The William Wayne Justice Center for Public Interest Law is pleased to welcome three Public Interest Scholars to Texas Law’s Class of 2029: Ali Arwani, Karina A. Cavazos Gonzalez, and Luke Staffelbach. Selected for their records of service and commitment to pursuing careers in the public interest, the incoming scholars bring experience in government, community organizing, immigration advocacy, refugee services, and public defense. They were chosen through a competitive selection process that included interviews with a faculty committee.
“Ali, Karina, and Luke have already demonstrated a deep commitment to serving others and addressing barriers to justice,” said Nicole Simmons, director of the Justice Center. “We are delighted to welcome them to the Texas Law public interest community and look forward to seeing how their experiences and perspectives shape their paths through law school.”
Meet the Class of 2029 Scholars
Ali Arwani – Equal Justice Scholar
Ali earned his BA in Politics from King’s College London in 2023. His work in government and nonprofit organizations has allowed him to serve individuals and families facing displacement, violence, economic insecurity, and barriers to public services.
Ali has worked as a committee aide in the Texas House of Representatives, an intern in the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence, and a refugee services intern with Catholic Charities. At Texas Law, he plans to prepare for a legal career expanding access to justice for vulnerable communities, particularly survivors of violence, immigrants, and working families.
Karina A. Cavazos Gonzalez – G. Rollie White Public Service Scholar
Karina A. Cavazos Gonzalez earned her bachelor’s degree from Rice University in 2022, where she studied political science and Spanish and Portuguese studies. She currently serves as a digital organizer with United We Dream, developing national advocacy efforts that engage millions of members and supporters on immigration policy and immigrant rights.
Karina’s lived experience and organizing work have shaped her interest in the relationship between law, community power, and social change. She plans to pursue a career advancing immigrant justice through movement lawyering and community-based advocacy.
Luke Staffelbach – G. Rollie White Public Service Scholar
Luke Staffelbach earned his bachelor’s degree from Rhodes College in 2021, where he studied Latin American and Latinx studies and Spanish. He currently works as a caseworker with the Travis County Public Defender’s Office, helping clients navigate homelessness, mental health challenges, and the criminal legal system.
Luke previously worked in refugee resettlement and immigration advocacy, experiences that strengthened his commitment to serving immigrant communities. He plans to pursue a legal career focused on immigration law and direct representation.
Investing in the Next Generation of Public Interest Lawyers
Karina and Luke were awarded G. Rollie White Public Service Scholarships, made possible through the generous support of the G. Rollie White Trust. The Trust’s longstanding partnership with the Justice Center has helped Texas Law recruit and support students who are committed to using their legal education in service of others.
“The G. Rollie White Trust’s sustained investment has opened doors for generations of students committed to public service,” Simmons said. “This support gives scholars like Karina and Luke greater freedom to pursue meaningful public interest experiences during law school and to build careers responding to the legal needs of communities in Texas and beyond.”