{"id":6286,"date":"2024-09-20T11:54:06","date_gmt":"2024-09-20T15:54:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.law.georgetown.edu\/human-rights-institute\/?page_id=6286"},"modified":"2025-05-12T11:07:52","modified_gmt":"2025-05-12T15:07:52","slug":"larson-binzer-protecting-human-rights-through-good-governance","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.law.georgetown.edu\/human-rights-institute\/careers\/hoyas-in-human-rights\/larson-binzer-protecting-human-rights-through-good-governance\/","title":{"rendered":"Larson Binzer: Protecting Human Rights Through Good Governance"},"content":{"rendered":"

Larson\u2019s passion for human rights was ignited in high school, when she volunteered with Traffick911, an anti-trafficking organization in Texas. Through her work with young people in juvenile detention facilities, Larson became intimately familiar with the troubling overlap between children who find themselves in foster care and juvenile detention, and those who become ensnared in trafficking. \u201cKids in juvenile detention facilities and foster care are some of the most vulnerable to trafficking because they are the ones often forgotten or neglected by our systems,\u201d she reflects. This early experience shaped two core themes that would repeatedly surface throughout Larson\u2019s internships, academic pursuits, and professional experiences: the deep interconnectedness of human rights issues and the urgent need for systemic reform to reflect and address this complexity.<\/p>\n

A Shift in Focus: from Cases to Systems<\/strong><\/h2>\n

During her sophomore year at New York University, Larson began an internship with former Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, a \"Blackpioneer in anti-trafficking legislation. Though Larson\u2019s internship and later fellowship with Congresswoman Maloney\u2019s office exposed her to a plethora of issues, a large portion of Larson\u2019s work involved immigration casework. Once again, Larson witnessed the enormous effects that being tangled up in deeply flawed systems of government bureaucracy can have on people\u2019s lives.<\/p>\n

After graduating from NYU in 2016 with a B.A. in Politics and Journalism, Larson joined Congresswoman Maloney\u2019s staff full-time as her Immigration Caseworker and Deputy Press Secretary. Following implementation of the Trump administration\u2019s \u201cMuslim travel ban\u201d in early 2017, Larson watched her immigration caseload soar from about 15 cases per week to hundreds. She worked tirelessly \u201ctrying to help this influx of people who were absolutely petrified and in truly dire circumstances get the protection they deserve,\u201d but kept running up against systems that were \u201cfalling apart and crumbling\u201d in her hands. Larson was incredibly frustrated that even as a government employee, she \u201ccouldn\u2019t do anything about it or even get information. There was no clear system. There were no protections in that moment.\u201d Frustrated by her government\u2019s failures and searching for a way to make real systemic change, Larson decided to go to law school at Georgetown.<\/p>\n

A Holistic Approach<\/strong><\/h2>\n

During her time at Georgetown, Larson deepened her understanding of the inherently interconnected nature of human rights issues. While initially focusing on anti-trafficking work, Larson leveraged Georgetown\u2019s diverse human rights courses and programming to expand her knowledge in various other areas of human rights. In doing so, she soon realized that \u201cno issue exists in a silo\u2014anti-trafficking work is intrinsically linked to immigration, housing, education, civil rights, criminal justice reform, prison reform\u2014issues that all intersect to create vulnerabilities to human rights abuses.\u201d Recognizing these interconnections, Larson understood that effectively combating trafficking, for example, requires a comprehensive approach that addresses these intersecting issues. \u201cYou can\u2019t just fix one issue area,\u201d she says, \u201cyou have to take a holistic approach, or it won\u2019t be successful or sustainable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Larson\u2019s passion for anti-trafficking work then led her to a 1L summer internship and 2L fall externship with two anti-trafficking organizations, where she gained invaluable hands-on experience representing trafficking survivors and engaging in state-level policy advocacy. She delved deeper into the critical intersections between juvenile detention and trafficking. \u201cTraffickers know where to look, and these kids who are coming out of juvenile detention and who are in foster care are just overlooked, neglected, and vulnerable to being manipulated.\u201d Through this work, her analysis of these complex dynamics informed policy solutions aimed at addressing the systemic neglect and maltreatment that expose these youth to exploitation.<\/p>\n

Shifting to Policy: a Path to Lasting Change<\/strong><\/h2>\n

During her 3L fall internship with the Special Litigation Section of the Department of Justice\u2019s Civil Rights Division, Larson confronted another form of systemic failure\u2014police department misconduct. She investigated patterns of misconduct and helped develop strategies to reform these practices. Although this work lay outside her primary focus on anti-trafficking, it deepened her understanding of the importance of systemic reform, providing her with invaluable insights into how entrenched issues can be addressed through legal and policy interventions.<\/p>\n

Larson spent her final semester at Georgetown in a legal clerkship with former Senator Patrick Leahy\u2019s staff at the Senate Judiciary Committee. Unexpectedly, she found herself immersed in the first impeachment trial of President Donald Trump. Though this was not the focus she initially anticipated, the experience reinforced her belief in the importance of transparent and accountable governance. Reflecting on the role, Larson noted, \u201cI learned a lot and was reminded once again that having a functioning democratic system\u2014free of corruption, with real checks and balances\u2014is crucial to advancing my human rights goals.\u201d This pivotal experience solidified her belief that policy work is where she can make the greatest impact as a human rights advocate.<\/p>\n

Knowledge, Flexibility, and Instinct<\/h2>\n

Larson emphasizes that knowledge is the most essential skill in her field. \u201cYou need to know what you know, stay diligent in keeping up with the news, and be thorough in understanding the subject areas you\u2019re involved in.\u201d However, she points out that flexibility is equally crucial\u2014being able to shift seamlessly from one task or area to another is vital, as unexpected challenges often arise. Larson also stresses the importance of instincts, which are honed over time by observing seasoned professionals and learning how they navigate complex situations. \u201cYou develop instincts for identifying what\u2019s a good idea, what\u2019s a bad idea, and how to respond in the moment. You don\u2019t always have the luxury of time to mull things over, so those instincts become critical.\u201d<\/p>\n

Always Seek to Learn<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If Larson could give advice to her law school self, it would be this: \u201cEven those who look like they have it all figured out often don\u2019t. Your career is an ongoing process of learning and growth\u2014it\u2019s iterative. If you enter a new situation and already know exactly how to handle it, you\u2019re not challenging yourself enough. Seek out experiences that push you to learn and grow. I used to believe that by a certain age or career milestone, I would have everything figured out. But that\u2019s just not how it works. With each new achievement, you\u2019re still learning and adapting. If you ever stop growing or finding new challenges, that\u2019s when you should be concerned. Continuous growth is essential.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joy Outside Work<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Outside of work, Larson finds joy in horseback riding, dancing, and yoga, which help center and energize her. Time spent with loved ones, especially those outside the field, is vital to her for grounding and maintaining perspective.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Written by Cameron Mulrooney<\/em><\/p>\n

Edited by Michelle Liu<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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