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.
Damon Paiz Spent His Summer Fighting Crime At The SF District Attorney’s Office
Damon Paiz is from Alameda, California. He attended UC Berkeley as an undergraduate. This past summer he worked in the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office.
Why did you choose to attend law school at USF?
I chose USF Law for its excellent reputation among local employers and firms.
What kind of work did you do this summer?
The District Attorney’s Office investigates and prosecutes crime in San Francisco and provides comprehensive services and support to victims of crime. There are special divisions that prosecute various types of corruption and white-collar crime, including real estate fraud, insurance fraud and financial fraud against elders.
During my internship, I assisted prosecutors with ongoing homicide trials.
What do you find most interesting about the work you are doing or the organization you are working for?
The level of commitment the Assistant District Attorneys demonstrated to public service was truly awe-inspiring.
Are you interested in public interest legal work as a career? What sort of law would you like to practice?
As a career, I am interested in working in the Intellectual Property field as it relates to copyright protection in online media.
