Officers

Jessie Holmes ’23, President

Legal Interest(s): Environmental Justice & Natural Resources Protection

“PILP gives me hope. It is fulfilling and energizing to be a part of this group of motivated, optimistic, and determined students in pursuit of bettering our societal well-being while empowering fellow students to pursue their dreams. What we all have in common, despite different backgrounds and interests, is the desire to make the world a better place for all. Through bettering the community directly as a group or indirectly by helping others overcome systemic barriers to do the same, PILP is a reminder of the impact individuals can make when they come together on behalf of the greater good.”

Faith Fox ’23, Vice President

Legal Interest(s): Low-income Civil Litigation

“It is my personal goal to do good with my legal knowledge, and partnering with PILP is consistent with that goal. PILP stands out as a student organization with a positive reach beyond our campus. Together we promote public interest law and improve opportunities for people to serve others. What could be better?”

Bill O’Brien ’23, Treasurer

Legal Interest(s): Environmental Law

 

“Provide financial support for as many students as possible.”

Loren Naldoza ’25, Secretary

Legal Interest(s): Environmental Law, Natural Resource Law, & Tax Law

“I love PILP because we help give our classmates the financial ability to take on great opportunities in public service that would otherwise not be available!”

Stephanie Grayce ’23, Director of Awards

Legal Interest(s): Barrier Reduction, Family Law, Estate Planning, & Justice Reform

“I love that PILP is dedicated to supporting Lewis & Clark Law Students in their pursuit of a variety of public interest work. So many of my classmates want to dedicate their law careers to helping others, particularly those without the means to seek legal help (most often because they are from marginalized communities) but struggle to find ways to make ends meet in that professional pursuit. PILP is a lifeline for these students and has been a lifeline for me!”

Mariah Hogan ’24, Project Manager [1L Team Lead]

Legal Interest(s): Public Defense and Family Law

“I LOVE PILP because it empowers and enables our students to work in public interest law and thereby change the world during their summers while contemporaneously getting their feet wet in the local legal community - many, for the first time. I LOVE that PILP allows for this type of win-win for students AND our community!”

Elexis Kain ’24, Volunteer Coordinator

Legal Interest(s): Public Defense and Renewable Energy Law

“PILP rocks because it gave me the chance to meet other public interest minded students and practicing attorneys, serve others, and take a summer opportunity at an awesome public defense office which would have been otherwise financially unfeasible for me. I’ve cherished my time as a PILP board member and am looking forward to all the incredible work the org will do this upcoming year!”

 

AUCTION TEAM

Adonis Matlock ’24, Auction Co-Director

Legal Interest(s): Criminal Defense, Immigration Law, & Civil Rights. I’m all about working with folks in need to right the wrongs in our system.

“There are so many bright and motivated people out there who share the same dreams, but are routinely stopped by systemic obstacles like financial accessibility. I love being a part of PILP because we help make public interest work accessible to those who can’t afford it, and help others who weren’t interested in it at first see how impactful and fulfilling this kind of work can be.”

Bradlee Valandra ’24, Auction Co-Director

Legal Interest(s): International Environmental Law, Animal Law, & Civil Rights

Cassandra St. George ’24, Auction Outreach Coordinator

Legal Interest(s): Employment Law, Contract Drafting, Corporate

“As future lawyers, I feel we have great responsibility in shaping the legal field. I joined PILP because I think it is vitally important public interest law is a top priority so we can begin to close the gap between people in need of legal aid and the ability to obtain such services.”

Nathan Smith ’24, Auction Apprentice

Legal Interest(s): Tort Law, Government, Politics

“I believe in PILP’s mission and I want to do everything I can to help ensure that public interest work continues in our communities and has a strong presence on campus. I hope that my contributions will make a difference and that our work will go much further than what happens on campus!”

Ali Brenes ’25, Auction Apprentice

Legal Interest(s): Civil Rights

“PILP enables students to follow their passions and do work that is meaningful to them. It’s inspiring to see this group of students organize around helping our classmates pursue their goals!”

 

SPONSORSHIP TEAM

Micah Shapiro ’23, Sponsorship Director

Legal Interest(s): Public Defense, Civil Rights Litigation, Policy Work

“Because PILP expands opportunities for Public Interest work beyond those who have the resources to work for free. And because Jessie made me! :)”

Matt Clarkson ’24, Sponsorship Coordinator

Legal Interest(s): Civil Rights, Anti-Discrimination Law, Labor Law

“To promote and support students interested in public interest law.”

PROCUREMENT TEAM

Mitch LeClair ’23, Co-Director of Procurement

Legal Interest(s): Criminal Defense, Civil Rights, Tribal/Indian Law

“I came to law school with the goal of helping people. PILP’s mission is to enable students to do that work. It’s a great fit!”

Bobby Crane ’23, Co-Director of Procurement

Legal Interest(s): Criminal Defense, Civil Rights

“I want to ensure that those students who are passionate about public interest work have the resources they need to succeed!”

Michael Johnson ’25, Procurement Assistant

Legal Interest(s): Environmental Law

“I joined PILP so that I could help promote public interest work and the essential role it plays in our judicial system.”

 

MARKETING TEAM

Anna Hong ’25, Marketing Director & Webmaster

Legal Interest(s): Undecided

“I joined PILP because I want to raise funds for those who desire to be in public interest law. I think we should help and promote the students are pursuing that work.”

Amy Kim ’25, Social Media Coordinator

Legal Interest(s): Family Law, Criminal Law

“Helping others is what I want to do.”

Caroline Camus ’25, Creative Content Director

Legal Interest(s): Maritime & Environmental Law

“I joined PILP because of the OUTSTANDING people I get to work alongside. Their passion, gratitude, and diligence motivate me to become a more compassionate advocate, thoughtful student, and creative leader. I am proud to be part of an organization devoted to filling the justice gap and enhancing the public good.”

 

1L POD REPRESENTATIVES

Paige Punzalan ’25, Blue Pod Representative

Legal Interest(s): Environmental Law, Public Interest Law

“I wanted to be the Blue Pod Rep for PILP to get involved in student organizations and public interest, and I look forward to meeting new people on campus throughout the year and doing what I can to help my pod get involved with PILP as well!”

Morgan Oberman ’25, Orange Pod Representative

Legal Interest(s): Environmental Law, Natural Resource Law, Ocean Law

“I joined PILP because the law specializations my fellow classmates explore in law school should not be restricted by financial burdens. I love PILP’s dedication to teaching students about public interest law and relieving financial burdens through the summer stipend.”

Isaac Christman ’25, Red Pod Representative

Legal Interest(s): Environmental Law, Animal Law, Public Lands

“PILP offered a unique opportunity to be involved in public interest work early in my legal career.”

Jennifer Quigley ’26, Green Pod Representative

Legal Interest(s): Environmental Law, Energy Law

“I joined PILP because I think the opportunities that the group provides to students interested in public interest work are amazing, and I wanted to help however I could!”

 

Join the Team!

Please email pilp@lclark.edu with questions on how to join!