Advocating for Justice Across Boundaries

Third-year law student Will Gronefeld has always been drawn to stories—particularly those that reveal both resilience and injustice. Growing up in Cincinnati as the son of a Ugandan immigrant mother and a social worker father, Gronefeld's understanding of advocacy began early.

That belief has guided nearly every step of his legal journey—from helping families navigate local challenges to working on global human rights issues.

Long before law school, Gronefeld volunteered at a Latino Ministry Center in Cincinnati, tutoring and mentoring children while the children’s  parents learned about U.S. customs and civic life. “It was my first exposure to the challenges immigrants face,” he said. “And my first glimpse into what it means to stand up for someone else.”

That sense of purpose led him to the Ohio Innocence Project (OIP) during the summer after his first year at the University of Cincinnati College of Law. There, Gronefeld worked to investigate wrongful convictions and support clients seeking justice.

“OIP taught me that you’re not going to win all the time—maybe not even most of the time,” he said. “But every time you show up for someone, every time you advocate, it matters. You’re moving the ball forward, even if you don’t see it right away.”

The work demanded independence and courage. “At OIP, you learn to be self-directed,” he explained. “You figure things out on your own and ask for help when you need it. That kind of confidence prepared me for everything that came after.”

As his interests expanded, Gronefeld joined the Immigration and Human Rights Law Review, where he deepened his understanding of international law and refugee advocacy. His writing—particularly his blog post titled “Proving Their Identity: The U.K.’s Unfair Burden on LGBTQI+ Asylum Seekers”—strengthened his interest in global human rights work and motivated him to pursue related opportunities.

When Dean Haider Ala Hamoudi circulated an email about the Squire Patton Boggs Foundation Fellowship, Gronefeld saw an opportunity to bring his growing interest in advocacy to an international level. He applied and was selected for a summer fellowship with Human Rights First, a nonprofit that defends the rule of law and advocates for vulnerable populations around the world. For this role, Will received the Joe Brand Human Rights Fellowship, which supports students pursuing work in international human rights and public interest law.

During his initial interview with his future supervisor, Joshua Colangelo-Bryan, Gronefeld's work on the Immigration and Human Rights Law Review became a point of discussion. The two talked about his recent blog post and its exploration of international asylum law—reinforcing how relevant his academic experiences were to the work Human Rights First was doing. “I didn’t plan it,” Will said with a laugh. “It was just a perfect opportunity that appeared out of nowhere.”

Working alongside attorneys handling complex global cases, Gronefeld quickly discovered how adaptable his OIP experience made him. “The pace was intense,” he recalled. “There were days when my supervisor was in court or traveling, and I had to take the lead on projects. It was nerve-wracking at first, but it showed me that I could handle it.”

At Human Rights First, he researched and wrote about pressing global issues, including Ukraine, and collaborated with advocates working directly in conflict zones. “It was incredible,” he said. “I thought I’d just be writing memos, but instead I was contributing to real work that mattered.”

Gronefeld is quick to credit the mentors who have shaped his path. Carolyn Taggart, a partner at Porter Wright, was the first to encourage him to apply to law school. “She’s been there for every step,” he said. “Whenever I had doubts, she helped me see the bigger picture.”

He also points to his supervising attorney at Human Rights First, Joshua Colangelo-Bryan, for trusting him with meaningful work and introducing him to other advocates, including those assisting civilians in Ukraine. “He gave me confidence and reminded me that what I was doing mattered,” Will said.

That support network—combined with the encouragement of UC Law leadership like Dean Hamoudi and Assistant Dean Heather Crabbe who directs the Center for Professional Development—has fueled Will’s passion for advocacy both in the courtroom and abroad.

As graduation approaches, Gronefeld remains open to the many paths his legal career could take. “I definitely see myself in a courtroom,” he said. “Litigation excites me because it’s where advocacy comes alive. But I also want to stay connected to human rights work—whether that’s international or here at home.”

Ultimately, Gronefeld's motivation circles back to the values instilled in him by his parents: empathy, perseverance, and service.

“My mom came here to build a better life. My dad built a career around helping others,” he said. “That’s what I want to do too—use my education and my voice to make a difference.”

Assistant Dean Heather Crabbe reflected on Gronefeld's journey and the significance of his fellowship. “Being selected for the highly competitive Joe Brand Human Rights Fellowship is a remarkable achievement. The breadth of Gronefeld's academic and lived experiences continues to shape his ongoing resolve to advance human rights, and this fellowship has further strengthened his ability to create meaningful change through the law.”

Featured top image of Will Gronfeld by Joey Yerace/UC Law.