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.
3L Matthew Olsman Travelled to New Orleans This Past Summer To Tackle Environmental Law.
Matthew Jacob Olsman was born and raised in Los Angeles. He attended the University of San Francisco as an undergraduate. This past summer he worked for the Gulf Restoration Network (GRN) in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Why did you choose law school, and why USF in particular?
I wanted to be a lawyer since I was young. I chose USF because of my level of comfort with San Francisco, and the generous first-year scholarship the school offered me.
What kind of work did you do this summer?
I helped the GRN draft legal memos to send to the White House regarding future actions the Federal government can take to prevent future disasters like the Deepwater Horizon explosion last year.
What do you find most interesting about the work you are doing or the organization you are working for?
The most interesting thing about my work is learning the ins and outs of the various environmental law statutory frameworks that are in place, and how to use them to achieve a healthier planet and preserve the wetlands areas.
Are you interested in public interest legal work as a career? What sort of law would you like to practice?
I am interested in a career that will help people who need someone who understands the law. Whether that is a traditional public interest field or not, I’m not sure. Wherever my talents best serve those in need is where I want to be. I’m extremely interested in international criminal law, as well as environmental law and immigration law.
