‘You get to help people. That makes it worth it.’

Growing up, Holyoke High School senior Daniela Fierro developed a passion for debate, harnessed during a government class where her assigned political party emerged victorious in a clash on immigration. She declined comment as to her assigned party, but opened up further regarding events outside the classroom, where an initial internship has led to her being hired at Holyoke’s Kelley Law team.

She began work at the law firm in October 2022 through her school’s internship program, with the job secured through school counselor Summer Kreider. Fierro loved the idea of being a lawyer, which in turn gave her the inspiration to seek out her current path.

While Fierro sometimes worries whether her work is “adequate,” Kelley Law legal assistant Corrin Myers appears confident in the new employee. Fierro currently deals with paperwork, calls and people as assistant front desk coordinator.

“We are so grateful for Daniela interning and working with us,” Myers said. “Since she started, I have seen her develop her interpersonal skills, and become much more confident and capable.

“She is such a joy and an immense help to me especially. She runs the reception area, billing and drafts documents. She learns it so well, and I can add more and more to prepare her for her future ”

According to Fierro, Myers and firm Attorney Tamara Kelley are “super understanding” of her need to balance high school and work life, allowing her to work three hours as an intern and then “whenever they need me.”

“She has so much on her plate,” Myers said, referring to Fierro’s tests and scholarship applications. “We try to make it as easy as we can for her.”

Once she graduates high school, Fierro plans to complete her first two years of higher education through a community or junior college. Afterward, she is eager to transfer to either the University of Denver or Boston University for law school. Then, she intends to become a lawyer. She would love to see more people interested in the career of law.

“It is going to be a lot of school, but it is definitely worth it after school,” she said. “You get to help people. That makes it worth it.”

Her time at Kelley Law, Fierro said, has allowed her to develop “a really good relationship” with both Kelley and Myers. She intends to further “blossom the passion” of law in her life, she said, and continue toward the career of her dreams.

“I have no doubt she will have an exceptional impact to those around her,” Myers said, “so it is our job to do everything we can to assist her on her journey.”

Kelley Law, located at 216 S Interocean Ave., may be reached at 970-854-4529.