By far one of the greatest ways USF Public Interest Law Foundation helps to make an impact in our community is by providing grants to USF Law students who choose to pursue unpaid summer legal work. This past summer, 25 remarkable students were selected to each receive grants of $4,000.We are proud to offer these grants through the generous donations we receive throughout the year as well as through several fundraising events sponsored by USF and PILF.
Our largest fundraising opportunity is the Annual PILF Gala and Auction. This year’s Gala and Auction takes place on November 4th. As the Auction draws nearer, we want to take a moment to introduce our most recent 2011 Summer Grantees in the Q&A’s below.
A Summer Well Spent Working In Dependency Law For 3L Liz Aleman.
Liz Aleman is from Merced, California and attended the UC Santa Barbara as an undergraduate. This summer she worked at the East Bay Children’s Law Office.
Why did you choose law school, and why USF in particular?
I choose to come to law school because I felt called to be an advocate for the poor and indigent. I loved how USF supported this desire and actually encourages students to serve people and causes through lawyering.
What kind of work did you do this summer, or what type of projects did you work on?
This summer I worked in dependency law—the area that governs the child welfare system. EBCLO represents kids in foster care in Alameda County.
What do you find most inspiring about the work you are doing or the organization you are working for?
I love watching families change and grow. I also love interacting with children.
Are you interested in public interest legal work as a career? What sort of law would you like to practice?
I am interested in public interest law as a career. I would most like to practice dependency law.
