PILS/Public Interest Week

We are proud to announce that PILS and LSU Law’s Career Services are hosting PILS/Public Interest Week from October 21 – 25. For PILS Week, we are hosting a week of presentations and events where legal speakers and panelists during the week to talk about their work in public interest.

Below are important links & a schedule of some of the exciting events we have planned!

 

• MONDAY, Careers in Public Interest Panel by CSO – Monday, October 21 @ 12:40 PM in Room 214

  • Come by and hear from legal professionals who have full-time careers in the public interest sector. Our panelists will share insights into their work, challenges, and the impact they’ve made in various areas of the law.
    Panelists:

    • Ryan Seideman – General Counsel, The Water Institute
    • Fatima Khan – Supervising Attorney, Louisiana Organization for Refugees and Immigrants
    • Clare Rubion – Attorney, LA Legal Ethics
    • Storm Ehlers – Deputy Judicial Administrator for Children and Families, Louisiana Supreme Court
    • Cheri Deatsch – Supervising Attorney, Juvenile Delinquency, Orleans Parish Defender

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• TUESDAY, Introduction to Legal Aid Network: Access to Justice – October 22 @ 1 PM in Rm 216

  • Join us to explore the important work being done across Louisiana to expand access to justice through legal aid networks. Our panelists will discuss pro bono initiatives, legal technology, and the statewide efforts to ensure access to civil legal services for low-income and underserved communities.
    Panelists:

    • Rachael Mills, Access to Justice Program
    • Talya Bergeron, Directing Attorney, Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
    • Saschida Raman, Executive Director, Acadiana Legal Service Corporation
    • Amanda Brown, Founder and Executive Director, Lagniappe Law Lab

     

• TUESDAY, Making an Impact: Diverse Career Paths in Law & Policy – October 22 @ 3:30 PM in Rm 214

  • This panel highlights various public interest career paths, focusing on policy work that impacts pro se litigants, children and families, and criminal justice.
    Panelists:

    • Lindsay Dean, Legal Content Director, Lagniappe Law Lab
    • Eric Hayes, Attorney, Rozas & Associates
    • Eric Rider, JAG Marine Officer (Pending)
    • Prof. Richard Pittman, LSU Law Faculty, Juvenile Justice Reforms Expert

 

• WEDNESDAY, Pro Bono Powerhouses: Big Law Jobs with a Big Impact on Communities – October 23th @ 12:40 PM in the Rm 108

  • Join us for a discussion with legal professionals from large firms who have made significant contributions to pro bono work in their communities.
    Panelists:

    • Christy Kane, Pro Bono Counsel, Entergy
    • Adam Parker, Attorney, Butler Snow
    • Linda Seely, Pro Bono Counsel, Butler Snow
    • Lauren Rucinski, Partner, Kean Miller

 

• WEDNESDAY, Doing Good & Getting Paid: Unlocking Public Interest Grants and Loan Forgiveness – October 23th @ 3:30 PM in the Rm 108

  • Professor Brooks will share insights on how public interest careers can be financially rewarding by securing grants and maximizing benefits from the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). Bring your questions about financing your public interest work.
    Speaker:

    • Prof. Jeff Brooks, Professor of Professional Practice, LSU Law

 

• THURSDAY, Public Interest Employer Meet & Greet- Thursday, October 24 @ 12:30 – 2:00 PM in the LSU Law Library

  • This is a fantastic networking opportunity to meet with local public interest organizations. Drop by to talk with representatives from our employers. Learn about their work in public interest law and what employment opportunities there are for students during school and after graduation!

    Employers:

    • Acadiana Legal Services
    • Baton Rouge Bar Association Pro Bono Project
    • Innocence Project New Orleans
    • Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence
    • Louisiana Mental Health Advocacy Services
    • Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response
    • Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
    • Southern Poverty Law Center
    • Water Institute
    • YWCA
    • Public Defenders from: Colorado, the Federal Public defender, Calcasieu Parish, Caddo Parish, East Baton Rouge Parish, and Rapides Parish

 

• THURSDAY, Public Interest Networking Reception – Thursday, October 24 @ 6:00 – 8:00 PM in the Faculty Club
  • Join us for light bites and drinks to close out the week, where you’ll have the chance to meet and connect with public interest professionals in a more casual setting.