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, Jihan Spearman Breaks Down Why Exactly EJS Deserves Your Support
Jihan Emma Spearman is from Berkeley, and attended UC Berkeley as an undergraduate. This past summer she worked for the Equal Justice Society (EJS).
Why did you choose USF law school?
I chose USF for its smaller class sizes and more intimate environment. Its focus on public interest work was also important.
What kind of work did you do this summer?
EJS is a national strategy group heightening consciousness on race in the law and popular discourse. Using a strategy of law and public policy advocacy, cross-disciplinary convenings and strategic public communications, EJS seeks to restore race equity issues to the national consciousness, build effective progressive alliances, and advance the discourse on the positive role of government. At EJS, I supported new litigation efforts focused on unequal application of the death penalty as well as unequal access to public services. I was also involved in defending EJS’s recent award of summary judgment in the CalTrans case.
What do you find most interesting about the work you are doing or the organization you are working for?
EJS is incredibly innovative in that they use a multi-sector approach to solving racial inequality problems. EJS has a lot of integrity and treats their staff and allies with the upmost respect and compassion.
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 legal work as a career. I would like to work at EJS after graduation. My passion is to protect marginalized community groups and fight for them.
