Degrees

JD, University of Maryland School of Law, Baltimore; MA, Norfolk State University

Short Bio

Vanassa Douglas, Esq., Career Counselor for the Loyola University New Orleans College of Law, received her Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law, in May 2005.

While attending law school as an evening student and after graduation, Vanassa was employed full time as a law clerk for the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG). Located in Washington, D.C., the BBG is an independent federal agency responsible for all U.S. government and government sponsored, non-military, international broadcasting.

Vanassa served as the legal and administrative assistant to the General Counsel and the staff attorneys. She worked with the office attorneys on various federal legal issues, including equal opportunity, civil rights, employment, government contracts, appropriations, copyrights, and legislation. Her duties involved working on cases for federal administrative hearings and for litigation in federal court. Furthermore, she also worked as student attorney in the University of Maryland's Community Development Clinic, assisting local residents with community development and revitalization matters.

Vanassa has also received a Master's of Arts in Urban Education, with an emphasis in Guidance and Counseling, from Norfolk State University. She has extensive experience counseling individuals in employment, educational and career planning, and in job seeking skills and professional development. Her background also includes experience as a trainer, facilitator, and instructor of adult education and training programs.

In addition to her counseling and legal experience, Vanassa also has a military background, having served as an officer in the United States Navy. Her naval experiences have included working as a Legal Officer, serving as the Director of an outpatient counseling, treatment, and education center, and working as an Assistant Inspector General. She brings to the Career Services Office experience in federal and state government, as well as in private industry.

As a Career Counselor in the Office of Career Services, Vanassa will be working with 2L's, as well as offering assistance to all students on the opportunities available in government and public interest law.

A New Orleans native, Vanassa has lived in California, Virginia, and Maryland, but she has happily returned home at last!