October 11, 2011

Spotlight on 2011 PILF Grantee, Liz Aleman

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.

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October 9, 2011

Spotlight on 2011 PILF Grantee, Stephanie Huang

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.

Stephanie Huang Talks About Her Summer Internship With The Pro Bono Project of Silicon Valley

Stephanie Huang is from Los Angeles, California and graduated in 2008 from UC Berkeley.  This past summer she interned at The Pro Bono Project of Silicon Valley, a nonprofit legal organization that provides direct representation to clients with limited means.

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

I chose law school because I had worked in the Self Help Center in my senior year in college and really liked it. After trying a year in tax, which I hated, I decided I wanted to try to go to school again, and law school seemed like an interesting and challenging place to be. I’m really happy to be at USF, which is known for its public interest work and community service. I love that USF has students who are involved in the community, cooperative with and respectful of each other, and motivated to become excellent lawyers.

What kind of work did you do this summer, or what type of projects were you involved with?

The Pro Bono Project of Silicon Valley serves over 2,000 clients each year utilizing its own staff of attorneys and over 400 pro bono lawyers. Most cases involve family law matters (divorce, child custody and support, domestic violence and paternity) and guardianship, but there was also work with landlord tenant law and in the Federal Legal Assistance Self Help Project. The Pro Bono Project also holds a debtor’s rights/bankruptcy clinic twice a month. The Pro Bono Project offers training courses for attorneys and also helps staff a “Lawyers in the Library” weekly clinic for clients. I assisted Pro Bono Project attorneys in family law and guardianship cases, interviewed clients, prepared papers, conducted research and appeared in court to present motions under the State Bar of California’s Practical Training of Law Student Program.  The attorneys at the Pro Bono Project are collaborative group who are dedicated to their clients and public interest law.

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

I enjoyed my co-workers. They kept it light and laughed a lot, which is so necessary when you hear about some of the terrible situations our clients are in and what kind of lives they lead.

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

Possibly – I feel called to work in public interest, but I want to keep my options open. It’s really hard to think that I may be graduating law school $150,000+ in debt and then (possibly) working at a job that makes no money…. Plus, I’m interested in many different areas of law so it’s hard to choose just one to focus on.

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October 8, 2011

Spotlight on 2011 PILF Grantee, Kathryn Fraser

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.

Want To Work For The SF Public Defender This Summer?Kathryn Fraser Did And She Has Some Invaluable Advice For You.

Kathryn Fraser, from Seattle, Washington, attended Western Washington University as an undergraduate. This past summer she worked for the San Francisco Public Defender.

 


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

I have wanted to practice law ever since I witnessed a trial when I was 15 years old for a school English project. Since then I have understood the power that the state has over the individual in the criminal justice system. I chose USF because of the Public Interest Law Certificate program that is offered by the school as well as the focus of USF’s clinics and programs on the rights and dignity of individuals who, due to discrimination or economic status, are unable to protect themselves.

What kind of work did you do this summer?

At the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office interns are assigned to work with mentor attorneys. I worked with Mel Santos, an attorney in the felony unit with over 20 years of experience as a public defender. I had the opportunity to participate in every aspect of Mel’s practice this summer. I attended client interviews, prepared investigation requests, drafted various motions for court review and even attended settlement conferences in the judge’s chambers. Mel and I went to trial defending a 65 year old diabetic man faced with a life sentence under the three strikes laws for the alleged possession of 2 oxycodone pills.

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

During my internship interview with Kathy Asada she asked whether I had thought about applying for the District Attorney’s Office. I said I had not and she responded that was good, if we thought about the DA, the Public Defender’s Office is not where we belong. This is what I find most inspiring. All the attorneys I have talked to truly believe that every person accused of a crime in our country deserves zealous advocacy on their behalf. The San Francisco Public Defenders work hard every day to accomplish this goal through compassionate, creative and effective representation.

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

When people ask me what kind of a lawyer I want to be I always have to be careful with my answer. Know your audience they say. At first, I respond that I want to be a public defender. If it seems they appreciate this answer, I can expand and say that I would like to eventually work in criminal sentencing reform. But unless I am sure of their politics I usually don’t discuss abolishing three strikes, overhauling privatized prisons and reforming mandatory sentencing. I leave that discussion until we know each other better.

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October 6, 2011

Spotlight on 2011 PILF Grantee, Richard Burchett

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.

Richard Burchett, Jr. Spent His Summer Making Neighborhoods Safer, No Really….

Richard Burchett, Jr. is from Fresno, California and was an undergraduate student at the University of California, San Diego (Thurgood Marshall College). This summer he worked at the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office in the code enforcement division.

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

Civil and gay rights are what originally piqued my interest in attending law school. I had followed the LGBT community’s fight for equality and volunteered for the “No on Proposition 8″ campaign and Equality California before coming to law school. I have always been interested, and continue to be interested, in public interest work. Since starting law school my interests have broadened, but I still plan on a career that benefits the community. I chose USF because of its reputation for Public Interest Law.

What kind of work did you do this summer?
I primarily did research and writing related to the various cases on which my division was working. I also attended inspections, as well as task-force and community meetings with the deputy city attorneys of my division.

What do you find most inspiring about the work you are doing or the organization you are working for?
I was inspired by how the work the code enforcement division has a direct impact on the communities of San Francisco. Since starting in June, I have seen the division’s work lead to action that has made neighborhoods safer and has improved the quality of life of affected residents. The code enforcement division of the city attorney’s office is particularly involved in the communities of San Francisco, working with a variety of civic organizations to improve life and solve the problems affecting local residents.

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

My interest in working for the public interest has not changed since starting at USF Law. While I am keeping an open mind, I currently plan to work as a criminal prosecutor once I graduate.

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October 5, 2011

Spotlight on 2011 PILF Grantee, Maria Becerra

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.

Maria Becerra Breaks Down Her Summer Spent At the D.A.’s Office


Maria Esmeralda Becerra was born in East Los Angeles, but moved to Hernandez, San Luis Potosi, Mexico shortly thereafter. After kindergarten, her family moved back to southern California and settled in the San Fernando Valley. Maria moved to the Bay Area after high school and has lived here ever since. She attended U.C. Berkeley and obtained double Bachelor of Arts degrees in Rhetoric and Legal studies. This summer she worked at the Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office.

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

A great mentor of mine planted a seed in my head that not only should I be the first in my family to graduate from college but also should be the first to graduate from law school. Although he gave me the extra push, the interest arose from a personal experience with immigration laws. My parents were undocumented but received deferred action which authorized them to work in the U.S. However, with no other protection they were often victims of employment negligence, fraud, discrimination and violence. As a victim myself- my brother having been killed in a drive-by shooting- I felt that the quality of life for immigrants had to change and I wanted to be part of a solution. I came to law school to be a voice for justice and felt that U.S.F. was the perfect place for me. I also loved that U.S.F. was considered one of the most diverse law schools in the nation and was located in one of the best cities in the world.

 What kind of work did you do this summer, or what type of projects did you work on?

This summer I had the opportunity to work for the Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office. Volunteering as a law clerk in the Misdemeanor Unit provided me an opportunity to practice my writing, my oral skills and my ability to present evidence in court. On the second day of the internship I appeared in Traffic Court on behalf of the People to prosecute Traffic Infractions before a commissioner. Three days later I was at the Hall of Justice opposing seven motions to suppress.

Working at the District Attorney’s office was invaluable. Listening to passionate and skilled prosecutors talk about their work in developing the law in the areas related to Gangs, Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence and other issues affecting marginalized communities was inspiring. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the D.A.’s Office.

What do you find most inspiring about the organization you are working for?

There are many things I admire about the D.A.’s Office; however I would have to say that what I find to be the most fascinating and also the most important is their ability to define what justice is. The prosecutors are in charge of upholding the law on behalf of the people and this requires evaluating evidence, understanding the collateral consequences of criminal charges and taking into account the victims. They are essentially the ones who have the ability to obtain justice.

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

I am fully committed to public interest work. Although I am not sure what area of law I’m going to focus in I am interested in pursuing a career with the District Attorney’s Office. Alternatively, I am interested in immigration and family law. No matter what I end up doing, I know I will be engaged with the public interest community because it is dear to my heart.

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October 4, 2011

Spotlight on 2011 PILF Grantees

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, Liat Blum Recounts Her Summer Spent At Housing and Economic Rights Advocates

Liat Blum is from San Anselmo, California and is a graduate of Barnard College, the women’s college at Columbia University in New York City. She spent her summer working for Housing and Economic Rights Advocates (HERA), a non-profit legal service and advocacy organization dedicated to protecting all people from discrimination and economic abuses, especially in the realm of housing.

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

I wanted to attend a law school in the Bay Area with a strong focus on public interest law. Not only did USF appear to have many opportunities in this area but it also emanated a much warmer and more inviting feeling than other law schools that I visited.  In addition I found that USF had fantastic professors and offered many clinical opportunities.

What kind of work did you do this summer, any project in particular?

I am researching and writing memoranda about novel issues of predatory lending, managing a high volume of calls from people on the verge of foreclosure, preparing educational materials for community outreach activities, and supporting attorneys involved in impact litigation.

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

Advocating against predatory lending is an unusual area of a law but a very timely issue given the recent mortgage crisis. The issues that arise within this type of work are constantly in flux and the attorneys are always on the lookout for new case law and new ways to advocate.

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

Absolutely. That’s why I came to law school. Since participating in the Predatory Lending Clinic, externing with a bankruptcy practitioner and working at HERA, I’ve become more interested in making a career out of consumer protection and advocacy.

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October 2, 2011

Spotlight on 2011 PILF Grantees

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.

Back From London, Wendy Betts Talks About Human Rights Law

Wendy Betts is from Petaluma, California and attended the University of the Pacific for her undergraduate studies. This summer she worked at the International Bar Association Human Rights Institute in London.

 

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

Prior to starting law school, I worked with nonprofit organizations focused on strengthening human rights and the rule of law in developing countries.  I chose to attend law school to obtain the skills to have a greater impact in this area.  I selected USF because of its emphasis on public interest and social justice as well as its wide range of international programs.

2. What kind of work did you do this summer?

I conducted legal research related to international criminal law and war crimes trials, advocated for accountability for violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, and supported rule of law strengthening programs in developing countries.

3. What do you find most inspiring about the work you did?

I was most inspired by the opportunity I had to help shape international policy discussions related to the protection and promotion of human rights.

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

I would like to practice human rights law at a nonprofit organization with a global focus.

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September 29, 2011

Spotlight on 2011 PILF Grantees

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.

2L, Alicia Kauk Opens Up About Her Commitment to Social Service

Alicia Kauk was born and raised in Petaluma and graduated from UC Berkeley. She spent her summer at Health Legal Services, a nonprofit legal organization that removes barriers to health stability and secures justice by providing free, holistic legal services for low-income individuals living with HIV/AIDS and diabetes.

 

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

My studies as a social welfare major and a disability studies minor at Berkeley instilled in me the values of social justice and social service.  A personal journey through the U.S. healthcare system intensified my desire to uphold health rights.  I attended law school to pursue work as a social servant, and to uphold the rights of low-income, marginalized populations who are disproportionately underrepresented in the United States legal system.  I chose USF because of the school’s commitment to social service and social service.

2. Please describe the kind of work you did this summer, or the type of projects you are working on.

I facilitated client intake and provided assistance in a wide range of practice areas such as public benefits rights and insurance disputes, housing discrimination suits, estate planning, employment discrimination and reasonable accommodation matters, and breach-of-confidentiality issues.  As HLS emphasizes the value of outreach and education, I also volunteered at the Food Basket, provide seminars at HIV facilities, and participate in public benefits task force meetings.

3. What did you find most interesting or inspiring about the work you did?

I was inspired by the HLS attorneys’ unwavering commitment to the HIV/AIDS and diabetes communities, which are frequently overlooked as marginalized populations.  I was inspired by the passion in the HLS attorneys’ work and their selfless dedication to the public interest field.

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

I am committed to the public interest legal field.  I aspire to become a disability rights attorney and to advocate for equal health rights and equal access to healthcare.

 

 

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September 24, 2011

Spotlight on 2011 PILF Grantees

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 CHILD NEEDS MORE THAN JUST LEGAL HELP 

A former Oakland school teacher talks about how she spent the summer helping provide legal services to SF and Bay Area youth.

Jenifer Frudden is from Iowa City, Iowa and is a graduate of the University of Michigan. She spent her summer at Legal Services For Children in San Francisco.

 Jenifer Frudden is from Iowa City, Iowa and is a graduate of the University of Michigan. She spent her summer  at Legal Services For Children in San Francisco. 

Legal Services for Children (LSC) provides legal services to the youth of the San Francisco Bay Area. In  addition to staff attorneys, LSC has on-site social workers and are able to provide social services in conjunction  with legal services.

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

In my former life I was a middle school teacher in Oakland. I came to law school because I want to continue working with the diverse juvenile population that I served as a teacher. USF has a strong public interest community and I knew that by attending USF I would be heavily supported in my decision to pursue child advocacy law

2. What kind of work did you do this summer, any projects in particular?

As an intern at LSC I had the opportunity to attend Probate Court to observe dependency and guardianship hearings and to assist in dependency and guardianship cases. Additionally, I was able to attend Immigration Court and assist on LSC’s Detained Immigrant Children’s Project, with the possibility of representing a minor in a voluntary departure hearing. I wrote a memorandum of law on whether minors who are in court for truancy proceedings have a constitutional or other statutory right to counsel when they are locked up pursuant to a contempt finding. In addition to office work I had the added bonus of attending home visits to conduct client interviews.

3. Tell us something about the work you did that you found inspiring.

LSC has a unique holistic approach for dealing with juveniles and their legal and social issues. Children who need legal services often have other issues or concerns that have led them to seek out legal relief. LSC knows that a child needs more than just legal help and works side by side with social workers to ensure that their clients’ legal and social needs are met.

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

I would like to continue working in child advocacy.

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In the coming weeks leading up to November 4th we will continue to highlight our 2011 Summer Grantees.  To support students like Jeni you can make a donation using this DonationFORM.  Oh and click here more info about the Annual Auction.

 

 

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August 23, 2011

Welcome Back!

Well public interest lovers, it’s that time again! We at USF PILF hope that you are having a wonderful first few days of the 2011-2012 school year, whatever your class schedule may be.

If you are new to PILF, you may have had a few hiccups subscribing to our mailing list earlier today. The Web and New Media team has been hard at work on some website re-structuring, and we apologize for any trouble you may have had. Please try again, and let us know if you are still having trouble with your subscription.

We have some exciting things in store for you this year, not the least of which is an inside scoop on some of the exciting public interest jobs and projects that some of our fellow students have been working on over the summer. Stay tuned!

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