James Dail
Hi! My name is James, and I am one of Zinda’s summer law clerks. I grew up in Phoenix before moving to Los Angeles for college. I attended Claremont McKenna, where I got my degree in economics and government. I moved to Austin to attend law school at the University of Texas. When I’m not working, I enjoy exploring Austin’s bar and restaurant scene, watching football, and backpacking (backpacking the big three US trails from start to finish is on my bucket list!). I’m excited to have the opportunity to work at Zinda this summer!
Taylor Nkollo
Hi everyone! My name is Taylor Nkollo and I am a law clerk working remotely this summer! I was raised in Fort Worth, TX and went to the University of Oklahoma where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Letters- Constitutional Studies and a minor in Political Science. After graduating from law school, I moved to Washington D.C., where I worked as the Legislative Correspondent for Congressman John Lewis on Capitol Hill. I am currently a rising 3L at SMU Dedman School of Law in Dallas, Texas where I am the Co-President of the Black Law Student Association. When I’m not studying, I enjoy going to live concerts, watching, science fiction movies, bouldering, and competing in pageants. I am currently a local title holder and recently competed in this Miss Texas pageant last month. I am so excited to work alongside you all (even though its virtually)!
Ben Bejster
Hey everyone! My name is Ben Bejster and I am a law clerk with Zinda Law Group temporarily located in Austin. I am originally from Peru, IL. I attended Bradley University for undergrad where I majored in Philosophy, and I am currently a 3L at Indiana University. During my college years I developed a strong interest in all things digital marketing. I began doing freelance projects during my sophomore year and have been doing them ever since. I have done everything digital marketing related including email and social media, designing and developing websites, developing iPhone and Amazon Alexa applications, and implementing SEO strategy. I thought that would transition nicely into a legal career focused on transactional work, but I was wrong. Rather, my commitment to helping small businesses has now moved me to help every day people deal with the issues that affect their lives. Whenever I find free time, I enjoy hanging with friends and family, reading, and hiking. I am very excited to be down here in Austin and get to meet and work with everyone at Zinda Law!
Raelyn Schnappauf
My name is Raelyn Schnappauf and I am a Law Clerk in Denver, Colorado. I am originally from Point Pleasant, NJ and I earned my Bachelors in Politics at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. After undergrad, I accepted a teaching position through Teach for America in Nashville, TN, where I taught Freshman Seminar and 9th grade English for two years. While teaching, I also earned my Masters in Education. Although I continue to be passionate about education, I decided to transition to law school at the University of Denver. I’m currently a third year law student who is passionate about personal injury, medical malpractice, and mass tort law. As someone who suffers from lasting TBI symptoms, I can empathize and understand some of what clients endure after a collision or other accident. I am excited to continue learning more this summer about the practice of personal injury law and hope to meet more of you throughout the summer
Leigh McBride
My name is Leigh McBride, and I am a new law clerk/associate in the Austin office! I was born and raised in Wichita Falls, Texas, and I am super close with my family (Mom and dad celebrate their 33rd wedding anniversary on July 7, and my brother Charlie just graduated from Texas Tech and is moving to Dallas). I went to the University of Oklahoma for undergrad (Boomer) and just graduated from Baylor Law School a few months ago! Fun fact: I just ran my first half-marathon in Waco in March! I’ll start training for another one as soon as I get through the bar exam in July! Although I spent a little time in Austin last summer working for ZLG as a clerk, I want to know all your favorite Austin spots. Send me your recs for coffee shops, restaurants, running trails, etc.! I’m so excited to work with all of you!
Jaymi Furniss-Jones
My name is Jaymi, and I am a Law Clerk for Summer 2022 in the Austin office. My husband, James, and I live with our two pups, Roscoe and Wrinkles, just down the road in Cedar Park. We really love our community. I am a licensed Social Worker with experience in community health and healthcare settings. So, I am very excited to spend this summer advocating for ZLG clients with you all! I am a big music fan- my favorites include Jack White, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Zach Bryan. James and I love cheering on Round Rock Express and Austin FC. Prior to attending law school at Baylor, I enjoyed reading classic fiction and rock-n-roll biographies, but for now, I read only law. ???? Thank you for the incredibly warm welcome I have already received. I am happy to help in any way I can.
Marcela Perches
Hi everyone! My name is Marcela Perches, and I am a summer intern located in Austin, TX. I am originally from El Paso, TX but live in Boston, MA where I run Division, I Cross Country and Track at Boston University. I am a rising junior pursuing a degree in Philosophy and Psychology with a minor in Political Science. My future plans include attending law school (preferably somewhere in the east coast) where I’d specialize in criminal law. I consider myself a very adventurous person and love outdoor activities such as walking, paddle boarding, and biking. During the winter you’ll most likely find me at a museum or a coffee shop.
I am extremely eager to be working with such hard-working individuals here at Zinda and hope to gain lots of hands-on experience from this internship.
