This month, PILI connected with two PILI Alumni for their reflections on Black History Month. We are honored to spotlight Vanessa Weathersby and Natanya Pope-Sohel.
PILI Welcomes New Alumni Class Representative Vanessa Weathersby
The Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) is proud to announce Vanessa Weathersby as the newest Alumni Class Representative. She will serve as the Intern Representative for the 1986-1990 Class, succeeding Charles Wintersteen in the role.
PILI Alumni Spotlight: Usama Ibrahim, 2020 Graduate Fellow
To watch clients in tears, and to be in tears with them, celebrating a professional and personal victory is an unparalleled reminder that this work matters. That it will forever matter. That we have a responsibility, regardless of sector and seniority, to commit some of our time to public service and to aid those who are less privileged than ourselves.
PILI Alumni Spotlight: Gabriel Lara, 2020 Graduate Fellow
“My commitment to services is deeply rooted in my life and career. I have often sought out opportunities to give back to vulnerable communities through nonprofit work. Now, as an attorney, I look forward to continuing this important work through pro bono opportunities.”
PILI Alumni Spotlight: Diana Arroyo, 2020 Intern
“I think in law school, because of all the work and stress, it’s easy to lose focus of why we chose this career but engaging in direct client representation through public interest work has allowed me to remember why I came to law school—to make justice accessible to everyone.”
PILI Alumni Spotlight: Ruben Bautista, 2020 Intern
“As a PILI Intern, I have been able to join a cohort of so many great friends that are passionate about using the legal tools we have gain during law school to provide representation to communities that have limited access to legal representation.”
Happy Valentine’s Day from PILI Alumni
Happy Valentine’s Day! We spoke with one of our PILI Alumni Couples, Sarah Schultes and Ndjuoh MehChu, about their experience as PILIs and how their commitment to service plays a role in their relationships. Sarah was a PILI Intern at the Legal Council for Health Justice in 2013 and a PILI Fellow at the Chicago […]
Thank You to Ropes & Gray for Volunteering at the March Legal Prep Clinic
Thank you to attorneys from Ropes & Gray who volunteered at PILI’s Legal Prep Community Law Clinic on March 3rd! Nine volunteers assisted clients with legal needs including child support and landlord and tenant issues.
Happy Valentine’s Day from PILI Alumni
Happy Valentine’s Day! We spoke with one of our PILI Alumni Couples, John and Jami Gekas, about their experience as PILIs and how their commitment to service plays a role in their relationships. Jami was a PILI Fellow at Legal Aid Chicago in 2001 and is now a partner at Foley & Lardner. John was […]
Volunteers from Chapman and Cutler Assist Clients at PILI Clinic
Thank you to attorneys from Chapman and Cutler who volunteered at PILI’s Legal Prep Community Law Clinic in February! Two volunteers assisted four clients with legal needs including decedent estates, contracts and defamation defense.