2022 PILG Fellows

Emily Leen, Connecticut Division of Public Defender Services

In the summer of 2022, I was fortunate to intern with the Connecticut Division of Public Defender Services in their New Britain office. The Division works to provide quality legal representation to indigent Connecticut residents facing criminal charges. It was an eye-opening experience and transformed my perspective on what I plan to do after graduating from law school. I had such a wonderful experience that I even returned this spring semester to the Juvenile Matters Unit of the New Britain office. I am incredibly grateful to have received a PILG fellowship and encourage all who are able to support PILG's auction this year.

Weston Stephens, Office of the Attorney General Public Safety Department

I interned with the Office of the Attorney General Public Safety Department. We primarily represented the Connecticut Department of Corrections and the Connecticut State Police. I enjoyed this work because we represented these state entities who face criticism in a manner that accounted for both sides' interests. This included ensuring COVID-19 precautions were being properly enforced pursuant to a settlement agreement.

Emma Beman, Commission of Human Rights and Opportunities

During my summer of 2022, I had the opportunity to intern at the Commission of Human Rights and Opportunities. The Commission works to eliminate discrimination through civil human rights law enforcement. During my time at the CHRO, I was able to both observe and participate in mediations and investigations. Additionally, I was able to hone my legal research skills while drafting various motions under the guidance of a number of wonderful attorneys. My ability to have this opportunity was, in large part, due to the PILG fellowship I received.

Max Clayton, Department of Justice's Environment and Natural Resources Division

I worked as a summer law clerk for the Department of Justice's Environment and Natural Resources Division last summer. This proved to be an incredible experience for me, as I learned from veteran DOJ attorneys and worked on important matters. I had the opportunity to write memos, draft motions, prepare trial documents, and observe high-stakes settlement discussions. I would not have been able to have this experience if it were not for the PILG Fellowship, and I am very thankful to PILG and those that gave to make this possible.

Additional Impact Statements

"PILG is incredibly important to the public interest law community and UCONN students because it helps create opportunities for students to obtain hands-on learning at organizations that are in need of help. My fellowship at CHRO prepared me to work directly with clients and I found I really enjoyed that direct interaction. Although I shifted my focus to immigration law, I still enjoy working directly with clients on their cases."

 - Lisa Herrera, Supervising Attorney at Northwest Immigrant Rights Project

"I have fond memories of the PILG auction with the whole UCONN community coming together for a great cause. When I received the fellowship I felt supported monetarily to accept an unpaid position in which I felt that I could make a difference in the community. At the US Attorney's Office that summer I was able to help on some civil rights cases that sparked my interest in public service. Clearly that interest jump started my career!"

- Assistant Attorney General Samantha Wong, State of Connecticut Office of the Attorney General

"For my 2L summer, I accepted an offer to work, unpaid, in DC at a non-profit called Legal Counsel for the Elderly.  There is no way that I would've been able to afford housing and live in DC for 10 weeks if it weren't for the generous PILG stipend that I received.  That summer, I helped to provide free estate planning services to low-income elderly individuals in their homes.  That experience paved the way to beginning my career at a non-profit and then taking a job as an associate attorney at a small estate planning firm.  Now that I'm in career services, I often find myself encouraging students to take advantage of opportunities out-of-state in order to maximize their law school experience, just like I was able to do." 

- Nicole Netkin-Collins, Director for Law Firms, Career Development Office at the University of Colorado Law School

"The Public Interest Law Group (PILG) Fellowship Program provided me the opportunity to intern with the Center for Children's Advocacy, a non-profit organization that specializes in legal advocacy for low-income children.  I came to law school with the specific goal of becoming a legal aid attorney and the PILG internship allowed me to gain meaningful experience working in a legal aid environment on children's advocacy issues including adolescent health rights, emancipation, special education, and juvenile delinquency.  For many students interested in pursuing a career in public interest, taking an unpaid summer internship is simply not a financially viable option.  The PILG Fellowship makes it possible for students to contribute to the community, obtain invaluable work experience, and pursue work they are passionate about.  Following graduation, I continued my public interest work as a Singer Connecticut Public Service Fellow with Greater Hartford Legal Aid, where I represented low-income clients in family and immigration matters.  My PILG Fellowship experience was an important step in my path to becoming a legal aid attorney and I am so grateful for that opportunity.  The PILG Fellowship Program is a vital resource for students planning to pursue careers in public interest, and I strongly encourage everyone to support the program in any way they can."

- Christy Gill, UConn Law School Class of 2018