From the Law Library at Pierce Law, this week On the Stand, we have a staff member, Jenease Grieco. Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Jenease describes himself "1/8 Black, ¼ Italian and 5/8 Portuguese" -- a typical American.

At Pierce Law, he is responsible for the archival and preservation of all the periodicals in the library and the organization of the Government documents. He is a senior at the New Hampshire Technical Institute (NHTI) in Concord, where is majoring in paralegal studies. A work study job with the New Hampshire Supreme Court Library led to a recommendation for the government documents position at the Pierce Law Library.

Jenease says he is always urging students to take advantage of the library's government document holdings. “At Pierce Law Library we have all the information that our Government publishes through the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP). This is an honor and privilege, we must take advantage of all this information.”

Jenease says found his way to the legal field when he learned firsthand how perilous it can be to not understand how the legal system works. Several years ago, fearing his safety at home due to his sexual orientation, he sought asylum in the United States. While waiting in the U.S. for his application to proceed, he discovered too late that his attorney had taken his fees but never filed his application. Jenease was arrested and detained for 21 days until a new attorney was able to get his case opened. He now has permanent asylum status, but his experience left him wanting to make sure other immigrants do not get taken advantage of by unscrupulous attorneys.

Jenease's experience also taught him another lesson: “Follow you heart. There could be many rules and regulations, but doing what you think is right and standing for your values is the most important thing you could do for yourself and community.”