$236,800 in Grants Awarded to Students and Alumni Working in Public Interest Positions 83 students and recent graduates received grants this summer to support their work in public interest positions.

By Law Communications
July 31, 2024

48 W&L Law students received grants totaling $137,300 to support their work in public interest jobs this summer. In addition, 35 alumni engaged in public interest positions received loan repayment grants totaling $99,500.

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.

“We are proud to support our current students and alumni in their pro bono and public interest pursuits,” said Dean Melanie Wilson. “Governmental and public interest legal work is an essential part of an effective democratic society, and these positions expose our students to a remarkable array of practice areas.”

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.

Last summer, 64 law students received a portion of $178,000 to support summer public interest work. 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.

Lesley Alvarado-Millan ’26L

Hometown: Huron, California
College: UCLA, B.A. in Political Science and Global Studies
Summer Position: Navy Judge Advocate Corps Intern at Legal and Legislative Matters, Office of the Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO)

What are you doing?

This summer, I am working closely with the Legal Counsel and Deputy Assistant Legal Counsel, who provide legal guidance to the VCNO and multiple Navy commands. My responsibilities include researching and drafting short memos on Navy policies concerning ethics, personnel issues, and misconduct investigations.  Additionally, I contributed to the forthcoming update of the VCNO Standards of Conduct.

What has been the highlight?

My entire internship has been surreal! From gaining access to the Pentagon on my first day and meeting the VCNO in my first week, to engaging daily with two inspirational JAGs on fascinating topics, every moment has been a highlight.

David Crand ’26L

Hometown: Longmeadow, Massachusetts
College: UMass, Amherst
Summer Position: USAID Moldova Institutional and Structural Reforms Activity (MISRA)

What are you doing?

MISRA is a sprawling project supporting Moldova’s digital transformation. I am writing a report on the impact that the legal right to a basic bank account can have on the unbanked.

What has been the highlight?

The people! It’s been wonderful working with such a talented and passionate group.

Ben Kobrin ’26L

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
College: University of Virginia, B.A. in History
Summer Position: Judicial Intern for the Delaware Court of Chancery

What are you doing?

The Court of Chancery is where disputes involving the internal affairs of Delaware corporations and alternative entities are often litigated.  I have been researching issues, writing draft opinions, and observing court proceedings related to those disputes.

What has been the highlight?

Resolving real legal disputes shows how different doctrinal areas of the law fit together, which is intellectually rewarding.  And, everyone working in the Court of Chancery is incredibly talented and personable, which makes the challenging work fun.

Tina Pham ’26L

Hometown: Hayward, California
College: San Francisco State University, B.A. in Philosophy
Summer Positions: Judicial Intern for the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

What are you doing?

At the district court, I researched various legal issues, drafted opinions, and attended trials and court proceedings. At the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, I research various legal matters, write memorandum recommendations, and watch oral arguments. I’m currently drafting an opinion addressing a habeas corpus petition. My day-to-day involves a lot of reading, researching, and writing, which has really developed my legal research and writing skills.

What has been the highlight?

Working as a judicial intern on the district and circuit courts has exposed me to different areas of the law from both trial and appellate perspectives. These experiences have been informative as I consider practice areas for my career. Additionally, the opportunity to live in cities I’ve never visited has been exciting. I love exploring and trying out new things, so that’s been a big highlight for me this summer!

Marta Stevenson ’26L

Hometown: Macon, Georgia
College: University of Georgia, B.A. in Political Science
Summer Position: United States Marshals Service Office of General Counsel

What are you doing?

Researching the Federal Tort Claims Act, body worn camera footage laws, 4^th and 5^th Amendment issues, and more. I am drafting Final Agency Decisions, writing memos, and have toured the Supreme Court and holding cell block at D.C. Superior Court. I also traveled to the Canine Training Center and met the Marshals’ next class of K9s.

What has been the highlight?

I have loved my experience assisting the Office of General Counsel on the variety of issues that they handle and have gained great mentors within the office. I have been exposed to so many areas of law that I hadn’t previously considered and have been able to learn from some of the most experienced attorneys in the Department of Justice.