Grace
Brunner
About Me
I’m a lifelong learner, forward-thinker, experienced youth worker, first-generation college graduate, and second-year law student at the University of Connecticut School of Law. I am working toward a career with opportunities to encourage, advocate, and invoke positive change.
RESUME
EDUCATION
University of Connecticut School of Law
Anticipated May 2025
J.D. | Certificate in Insurance Law + Regulation | Certificate in Human Rights
President & National Leadership Fellow, People’s Parity Project
Vice President, Health Law Society
Pro Bono Casework Volunteer, International Refugee Assistance Program
Student Judge & Intramural Competitor, Negotiation & Dispute Resolution Society
Outreach Chair, American Constitution Society
Secretary, Membership & Outreach Chair, Mental Health Committee
Outreach Chair, Labor & Employment Law Society
Head Campus Representative, Kaplan
Westfield State University
December 2021
B.S./B.A. | Biology, Health Sciences | summa cum laude | Minors in Chemistry, Psychology | EMT | 3.80
EXPERIENCE
Office of the Claims Commissioner, State of Connecticut
Summer 2024
Certified Legal Intern
Office of the Attorney General, State of Connecticut
Summer 2024
Certified Legal Intern
University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School
Summer 2024
Research Assistant
Insurance Law Center, University of Connecticut School of Law
Spring 2024
Research Assistant
University of Connecticut School of Law
Spring 2024
Teaching Assistant | Legal Practice: Interviewing, Counseling, and Oral Advocacy
Collaborated with Prof. Rachel Timm to design and implement classroom activities, including simulations and exercises, to enhance students' client interviewing, counseling, and oral advocacy skills. Facilitated small group discussions and provided individualized guidance to students during simulated lawyering exercises. Provided constructive feedback to students on their performance, emphasizing strengths and areas for improvement. Held regular office hours to provide additional support and clarification to students outside of class time. Fostered a positive and inclusive learning environment that encouraged active participation and collaboration among students.
Office of Health Strategy, State of Connecticut
Spring 2024
Certified Legal Intern
Conducted comprehensive reviews of Certificate of Need (CON) applications, ensuring adherence to regulatory criteria. Analyzed healthcare cost considerations, with a focus on cost-effectiveness and compliance with relevant guidelines. Evaluated commercial insurance payer contracts, coverage, and patient payer mixes to support informed decision-making. Prepared for hearings, contributing to regulatory efforts and ensuring effective oversight. Closely monitored healthcare cost growth benchmarks, preparing and organizing informational hearings for stakeholders. Collaborated in the analysis of payer contracts, identifying areas for improvement and alignment with regulatory standards. Contributed to the preparation for future hearings, anticipating and actively participating in regulatory processes.
Asylum + Human Rights Legal Clinic, University of Connecticut School of Law
Fall 2023, Spring 2024
Certified Legal Intern
Partnered directly with clients on pro bono asylum cases, offering support in navigating complex legal scenarios and ensuring comprehensive understanding of individual circumstances. Conducted thorough legal research on domestic and international asylum and human rights laws, analyzing case law, legislation, and policy developments related to immigration and refugee issues. Managed client interviews and case management, contributing to the preparation of asylum applications and related legal documents. Attended immigration hearings to gain practical experience and actively participated in presenting evidence, testimony, and arguments before the Asylum Office. Drafted various case documents, including asylum applications, client and witness affidavits, legal memoranda, and briefs, supporting asylum claims and appeals. Prepared responses to government inquiries, ensuring a comprehensive and well-informed approach to legal advocacy in asylum and refugee matters.
Office of General Counsel, UConn Health
Summer 2023, Fall 2023
Certified Legal Intern & Public Interest Law Group Fellow
Engaged in extensive and efficient legal research on Office of Health Strategy matters, specializing in Certificates of Need and patient bed reallocation. Observed and actively participated in medical malpractice settlement procedures under the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s Communication and Optimal Resolution (CANDOR) framework. Reviewed contracts and service agreements, ensuring compliance with relevant case law and state statutes. Proactively contributed to medical malpractice deposition preparation meetings, attended probate hearings, and participated in consultative processes. Drafted a variety of legal documents, including internal memoranda, answers to complaints, motions to dismiss, requests to revise, subpoenas, and policies for medical record digitalization. Ensured a meticulous and well-informed approach to legal procedures related to health strategy matters, combining research proficiency with active participation in various legal processes.
People’s Parity Project
2023, 2024
National Leadership Fellow