From Vevay to NYC: Switzerland Co. grad to serve as assistant district attorney in the Bronx

(NEW YORK CITY) – A Vevay native is far from home but is using her upbringing and experiences to help others in the legal system.

Ariel Oeffinger has just graduated from the New York Law School with her Juris Doctor.

Once she completes the Bar Exam she will be working as an Assistant District Attorney at the Bronx District Attorney's Office. 

“I'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,” she said. 

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.

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.

“It 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,” she said. 

Ariel has also seen how growing up in Switzerland County has benefited her even in the big city. 

Although her law school counterparts grew up with more resources, the work ethic that was instilled in Vevay has helped in a big way. 

“The 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,” Ariel explained.

She added, “My dad would always say this quote, ‘Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.’” 

Oeffinger says her long-term goal is to work in advocacy roles and she hopes to one day work in appellate advocacy. 

College Accomplishments 

The 2019 Switzerland County grad earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs from Indiana University in 2023. 

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. 

The small town girl took a big leap of faith when she decided to attend New York Law School in Manhattan. 

“It 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,” she said. 

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. 

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. 

Here are the various organizations and accomplishments she’s had while in New York:

• Order of the Barristers

• Helen and Andrew Dokas Memorial Award for Excellent Achievement 

• Student Ambassador 135th Anniversary Award 

• Moot Court Association Member and Competitor 

• Trial Competition Team, Executive Board Member, 2x Competitor 

• Co-President, Criminal Law Society 

• Vice President, First Generation Professionals 

• Student Bar Association, Senator 

• Wilf Impact Center for Public Interest Law - Affiliate & Rappaport Student Fellow

• Harris Keenan and Goldfarb Advocacy Certificate 

She added, “The reality is that I came from a very different background with far less opportunities and resources than a lot of my peers here in law school. But the values I learned in Switzerland County helped me keep right up with anyone.”