![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bfed6a_1693a02905b74e3c8f4775ec65312958~mv2.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
(NEW YORK CITY) \u2013 A Vevay native is far from home but is using her upbringing and experiences to help others in the legal system.<\/p>\n
Ariel Oeffinger\u00a0has just graduated from the New York Law School with her Juris Doctor. <\/p>\n
Once she completes the Bar Exam she will be working as an Assistant District Attorney at the Bronx District Attorney’s Office.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI’ll start my job in September, and am excited to learn about what it really means to be an advocate and an attorney in the Bronx,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Oeffinger was just 12-years-old when she lost her father in 2013. That tragedy is one of the main reasons that led her to a law career.<\/p>\n
She recalls how he was one of her first true supporters and also remembers how her family struggled with the safeguard systems while mourning the loss.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt always felt like lawyers just spoke a different language, and it was one I felt called to learn. Our tragedy fostered a calling to make the law accessible and be an advocate for those who need me,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bfed6a_c5dcb4f9ebaf49aa9f3869b3bd5addb3~mv2.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Ariel has also seen how growing up in Switzerland County has benefited her even in the big city.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Although her law school counterparts grew up with more resources, the work ethic that was instilled in Vevay has helped in a big way.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe comments I have had at all of my jobs have been on my ability to be a self starter, learn on the job, and generally be a nice person to work with. I learned these things as a kid from my parents and the community,\u201d Ariel explained.<\/p>\n
She added, \u201cMy dad would always say this quote, \u2018Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.\u2019\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Oeffinger says her long-term goal is to work in advocacy roles and she hopes to one day work in appellate advocacy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
College Accomplishments\u00a0<\/p>\n
The 2019 Switzerland County grad earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs from Indiana University in 2023.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She was heavily involved in student organizations at IU including being the President of Phi Alpha Delta, Vice President of Women in Law, Student United Way, and worked at Ken Nunn Law Office as well as Indiana Legal Services.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The small town girl took a big leap of faith when she decided to attend New York Law School in Manhattan.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was really difficult when I first moved here for school. I didn’t understand the atmosphere and I didn’t understand law school. Eventually, I got the hang of things and I think the learning curve has made me a better person,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Law school has given her the opportunity to have internships with the Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York, the New York City Law Department, and most recently the Special Investigations Bureau of the Bronx District Attorney’s Office.\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/bfed6a_12d5c1babf7b450ea46e74cb083bbcf9~mv2.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Oeffinger says New York Law School has given her the opportunity to have a well-rounded legal education while also being able to focus on her advocacy passions.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Here are the various organizations and accomplishments she\u2019s had while in New York:<\/p>\n