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.

Maya Grey Opens Up About Her Summer At Legal Aid of Marin

Maya Grey is originally from Layfette, California in the East Bay. She attended UCLA as an undergraduate. This past summer she worked at Legal Aid of Marin.

Why did you choose law school, and why USF in particular?
I believe that the law is one equalizing factor for those in poverty and so wanted to gain the skills necessary to help enact social justice on a wider scale. I decided to go to USF because it has so many clinics and is committed to positive social change.

What kind of work did you do this summer or what type of projects did you work on?
I helped low-income and elderly people obtain legal advice, representation, and other community assistance. I did intakes with clients, wrote demand letters, assisted in judicial proceedings, and performed other work that will help our clients achieve the solution to their problems.

What do you find most inspiring about the work you are doing or the organization you are working for?
I loved meeting with community members and seeing the direct positive impact our work can have on their lives. I think it’s inspiring that Legal Aid of Marin is committed to trying to improve the social and legal affairs of Marin’s neediest residents.

Are you interested in public interest legal work as a career? What sort of law would you like to practice?
I am still not sure what I want to do after I finish law school but I know that I want to work in the public interest sphere in some respect. Whether it’s as a child advocacy lawyer, a legal aid worker, or an associate at a plaintiff’s firm, I see myself helping the community through public interest work.

Our thanks to all of the volunteers, donors, and sponsors who are helping us raise funds for PILF grants, enabling students to do legal work in the nonprofit and public sectors this summer. We look forward to seeing you at the Auction on Friday!

Didn’t get your ticket in advance? Don’t worry! You can still register at the door.

More info about the Auction here.

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.

She Knows What She Wants.  3L, Lauren Winkler Recounts An Inspiring Summer Working in Washington, D.C.

Lauren Winkler is from Slidell, Louisiana, just outside of New Orleans.  She attended Southeastern Louisiana University as and undergraduate where she majored in English with a concentration in creative writing.  This past summer she worked at the Indian Law Resource Center in Washington, D.C.

 
Why did you choose law school, and why USF in particular? 

I chose law school because I wanted to impact the world in a big, positive way. Before attending law school, I was interested in international human rights issues, and I was involved with my campus’ chapter of Amnesty International. USF was my first choice because of its focus on public interest law and its international human rights clinic. I felt compelled to be part of a community that was focused on helping others.

What kind of work did you do this summer?

This summer, I worked at the Indian Law Resource Center in Washington, D.C. The Center’s mission is to protect indigenous peoples rights in South, Central, and North America. Specifically, the office in Washington is involved in international indigenous peoples rights and provides legal representation for communities to help protect land rights and cultural sights, and it helps in promoting tribes’ cultural preservation.

I worked largely on litigation.  I researched and drafted documents having to do with the Rapa Nui case, which will go forth in the Inter-American Commission. I also worked on a case based in Guatemala. In addition to litigation, I worked on the American Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, a project of the OAS. I also worked on other domestic policy issues regarding the implementation of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the United States.

What do you find most interesting about the work you are doing or the organization you are working for?

I think the most inspiring thing about my work is the people I work with. Not only are my supervisors incredibly knowledgeable and experienced in the human rights field, but they are passionate about the issues even after doing it for thirty years. Sometimes in law school, one’s view of the world becomes hyper-focused on resume-building or to-do lists, and we forget why we enrolled in the first place. Working at the Indian Law Resource Center has reminded me of my passion and has made me realize that I will be able to help people in a big way.

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. Ultimately, I want to practice Indian law and develop domestic Indian policy as well as international indigenous peoples rights policy (basically, exactly what I’m doing at the Center).

]]> http://wordpress.usfpilf.org/2011/11/01/spotlight-on-2011-pilf-grantee-lauren-winkler/feed/ 1 http://wordpress.usfpilf.org/2011/10/31/spotlight-on-2011-pilf-grantee-david-truong/ http://wordpress.usfpilf.org/2011/10/31/spotlight-on-2011-pilf-grantee-david-truong/#comments Tue, 01 Nov 2011 02:13:45 +0000 USF PILF http://wordpress.usfpilf.org/?p=586 Continue reading →]]> 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, David Truong Spent His LA Summer Steeped in Dependency Law

David Truong is from San Diego.  He attended UCLA as an undergraduate.  This past summer he worked at Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers Inc.

Why did you choose law school, and why USF in particular? 

I wish to get into public interest work dealing with low income and immigrant groups. USF was a school with a dedication to public interest work.

 What kind of work did you do this summer?

I represented parents in dependency law cases, helping parents work towards maintaining a family instead of having their children go into adoption and foster care.

What do you find most interesting about the work you are doing or the organization you are working for?

I find it inspiring when despite the harsh acts some parents have committed that has caused their children to be taken away, they quickly realize what is at stake and reform their ways.

Are you interested in public interest legal work as a career? What sort of law would you like to practice? 

I am very much so interested in public interest work as a career and would like to get into Civil Rights

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.

Rei Teng Talks About Her Summer at San Francisco Bay Area Legal Aid.

Rei Teng is from Taiwan. She attended FuJen Catholic University in Taiwan as an undergraduate. This past summer she worked in the San Francisco Bay Area Legal Aid office in the domestic violence unit.

Why did you choose law school, and why USF in particular?

I wanted to be in California because I cannot stand cold weather at all, as I grew up in a tropical island. USF is known for its commitment to social justice and public interest, which I am particularly drawn to.

What kind of work did you do this summer?

I worked with domestic violence victims. I assisted them throughout the whole proceedings and helped them get a fresh start in their lives. Our help starts from getting a restraining order, divorce, custody of minor children, child support, spousal support, to property division.

What do you find most interesting about the work you are doing or the organization you are working for?

A majority of the lawyers that work at Bay Area Legal Aid went to top law schools like Harvard or Yale. They didn’t choose a career path that will earn them a lot of money; instead, they choose to devote themselves to social justice and public interest work. I sincerely admire their work ethic. They care about our clients, both as attorney, and as friends.

Are you interested in public interest legal work as a career? What sort of law would you like to practice?

Yes. I would love to pursue a career in public interest. I would love to work with violence victims, immigrants, and other minorities.

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.

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.

Jennifer Snyder Opens Up About Her Dedication To Public Defense

Jennifer Snyder is from San Jose and attended UC Irvine as an undergraduate.  This past summer she worked in the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office.

Why did you choose law school, and why USF in particular? 

One of the most rewarding experiences of my life was interning with the Orange County Public Defender. I experienced impoverished clients accused of heinous crimes.  I know the enjoyment and satisfaction that public defenders feel.  It was so gratifying to be able to contribute to these individuals’ lives, to stand up for them, and potentially improve their outcome.  My experience with the Orange County Public Defender was one of my sole motivations for going to law school. I cannot see myself doing anything else other than indigent criminal defense. I chose USF because of its emphasis on public interest.

What kind of work did you do this summer?

I worked with an attorney in misdemeanors, including domestic violence misdemeanors. I attended court, did interviews in jail, motions for court, transcripts, trial binders and more.

What do you find most interesting about the work you are doing or the organization you are working for?

I most enjoyed the courtroom drama — the highs and lows of winning and losing. However, public defenders are motivated by a desire to help those who society has essentially abandoned. I understand that one of the most difficult aspects of indigent criminal defense is working with people who live on the margins of society and entering their lives at particularly bad moments.  I understand that compassion and empathy are vital to effective representation.  Public defenders are able to look beyond the person accused of an illegal act and seek out the humanity within.

Are you interested in public interest legal work as a career? What sort of law would you like to practice? 

 Ideally, I would love to work as a public defender after graduation. Regardless, I plan to practice within the public interest field.

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.

From Architecture to Criminal Defense: 2L Elizabeth Pearce Opens Up About What Motivated That Career Change.

Elizabeth Pearce lived in New York City before coming to San Francisco for law school.  She was an undergraduate student at Barnard College at Columbia University.  This past summer she worked in the Contra Costa Public Defender’s Office in Martinez, CA.

Why did you choose law school, and why USF in particular? 

My undergraduate degree was in architecture, and while I am fascinated by how buildings and urban design shapes our world, I realized that I missed working with people. I believe the law provides a practical way to interact and help people who are most in need. I chose USF on a bit of a whim, I wasn’t planning on leaving the East Coast, but many friends and mentors told me I would love San Francisco. I looked up USF and the more I read about it, the more I knew it was a perfect fit for me – a small, supportive school, with a strong public interest core.

What kind of work did you do this summer?

I worked on motions for various attorneys in the office. My first motion had to do with destruction of evidence, and my second was trying to sever counts against my client so that he can have two separate trials. The attorneys around the office wanted to make sure we got a complete sense of the job, so we also joined them on jail visits, watched preliminary hearings, and even got to help with jury selection.

What do you find most interesting about the work you are doing or the organization you are working for?

Some of our clients have never had someone tell their story or fight for them. Being able to serve this role, by visiting them in jail, hearing their side of the story, and writing motions on their behalf for the court is inspiring and invigorating.

Are you interested in public interest legal work as a career? What sort of law would you like to practice?

This summer allowed me to have a first-hand look into the criminal justice system and the work of a public defender. While there were difficult and challenging days, I hope and plan to continue doing public criminal defense work throughout law school and after I graduate.

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 Palmer Talks About International and Human Rights Law

Matthew Palmer is from Manhattan Beach, California.  He attended UCLA as an undergraduate.  This past summer he worked at The Center for Justice and Accountability (CJA), an international human-rights organization.

Why did you choose law school, and why USF in particular? 

I wanted to obtain a skill to help those in need. I was particularly interested in International Human Rights Law and chose USF because of its clinic programs, its summer abroad opportunities, and its commitment to social justice at home and abroad.

What kind of work did you do this summer?

I worked on a variety of cases holding individuals accountable for major violations of international law including genocide, torture, and crimes against humanity under a federal law known as the Alien Tort Statute. The ATS is a civil statute that allows alien plaintiffs to sue in U.S. courts for torts committed abroad. CJA’s attorneys represent plaintiffs around the world from Somalia to Cambodia.

What do you find most interesting about the work you are doing or the organization you are working for?

This area of law is incredibly interesting because it raises very complex issues of evidence and civil procedure that we have been studying over the past two years. Many of the issues have created circuit splits and are ripe for Supreme Court interpretation. Finally, the work is inspiring because I know that my contributions are helping bring justice to many victims of human rights abuses around the world.

Are you interested in public interest legal work as a career? What sort of law would you like to practice? 

I am 100 percent committed to a career involving public interest work. I am hoping to stay involved in international human rights law or to move into the area of juvenile dependency.

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.