Shaina Autumn-Polin

Columbia Law student seeking employment in indigent defense work beginning August 2025. 

With over five years of experience in both trial and post-conviction advocacy, I have engaged directly with the criminal legal system and those most affected by it. My introduction to criminal law began in 2019 as an intern at a defense firm while studying full time at Washington State University. After earning a double major in Criminal Justice and Sociology, I deepened my commitment to defense work as a paralegal at a defense firm in Spokane. These formative experiences reinforced my desire to pursue a legal career dedicated to advocating for those facing systemic injustice.

During law school, my commitment to public defense has only intensified. Other than taking almost every criminal law class offered, I have volunteered with participatory defense, worked with incarcerated individuals wrongfully charged and convicted of crimes, and successfully advocated for the release of an involuntary psychiatric patient in court this past summer. My academic success, including CALI Book Awards in Criminal Law and Constitutional Law, and Whitney North Seymour Medal awarded annually to the student with the greatest promise of becoming a distinguished trial advocate, reflects my strong analytical skills and deep understanding of the legal issues central to public defense.

Columbia Law School, New York, NY

Juris Doctor, expected May 2025

University of Florida, Levin College of Law, Gainesville, FL

August 2022 – May 2023

Washington State University, Pullman, WA

Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, received May 2021

Majors: (1) Criminal Justice & Criminology, (2) Sociology

                        Student Conduct Board