$227,956 In Grants Awarded to Students and Alumni Working in Public Interest Positions 62 students and recent graduates received grants this summer to support their work in public interest positions.

By Law Communications
July 8, 2026

44 W&L Law students received grants totaling $127,956 to support their work in public interest jobs this summer. In addition, 18 alumni engaged in public interest positions received loan repayment grants totaling $100,000.

The funds come from the Law School’s Path to Public Interest Program (PPIP). The program guarantees financial support for current students and graduates interested or serving in public interest and government careers. Public interest internships for current law students are typically unpaid, and recent graduates working in public interest positions do so at salaries below that of their counterparts in the private sector.

“W&L Law offers a generous continuum of public interest support to attract talented students and support dozens of them each summer in pro bono placements,” said Dean Melanie Wilson. “We want to ensure that we are exposing students to these careers and supporting those who choose this professional path, which is critical to a fair and just society.”

Components of PPIP include a $1.3 million endowment for public interest scholarships and up to $5,000 per student each summer for those working in qualifying government and public interest positions. Over $100,000 is available each year to support loan repayment for alumni during the first ten years following graduation. Alumni taking advantage of the loan repayment program in recent years have received on average $5,000 per year to help with student loans.

Below, several of the students working in public interest jobs this summer discuss their positions.

Elle Crawford ’28L

Hometown: Franklinville, New Jersey
Undergraduate institution: Roanoke College
Summer position: Research Intern at Hands off Cain – Rome, Italy

What are you doing?

I am conducting research for Hands Off Cain, a non-governmental organization, that works towards prison reform and a worldwide abolition of the death penalty. My research includes information about the death penalty, which countries employ it and how often, as well as those countries’ involvement with the UN and various human rights treaties.

What has been the highlight?

The highlight has definitely been living in Rome and getting to work for a cause that I feel so passionate about. I am so lucky to be able to spend my summer here, especially given the city’s rich legal history, while also learning about governments and legal systems outside of the United States. It has been an amazing way to expand upon what I learned during my 1L year!

Terius Madrigal ’28L

Hometown: Westchester, Ohio
Undergraduate institution: Miami University (Oxford, OH)
Summer position: Judicial Intern at the United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio

What are you doing?

I am researching complex legal issues, analyzing factual records, pleadings, and motions across federal cases. With my fellow interns, I am also drafting in-depth memos to support judicial decision-making. Finally, I am analyzing both criminal and civil courtroom proceedings, including pleadings, detentions, sentencings, mediation, dispute resolutions, etc.

What has been the highlight?

The highlights of my internship thus far have been listening to Judge Newman contemplate his sentencing decisions and explain his rationale to us, as well as getting to know and work with my fellow interns. It has truly been a wonderful experience that continues to teach me valuable lessons every day.

Madalynn Sprouse ’28L

Hometown: Roanoke, Virginia
Undergraduate institution: Roanoke College
Summer position: Judicial Intern at the Virginia Court of Appeals

What are you doing?

I have been helping edit draft opinions, reading through incoming cases to discuss with clerks, and writing bench memos for upcoming panels. I have also taken on several research projects for the judge I’m working for, ranging from issues in criminal appeals to contracts and admissibility of evidence.

What has been the highlight?

I have really enjoyed writing bench memos and being able to present my research to the clerks and hear their thoughts. It’s nice to be in a setting where I’m being exposed to appellate practice and working with individuals who go out of their way to give me meaningful work.

Lilly Freemyer ’28L

Hometown: Washington, DC
Undergraduate Institution: University of Wisconsin – Madison
Summer position: Legal Intern in the Office of FCC Commissioner Olivia Trusty

What are you doing?

I have been supporting the team on several policy issues including spectrum allocation, universal access, and ongoing proceedings in front of the FCC. I recently had the opportunity to work with Commissioner Trusty to prepare some of her remarks for the June Open Meeting.

What has been the highlight?

One highlight of the experience was the opportunity to tour the FCC Lab with Commissioner Trusty. The FCC lab tests digital devices before they enter the American market for possible negative health impacts, illegal interference and compatibility with hearing loss devices.