Aby Rivera

Legal Intern

About Aby (she/her/hers)

School & Program: Columbia Law School, J.D.

Expected Grad Year: 2026

Favorite Food: “Mexican food is my go-to comfort food.”

Why did you decide to pursue a career in law?

My childhood, alongside my organizational experience, has taught me to be guided by values rooted in a commitment to community, a devotion to learning, and a dedication to a collaborative struggle for social justice. I decided to pursue a career in law to become a movement lawyer and continue advocating for justice alongside marginalized communities.

What do you hope to gain from this internship?

I’m looking forward to learning from the EarthRights team and the amazing work the organization is committed to. I hope to continue learning what it means to work at the intersection of law and peoples movements, and develop the skills I need to become a movement lawyer.

How did you first hear about EarthRights?

I learned about EarthRights through the Human Rights Institute at Columbia Law. As a 1L in their Advocates Program, I was introduced to various organizations and felt connected to EarthRights mission and the work that the organization is involved with.

How did you decide to apply for this internship?

My work with Friends of the Asociación de Trabajadores del Campo in Nicaragua deepened my interest in people’s movements and human rights work. I decided to apply because I wanted to be a part of an org. where the power of law works in collaboration with the power of people in defense of human rights and the environment. As someone who has learned from and been involved with people’s movements across Latin America I wanted to continue exploring my interests.