26th Annual Public Interest Auction, 03/25

Presented by the Walter A. Lucas Public Interest Fellowship Program

PIFP-public-interest-fellowship-program-news

March 25, 2023
5:00–7:30 PM

John F. Scarpa Hall
Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law

Join the Walter A. Lucas '88 Public Interest Fellowship Program (PIFP) for our 26th Annual Public Interest Auction, benefitting Villanova Law students who dedicate their summers to public interest and public service legal work. Over the past 26 years, PIFP has funded 260 law students working at over 140 public interest law organizations, raising over $1,000,000 for Villanova Law’s public interest community. We are celebrating these accomplishments in person at the law school, with virtual options to participate available. 

Once registered, you will be automatically entered into a raffle for the chance to win Apple AirPod Pros, a Nintendo Switch or a Yeti Cooler. You may also purchase additional $5 raffle tickets to improve your chances!

Visit the silent auction website to preview items before the auction goes live on March 25. 

We look forward to seeing you! 

Established in 1998, the Walter A. Lucas ‘88 Public Interest Fellowship Program (PIFP) of Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law is a student-run, non-profit organization that provides financial support to law students who commit their summers to public interest legal work. In turn, PIFP Fellows work in otherwise unpaid positions with various public interest organizations throughout the region to advocate for the common good and to deliver free legal services to underserved and underrepresented populations.

PIFP also provides financial support through its Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) to recent graduates pursuing careers in public interest law. In 2019, PIFP’s LRAP was renamed the Detta and Joseph Tate Loan Repayment Assistance Program, in honor of our generous donors who now fund the program. In 2009, PIFP was named in memory of Walter Lucas ’88, who dedicated his legal career to helping others and fighting employment discrimination.

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Anderson Amaya '24
Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office and Lehigh County Office of the Public Defender

“I completed a split summer internship at the Philadelphia District Attorney's office and the Lehigh County Office of the Public Defender. I was exposed to a wide array of complex legal issues and was entrusted with so many unique duties. Being able to see both sides of the aisle in one summer was so enriching and I learned that either side has the power to impact the public in positive ways.”

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Kimberly Baxter '23
City of Philadelphia Law Department

“This summer I had the opportunity to work with the City of Philadelphia Law Department. More specifically, I had the honor of working in the Civil Rights Unit with a group of the most driven, unique, and supportive attorneys. Overall, I had the best internship experience because I was able to learn a lot about the crossover between criminal and civil cases and best litigation practices all in such a welcoming and positive environment that allowed me to gain confidence in myself as a future attorney.”

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Victoria Stabile Bouvé '24
Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office

“As an intern with the office, I researched and drafted motions for criminal cases to aid in the prosecution of violent offenders. I also had the opportunity to work with witnesses and victims in their trial prep as well as serving as a liaison and victim support during hearings. I am both grateful for the opportunity to work with such exemplary individuals, and to have made lifetime professional connections with persons of such great character and integrity as those in the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office.”

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Riley Cook '23
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Research Assistant to Professor Webb

“This past summer, I was afforded the opportunity to complete my PIFP fellowship as both a Legal Intern for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania as well as a Research Assistant for Professor Jessica Webb. At the U.S. Attorney's Office, I was able to perform research for Assistant U.S. Attorneys on both civil and criminal matters, as well as assist with motions practice. While working with Professor Webb, I was able to aid in the creation of the 2022 Reimels Moot Court Problem and assist her with an upcoming article. All thanks to PIFP, I was able to partake in this important and interesting work!”

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Laurel Enaco '24
Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office

“This summer I had the opportunity to intern with the Montgomery County Public Defender's Office. I was paired with the Co-Deputy Public Defender who I shadowed and assisted her with any projects such as researching a particular legal question, helping her prepare for trial and preparing her daily files for court. I had the opportunity to help juveniles and adults expunge their records by filling out juvenile petitions and participating in the adult expungement clinic which is held twice a month. Overall, I learned more than I ever thought I could in three months and saw just how invaluable public defenders are. It is inspiring to see how much they care about indigent defense and the knowledge I gained and the experience I had will carry on with me throughout law school and far beyond.”

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Michaela Kelly '24
Delaware Department of Justice

“This summer I had the opportunity to work with the Delaware Department of Justice in their Civil Rights and Public Trust Unit and the Criminal Unit. I was able to work with attorneys on a variety of cases and attend court proceedings with them. As an intern, I improved my oral advocacy as well as my writing skills through trial advocacy training, mock trials, research projects, and memos. Most importantly, I was given the experience to work with people who have succeeded in finding a career in the public interest sector and truly enjoy the work they do.”

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Conor Mach '24
Bucks County Public Defender’s Office

“I spent this summer interning at the Bucks County Office of the Public Defender. Over the summer I performed initial client interviews, assisted with bench warrants, observed trials, and assisted attorneys with trial preparation and bail order issues. I enjoyed being able to observe the different ways attorneys would address clients, conduct interviews, and prepare for trial. It gave me examples of things I want to emulate and skills I want to develop. It also showed me that not everyone advocates the same way and that every lawyer has their own style which combines their strengths, experience, and personality. Overall, I greatly enjoyed my summer in Bucks County and the work I was able to do there.”

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Leigh McLinden '23
Chester County District Attorney’s Office

“I spent my summer working as a Certified Legal Intern for the Chester County District Attorney’s office. Each day I would go to 1 of 17 different district courts in Chester County and represent the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. My role at district court included handling cases at the preliminary hearing level. Overall, my experience gave me a first-hand insight to the beginning stages of a career as a prosecutor. Each day I was able to interact with the magistrate district judge, attorneys, witnesses, defendants and victims. This internship allowed me to gain both real-world trial experience.”

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Jordyn Pace '24
Delaware County District Attorney’s Office

“This summer I was able to intern at the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office. I worked closely with the Deputy District Attorney of the Gun Violence Task Force and Homicides in Chester, as well as the Diversionary Programs. I was able to help track possible offenders engaged in gun violence in order for our office to reach out to those individuals and offer them support and resources. I wrote numerous motions and briefs for cases ranging from homicides to sexual assault, to economic crimes.”

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Madelyn Phinney '23
Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations

“This summer I worked on the Hill as a Law Clerk for the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (“PSI”). I work for the Majority Staff, who serve as counsel to Senator Ossoff in his capacity as Chairman. Over the summer, I worked on several ongoing investigations, and I helped to prepare Senator Ossoff for a hearing on the abuse, fraud, and misconduct at the United States Penitentiary in Atlanta (“USPA”). The Law Clerk position is a great opportunity for anyone interested in policy or legislation work!”

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Madelyn Phinney '23
Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations

“This summer I worked on the Hill as a Law Clerk for the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (“PSI”). I work for the Majority Staff, who serve as counsel to Senator Ossoff in his capacity as Chairman. Over the summer, I worked on several ongoing investigations, and I helped to prepare Senator Ossoff for a hearing on the abuse, fraud, and misconduct at the United States Penitentiary in Atlanta (“USPA”). The Law Clerk position is a great opportunity for anyone interested in policy or legislation work!”

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Julia Raith '24
Justice Attaché of the Embassy of France and Center for Hope and Safety - New York

“This summer, I worked for the Justice Attaché of the Embassy of France in the United States under Madame Florence Hermite. I assisted in civil mutual assistance between France and the United States, requests for investigations, prisoner transfers, and extradition requests. Further, I prepared diplomatic notes, comparative law studies, and advocacy texts. I also served as a legal intern for the Center for Hope & Safety, a local NJ domestic violence agency that I have been involved with since high school. I conducted legal intakes of victims of domestic violence, assisted the Senior Attorney with trial preparation and the organization of evidence, drafted Consent Orders, observed civil court proceedings for Temporary Restraining Orders and Final Restraining Orders, and completed the semi-annual report for the Legal Assistance for Victims Grant Program.”

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Eddie Reilingh '23
District Attorney’s Office of Westchester County, New York

“This summer, I worked in the District Attorney’s Office of Westchester County, New York. I worked in the Northern Westchester Branch, supporting Assistant District Attorneys in local criminal courts. In this role, I was honored to serve my home county and the communities that raised me. I stood up in these courts under the NY student practice order to update counsel and the judges on cases. The office also tasked me with other responsibilities, including researching novel issues regarding New York’s criminal justice reform statutes and managing responses to defense counsels’ motions. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from these incredible attorneys and serve the local communities of Westchester County.”

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Caity Rogowski '24
Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity

“This summer I worked as a legal intern with the Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity (PLSE). I had a valuable experience supporting the team by drafting expungement petitions and worked with a client applying for a pardon. Additionally, I helped draft a proposed Pennsylvania statute that aims to provide employers with immunity from civil liability if they hire a person with a criminal history as a part of a broader statewide coalition effort focused on legislative advocacy that centers on workforce development and re-entry support.”

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Briana Smalley '23
Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office

“As a certified legal intern, I represented the commonwealth in preliminary hearings and municipal court trials. Throughout the summer, I put up 3 trials where I obtained a guilty verdict on behalf of the commonwealth. The most rewarding part of the internship was assisting victims in these cases understand the criminal justice system, calm the nerves, and be someone they can turn to. Often, the role of the prosecutor can be overwhelming because of the time commitment this job requires. Participating in the positive side of prosecutorial work affirmed why this is the career path for me.”

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Julia Stribula '24
Pennsylvania Innocence Project

“This summer I had the incredible opportunity to work as an intern at the Pennsylvania Innocence Project whose mission is to exonerate those convicted of crimes they did not commit, to prevent innocent people from being prosecuted and convicted, and to help those wrongfully convicted transition to freedom. As an intern, I conducted in-depth reviews of potential clients' claims of innocence. From the reviews, I drafted lengthy memorandums distilling the cases and making recommendations regarding the credibility of the innocence claims. From this experience, I have become more confident in my legal knowledge, especially with how the Pennsylvania appellate courts function. As a result, I'm more excited than ever to pursue a career in the public interest field and help the wrongfully convicted.”

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Sarah Urie '24
Air Force Judge Advocate General Program, Appellate Defense Division

“This Summer I worked at the Air Force Judge Advocate General Program, Appellate Defense Division. I got the privilege of assisting Airman through the complex appellate military justice system. I got to attend trials at both the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces as well as the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals, the two highest courts in the military justice system. Through my time here, I gained a better understanding of appellate advocacy, client relationships, and military justice.”

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Sadie Walker '24
Bronx Works - Legal Services Department

“By obtaining funding from PIFP, I was able to work for the non-profit organization Bronx Works. The thousand-person organization worked in many ways in the Bronx. By providing advice for those involved with NYCHA that had issues with their housing, having affordable before and aftercare for children after school, free legal services, an alternative high school for teenagers who had exhausted all other schooling options, and their meals on wheels production. This time has been invaluable and has furthered my passion and pursuit of working in the public interest field of the legal world.”

Alicia Broderick ’23, Director

Rachel Wolfman ’23, Vice Director

Riley Cook ’23, Auction Coordinator

Michaela Kelly ’24 & Alannah King ’24, Solicitation Coordinators

Madelyn Phinney ’23, Eddie Reilingh ’23, Fellowship Coordinators

Laurel Enaco ’24 & Jordyn Pace ’24, Volunteer Coordinators

Julia Raith ‘24, Secretary & Communications

Julia Stribula ’24, Graphic Design Coordinator

Sadie Walker ‘24, Treasurer

Tia Brownmiller ’24 & Briana Smalley ’23, Special Events

Sarah Urie ’24, Alumni Coordinator

Melissa Durante ‘23, Conor Mach ’24 & Leigh McLinden ’23, Auction Committee

Andrea Solis Canto ’25, Riley Crouthamel ’25, Allison Gherovici ’25, Dave Goulden-Naitove ’25 & Lauren Walsh ’25, 1L Representatives

Ann Juliano & Doris Brogan, Faculty Advisors