Associate Attorney
Litigation Lead
Vanessa is an Associate Attorney at ODU Law Firm, LLC, and joined the firm early in 2023. In short time, she has taken the lead on our firm's litigation practice. Vanessa previously worked as a complex litigation attorney for AM Law “Top 20” law firms, including one of the largest litigation firms in the world. She counseled businesses on compliance, labor and employment, data privacy, and intellectual property matters.
Now, Vanessa uses her skills to protect individual workers in a variety of employment rights matters. Her legal practice focuses on women's rights issues and protecting the state and federal rights of individuals who have been discriminated against in the workplace. She has also played a significant role in the firm's operations and growth initiatives.
Vanessa is a graduate of Harvard Law School, where she earned several Dean's Scholar Prizes. During her time there, she worked as a student attorney for the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau offering pro bono legal services to marginalized communities.
Prior to law school, Vanessa earned her undergraduate degree at Harvard College, where she graduated with high honors. She then worked as a paralegal in the Boston office of a nationally recognized law firm. While her academic and career accomplishments are impressive, Vanessa's personality and character are what stand out the most. Vanessa is most fulfilled while serving those who have been historically underrepresented and underserved.
Vanessa is the daughter of immigrants and is fluent in Spanish. She grew up in Florida spending time on Debate teams and earning her Black Belt in Taekwondo. With her partner, Melissa, and their dog, Dora, she now calls Rhode Island home after years in California and Massachusetts. She is licensed to practice law in California and her admission to Rhode Island and Massachusetts is pending.
Education
Harvard College, B.A. with High Honors in Sociology
Harvard Law School, J.D.
Honors & Activities
- Harvard Law School Dean's Scholar Prizes
- Harvard Law School Ames Moot Court - Semi-Finalist
- Harvard Gender Violence and Discrimination Policy Workshop – Amicus Brief Chair
- Harvard Latinx Law Review – Article Editor
- Harvard Legal Aid Bureau – Student Attorney
- Harvard College Albert M. Fulton Thesis Prize for Best Undergraduate Honors Thesis
Bar Admissions
- California
