15 October 2025 • 2 minute read
Welcoming our newest Krantz Fellows
In the fall of 2024, we welcomed our 14th class of Krantz Fellows. Named after Sheldon Krantz, a retired DLA Piper Partner known for his deep commitment to pro bono, public service, and his mentorship of young lawyers, the fellowship allows two new Associates to dedicate their first year of practice exclusively to pro bono work.
Our 2024–2025 fellows, Rita Kuckertz (San Diego) and Deyanira Cuellar Sandoval (San Francisco), assist in a wide range of matters in the United States and internationally. Their work has included:
- Representing immigrants seeking safety and security in the United States
- Supporting survivors of domestic violence
- Assisting low-income tenants facing eviction
- Researching global topics ranging from menstrual health to forced migration
- Participating in impact litigation addressing criminal justice, food security, and prison conditions
“Our Krantz Fellows promote access to justice and address unmet legal needs in their communities while gaining valuable legal skills they will use throughout their careers.”
– US Pro Bono Partner Lisa Dewey (Washington, DC)
Rita Kuckertz
Rita is inspired by the opportunity to contribute to global pro bono initiatives through New Perimeter, while serving the legal needs of her local community in San Diego.
“It has been a pleasure collaborating with colleagues across the firm’s offices, legal aid organizations, and other pro bono partners, honing my ability to coordinate complex matters across large teams with shared objectives. I have found the breadth of substantive practice – case strategizing, brief writing, and courtroom appearances – deeply rewarding, allowing me to stand beside our remarkably resilient clients and help give voice to their strength and experiences.”
Deyanira Cuellar Sandoval
Deyanira’s lived experience has served to drive and inform her pro bono work within the fellowship.
"I have most valued being able to take on a wide range of projects that have deepened my legal skills and broadened my experience beyond what is typical for a first-year associate. One experience that has been both professionally and personally rewarding has been assisting asylum seekers in Brownsville, Texas, helping them apply for work permits and understand the asylum process on their very first day in the United States.”