seamlessly with Ryan's values. Reflecting on his decision, he emphasizes, "Joining a firm that prioritizes diversity was crucial for me. In my life, and at just 26 years old, there have been numerous Supreme Court decisions that have impacted my rights as a gay man. Diversity of thought is indispensable in law, and that's what I found at Lewis Roca."

Looking ahead, Ryan envisions a lifelong commitment to navigating the complexities of new and emerging technologies within the legal landscape. In his free time, Ryan finds joy in reading, movie-watching, culinary exploration, hiking adventures, and a deep appreciation for the great outdoors.

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