Equal Justice Works and the Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts Recognized by Fast Company for Innovative Legal Response to the Opioid Crisis

Opioid Crisis Response Program helps remove legal barriers to recovery, housing, employment, and economic stability 

Washington D.C., June 16, 2026 – Equal Justice Works and the Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts (FORE) have been recognized by Fast Company’s 2026 World Changing Ideas Awards for the Opioid Crisis Response Program, a fellowship initiative that places public interest lawyers in communities affected by opioid use disorder to help people overcome legal barriers to recovery, housing, employment, public benefits, and family stability. 

This annual recognition honors bold and transformative efforts that tackle the world’s most pressing issues– from fresh sustainability initiatives and cutting-edge AI developments to ambitious pursuits of social equity that are helping mold the world. 

Launched in September 2024, the Opioid Crisis Response Program embeds attorneys in communities hardest hit by the opioid epidemic to address legal barriers that can undermine treatment and long-term stability. In its first year, attorney Fellows helped more than 1,000 individuals and family members secure housing, clear criminal records, and access opportunities for economic stability. Fellows also trained health care providers to identify legal needs and reached more than 2,500 stakeholders through community education and outreach efforts. 

Opioid addiction and overdose remain a nationwide public health emergency affecting more than 11 million Americans across nearly every community in the United States. In response to this ongoing crisis, the Opioid Crisis Response Program mobilizes attorney Fellows to support individuals impacted by the legal consequences of opioid use disorder. By embedding lawyers directly in affected communities, the program helps remove barriers to housing, employment, and public benefits, promoting stability and pathways to recovery. 

“The opioid crisis is often treated only as a medical issue, but for many people, recovery also depends on whether they can stay housed, keep a job, access benefits, and stabilize their family,” said Verna Williams, CEO of Equal Justice Works. “Through the Opioid Crisis Response Program, our Fellows are showing that legal aid is not separate from recovery. It is part of the pathway to recovery. 

For 40 years, Equal Justice Works has built pathways for lawyers to serve communities. This recognition shows how that model continues to evolve to meet urgent national challenges. 

“Addressing the opioid crisis requires a multidisciplinary response, and legal assistance is an essential part of that work,” said Dr. Karen A. Scott, president of the Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts. “Through this partnership with Equal Justice Works, FORE is helping ensure that people and families affected by opioid use disorder can access the legal support they need to move toward recovery and long-term stability.” 

This year’s awards, featured on fastcompany.com, highlight 191 outstanding projects across 14 categories. A panel of Fast Company editors and reporters evaluated more than 1,500 entries based on their impact, sustainability, design, creativity, scalability, and ability to improve society. 

Fast Company’s Summer 2026 issue (on newsstands June 23) will feature select award winners working on solutions that include geothermal energy, privacy-first cell plans, municipal grocery stores, and more. 

“The World Changing Ideas Awards are more than inspiration—they’re a measure of real-world impact,” says Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. “This year’s honorees are turning bold ideas into tangible solutions and addressing urgent global challenges with creativity and rigor.” 

About Equal Justice Works 

Equal Justice Works is the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law. Since 1986, the organization has created opportunities for law students and lawyers to expand access to justice and bring lasting change to underserved communities across the country. Equal Justice Works has mobilized more than 2,650 Fellows, of which more than 85 percent remain in public service. For more information, visit equaljusticeworks.org. 

About Fast Company 

Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com. 

Learn more about how the Opioid Crisis Response Program helps remove barriers to recovery

Equal Justice Works reveals widespread mistrust in the courts  and confusion about legal rights 

WASHINGTON, DC April 14, 2026 – A new national survey from Equal Justice Works, the nation’s largest facilitator of public interest law fellowship opportunities, finds that 79% of Americans perceive the U.S. justice system as unfair. The survey, titled “Unequal and Unjust: Public Perceptions of the Legal System,” polled 1,600 respondents nationwide. The results raise concerns about whether Americans trust the legal system to protect their rights in moments of need. 

According to the findings, many Americans are uncertain and skeptical about the fairness of the legal system. Specifically: 

• Just 32% of respondents believe the legal system is fair to individuals without legal representation. 

• Only 50% are confident they would receive fair treatment from the justice system and the courts. 

• 62% believe income affects whether courts provide fair justice.   

• Nearly half (49%) believe race affects whether courts provide fair outcomes.   

“When most Americans believe securing justice depends on income and race, we have to be concerned that there’s a significant confidence gap about the legal system,” says Verna Williams, CEO of Equal Justice Works. “At Equal Justice Works, we are committed to restoring confidence by expanding access to legal representation, supporting the next generation of public interest lawyers, and ensuring vulnerable Americans are not forced to navigate critical legal challenges alone.”  

The research also reveals widespread misunderstanding about when Americans are entitled to legal counsel, particularly in civil matters. Many respondents incorrectly believe courts would provide attorneys in cases where legal representation is not guaranteed, for example:  

• 41% of respondents believe they are entitled to an attorney in discrimination cases. 

• 40% believe this to be the case in child custody matters. 

• 35% believe they will receive legal counsel in traffic court. 

In reality, the U.S. Constitution only guarantees a court-appointed attorney to criminal defendants who cannot afford counsel.  

“When people wrongly assume that courts will make legal help available, they end up navigating complex issues alone,” says Mia Sussman, Senior Vice President of Network Engagement.

Many respondents had no idea where to get help, particularly those living in rural areas.  Respondents identifying as LGBTQ+, disabled, Latino, or African American said that fear prevented them from seeking help. 

Overall, these findings indicate that many Americans may lack clarity about how and when legal assistance is available, leaving many unprepared to protect their rights when it matters most. These insights deepen our understanding of the current access to justice landscape and sharpen our path toward equal justice under the law for all. 

Equal Justice Works conducted the survey to better understand public perceptions of the civil justice system and identify gaps in knowledge, access, and trust. These results will help inform ongoing efforts to expand access to justice and support the next generation of public interest lawyers serving underserved communities.  

The survey was conducted online among 1,613 respondents from January 14 – January 22, 2026, with a margin of error of 2% at the 95% confidence level. 

Find the report here. For media inquiries, contact [email protected]. 

Juliette Pryor will receive the Scales of Justice Award, and Pfizer will be recognized for its longstanding support of Equal Justice Works Fellowships 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — April 1, 2026 — Equal Justice Works today announced that Juliette Pryor, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary of Lowe’s, will receive the 2026 Scales of Justice Award for her commitment to expanding access to justice. In celebration of the organization’s 40th anniversary, Pfizer will also be recognized with a Cornerstone Award for more than two decades of investment in Equal Justice Works Fellowships. 

The Scales of Justice Award celebrates individuals who have made an extraordinary commitment to strengthening the public interest legal sector and ensuring communities across the country have access to legal representation.  

“Equal Justice Works invests in public interest lawyers and advocates who show up for communities every day, often with limited resources and enormous stakes,” said Pryor. “I’m honored to be recognized and proud to support the leaders working to close the access to justice gap.” 

Pryor is a nationally respected legal executive with more than 30 years of experience leading corporate legal teams. Throughout her career, she has combined professional excellence with a commitment to service and equity in the legal profession. Through her mentorship, she has built a legacy of talent development for other supporters of the public interest legal profession. She has received multiple honors recognizing her leadership and lasting impact across the legal field.

She has maintained a longstanding partnership with Equal Justice Works, previously serving on the Board of Directors and continuing her involvement through the Board of Counselors. Over many years, Pryor has sponsored Fellows through her leadership roles at three different companies. The Fellowships she has sponsored have supported projects addressing civil rights, housing security, and other critical legal needs.  

Equal Justice Works will also recognize Pfizer for its enduring commitment to public interest law and Equal Justice Works Fellowships.

Since 2004, Pfizer has supported Equal Justice Works Fellows addressing critical legal needs in communities across the country, with projects focusing on health care, disability rights, and child advocacy. Pfizer has been the top corporate sponsor of Equal Justice Works Fellowships, and in honor of Equal Justice Works’ 40th anniversary, Pfizer is sponsoring its 40th Fellow this year. Accepting the award on behalf of the corporation will be Doug Lankler, the Chief Legal Officer and Executive Vice President.  

“Access to justice is sustained by the people and partners who choose to invest in it year after year,” said Verna Williams, CEO of Equal Justice Works. “Juliette’s commitment to our mission and Pfizer’s decades of support for our Fellowship program have helped countless communities receive the legal representation they deserve.”

Pryor and Pfizer will be honored at Equal Justice Works’ 2026 Scales of Justice celebration on October 22, 2026. The annual event convenes leaders from the legal, corporate, philanthropic, and public interest communities in support of public interest law. 

Grants will mobilize lawyers and law students to assist low-income communities in navigating complex post-disaster legal challenges. 

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 17, 2026—Equal Justice Works, the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law, has been awarded more than one million dollars from the American Red Cross to provide legal aid to communities impacted by hurricanes in Florida and wildfires in California through the Disaster Resilience Program.  

The grants will deploy lawyers and law students to assist communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in Florida and by the January 2025 Palisades and Eaton wildfires in Southern California. 

Attorney Fellows will assist survivors with complex legal issues related to housing, federal benefits, employment, insurance, and disaster recovery programs while also helping communities build resilience for future disasters. 

“Over the years we have worked together, we have seen time and time again how the guidance and expertise Equal Justice Works provides is essential to assist families as they continue their recovery,” said Carrie Norton, Senior Director of Long-Term Recovery at the American Red Cross. “We are proud to be partnering to support ongoing recovery efforts for Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and the LA Wildfires.” 

“After a disaster, recovery is often determined not just by the damage a community experiences, but by whether survivors can successfully navigate complex legal systems to access the help they are entitled to,” said Linda Anderson Stanley, Senior Director of Programs at Equal Justice Works. “These grants allow us to mobilize attorneys and law students to help survivors overcome legal barriers, secure critical resources, and rebuild with greater stability. We are deeply grateful to the American Red Cross for its partnership in strengthening disaster resilience in communities across the country.” 

Southern California — 2025 Palisades and Eaton Wildfires 

A Red Cross grant will mobilize four Disaster Resilience Fellows and four summer law students in the Los Angeles County area to provide legal aid to low-income communities impacted by the January 2025 Palisades and Eaton wildfires over a two-year period. The four summer Student Fellowships will allow law students to assist in the project and gain hands-on experience in disaster law. 

The 2025 Palisades and Eaton fires rank among the most costly and destructive wildfires in recorded history. More than 18,000 structures were damaged or destroyed. Unemployment claims in the region rose sharply, with over 5,000 workers requesting federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Low-wage workers bore a disproportionate share of the economic toll. 

Florida — Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Another Red Cross grant will mobilize two Disaster Resilience Fellows in Florida to support communities impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

Hurricane Helene made landfall in September 2024, wreaking havoc throughout the Southeast. A month later, Hurricane Milton struck Florida and caused roughly $34.3 billion in losses. Thousands of survivors impacted by both storms are seeking assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support their recovery, creating an increased need for legal assistance with FEMA appeals among a range of other disaster-related legal needs. 

They will build on the Disaster Resilience Program’s work in the state: Since fall 2023, three Fellows have reached 2,300 survivors through legal services and community outreach and have realized approximately $834,000 in economic benefits for those survivors.  

Equal Justice Works has mobilized lawyers to support disaster-affected communities since 2005 and launched its award-winning Disaster Resilience Program in 2020.   

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About Equal Justice Works 

Equal Justice Works is the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law. Since 1986, the organization has been creating opportunities for law students and lawyers to increase access to justice and bring lasting change to underserved communities across the country. Equal Justice Works has mobilized more than 2,650 Fellows, of which more than 85 percent remain in public service. For more information, visit equaljusticeworks.org.  

About the American Red Cross   

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media. 

Media Contact: 

Crystal Mojica
Director of Communications
[email protected]  

Visit our Disaster Resilience Awareness Month resource hub for more

Equal Justice Works, the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law, today announced the newest members of its National Advisory Committee (NAC).  

Formed in 2003, the NAC is a diverse group of law students and law school professionals who serve as Equal Justice Works ambassadors within the law school and legal services communities. NAC members extend the reach of Equal Justice Works’ initiatives by providing leadership, feedback, and outreach assistance to support the organization’s mission to create opportunities for lawyers to transform their passion for public service into a lifelong commitment to equal justice. 

“Each of these new NAC members will bring valuable insights and perspectives to the Committee’s work of engaging law students in public service,” said Brooke Meckler, Director of Community Engagement at Equal Justice Works. “Together with the other members of the NAC, they will help raise awareness of the justice gap and create opportunities for students to discover pathways to public interest law careers.”    

NAC members serve two-year staggered terms. This year, the Committee welcomes three law students and five law school professionals. The newest members of the 2025–2027 National Advisory Committee include: 

Law Students 

• Zeinab Elkhansa, Northern Kentucky University Chase College of Law 

• Russell Harrison, Washburn University School of Law 

• Ellie Walker, Vermont Law and Graduate School 

“As the first-generation daughter of Lebanese immigrants raised in Charleston, West Virginia, I have long been inspired by the power of law to uplift vulnerable communities,” Zeinab Elkhansa said. “My commitment to public interest is deeply personal and purpose-driven, rooted in lived experiences and strengthened by my education, legal internships, and leadership roles. I am eager to serve on the Equal Justice Works National Advisory Committee because it will allow me to help advance access to justice and amplify the voices of aspiring public interest lawyers across the country.” 

Law School Professionals 

• Marie Garcia, Director of Career Development and Engagement at the South Texas College of Law Houston 

• Eduardo Gonzalez, Interim Executive Director of the NuLawLab at the Northeastern University School of Law 

• Ed O’Neill, Associate Director of Career Services at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law 

• Lindsay Slaker, Associate Director of the Office of Career and Professional Development at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School 

• Cole Voorhies, Director of Public Interest & Government Advising at the University of North Carolina School of Law 

“I am excited about this opportunity to use my knowledge and platform to highlight the value of public interest careers and mobilize the next generation of public interest lawyers by bridging the gap between law schools and public interest opportunities,” Lindsay Slaker said. 

The NAC hosted its annual meeting in September. At the meeting, members discussed how to best increase knowledge and understanding of public interest law in their respective regions.  

For more information about the National Advisory Committee members and to see a current list of members, visit here. 

Equal Justice Works is proud to announce the 2025 Fellows supporting Texas Immigration Law Council’s groundbreaking Economic Justice Initiative: Anthony Reyes, Bethany Carson, and Maram Sultan.  

Equal Justice Works is proud to partner with the Texas Immigration Law Council (TxILC) to launch the Economic Justice Initiative (EJI) — a groundbreaking program designed to close the justice gap for immigrants and low-income Texans. EJI is one of the first initiatives to implement Texas’s forthcoming licensed legal paraprofessional program, which allows qualified community justice workers — individuals who, while not attorneys, are professionally licensed through the State Bar of Texas — to represent low-income Texans in certain civil legal matters, including landlord-tenant issues, consumer protection, employment issues, estate planning, and guardianship. With 92% of low-income Americans receiving little or no help for their civil legal problems — and more lawyers alone unable to meet the overwhelming demand — community justice workers offer a scalable, community-centered solution to expand access to legal support where it’s needed most.   

 “Community justice workers are essential to closing the justice gap,” said Kristen Uhler-McKeown, Vice President of Fellowships at Equal Justice Works. “The leadership of our newest Fellows — Anthony, Bethany, and Maram — will help build the public service career pipeline and expand who can deliver needed legal support — making justice more accessible and inclusive.”

TxILC is hosting three Equal Justice Works Fellows to support the EJI field team, which is composed of 30 attorneys, at legal service organizations throughout Texas. These Fellows will build strategic partnerships, develop a community justice worker training curriculum, and leverage technology to enhance service delivery critical to developing the capacities of the nascent licensed legal paraprofessional program. These Fellows in the Economic Justice Initiative are laying the foundation for community justice workers to expand access to civil legal services for low-income Texans. 

Anthony Reyes 

As the Partnerships & Education Coordinator, Anthony plays a key role in expanding access to justice by building strategic partnerships between legal service providers and community-based organizations. He supports the development of Community Justice Worker (CJW) programs—training and empowering legal advocates to serve immigrant and low-income communities across Texas. 

Bethany Carson

Bethany serves as the Community Justice Worker Coordinator, supporting a network of approximately 15 legal advocates placed at partner nonprofits throughout Texas. She recruits and trains Community Justice Workers, guides them through licensure and certification, and helps community organizations adopt the CJW model to address critical civil legal needs. 

Maram Sultan

As the Technology Innovation Specialist, Maram leads the implementation of digital tools that enhance language access, streamline intake processes, and automate legal documentation. She trains attorneys and CJWs to use these tools effectively and evaluates their impact to inform future improvements. 

Together, these Fellows are helping to reimagine how legal services are delivered in Texas. Through their leadership, the Economic Justice Initiative is not only expanding access to justice but also building a more inclusive, community-driven legal system. 

To learn more about the Economic Justice Initiative, click here. 

WASHINGTON D.C. August 7, 2025—Equal Justice Works, the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law, today announced six new members of our Alumni Advisory Council (AAC).   

The AAC supports and strengthens the incredible community of EJW alumni. This non-fiduciary advisory group is comprised of 26 Equal Justice Works alumni who work in partnership with the network engagement team to build lifelong relationships between Equal Justice Works, current Fellows, and alumni through programming, communication, and volunteerism.  

The AAC, along with Equal Justice Works’ other strategic advisory groups – the National Advisory Council and the Board of Counselors – provides counsel that complements the Board of Directors and guides the organization’s direction to ensure our programs meet the diverse needs of the communities they serve.

Members of the AAC reflect the diverse strengths, Fellowship programs, geographic distribution, professional accomplishments, and public interest disciplines of the Equal Justice Works alumni community.   

The new members of the Alumni Advisory Council are: 

Ashley Deadwyler Heuman, 2010 Fellow 

The Equal Justice Works Fellowship project that launched Ashley’s career gave her hands-on legal experience assisting indigent clients as they met and overcame barriers to reentry. Ashley continues to be involved with Equal Justice Works through her repeated participation in our Alumni Reviewer process, by which Equal Justice Works alumni assist in launching a new class of Fellows through their review of Fellow application materials. Since her Fellowship, she has gone on to start her own law firm that continues to serve civil legal needs for communities in Georgia. Ashley’s other community involvements include serving on the Boards of Georgia Legal Services, Federal Defenders of the Middle District of Georgia, Gateway Foundation, Middle Georgia Justice, and Mentor’s Project.  

“I am so excited to work with the AAC and to assist in mentoring and connecting EJW Fellows,” said Ashley.  “I hope that by working with the AAC, we can create programs and events to better connect this incredible group of social justice-minded lawyers throughout the country. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that social justice warriors band together to protect human rights for all!” 

Krista Selnau Camarda, 2013 Fellow 

Krista’s career of service began as a law student in the Summer Corps, which was closely followed by her EJW Fellowship advocating for children with disabilities through a medical-legal partnership. Her project was featured in a video at our annual Scales of Justice event. She later served as a portfolio manager on the fellowships team at Equal Justice Works to directly support Fellows and facilitate relationships between Fellows, host organizations, and sponsors. Outside of the organization, Krista has served on the Board for organizations including Ms. JD and the Veterans Law Section of the Maine State Bar Association. Additionally, she is actively involved on multiple committees for the Washington Council of Lawyers. Across these roles, she has been an advocate for the communities she serves, increased awareness of important legal issues, and worked with organizations to deepen engagement and form long-term strategy. 

 “Joining the Alumni Advisory Council is deeply personal to me,” said Krista. “Equal Justice Works gave me the foundation to turn my lived experience into a career of impact—first as a Fellow, then as a staff member, and now as a lifelong advocate for access to justice. I’m honored to help grow and strengthen the alumni community, and I’m especially excited to support opportunities for Fellows and alumni to stay connected, collaborate, and continue advancing public service through every stage of their careers.” 

Andrew Hemmer, 2016 Fellow 

After graduating law school, Andrew served as an Equal Justice Works Fellow at Cabrini Green Legal Aid in Chicago, where he aimed to stop poverty cycles that are often sparked through civil asset seizure. Post-Fellowship, Andrew held clerkships in multiple federal district courts, most recently with Magistrate Judge Maria Valdez, and was a litigation associate at Barnes & Thornburg. He has remained involved with Equal Justice Works by participating in the alumni reviewer process and attending regional alumni events. Andrew is currently a Staff Attorney with the Federal Defender Program for the Northern District of Illinois, where he has worked since 2022. Andrew’s other involvements include serving on the Cabrini Green Legal Aid Young Professionals Board (YPB), the John Howard Association YPB, the IL Supreme Court Forms Committee, and the Illinois Legal Aid Online YPB. 

“Equal Justice Works is a great organization doing important work throughout the country,” said Andrew. “It is an honor to continue to contribute to its mission as a member of the AAC.” 

Beth Kurtz, 2014 Fellow 

During her EJW Fellowship at Children’s Law Center, Beth advocated for children in foster care who needed behavioral health services and support. After her Fellowship, Beth remained at Children’s Law Center as a Staff and later Supervising Attorney, providing direct representation to children in foster care, supervising line attorneys, and leading parts of the organization’s mental health advocacy. After a stint at the ABA Center for Children and the Law, Beth joined the Special Litigation Section of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. There, she primarily enforced the civil and constitutional rights of individuals, particularly children and young adults, with behavioral health disabilities.  Beth’s commitment to public service shines through her career and her volunteerism with Equal Justice Works—she has volunteered at our annual Leadership Development Training, as an alumni reviewer, and as an alumni fellowship counselor with the University of Michigan, mentoring law students who were applying to Equal Justice Works Fellowships. 

“I am so grateful to be able to work with Equal Justice Works as it addresses the growing and shifting legal needs in communities across the country, and to have the chance to develop and support its wonderful community of Fellows and alumni,” said Beth. 

Oliver Telusma, 2021 Fellow 

Oliver’s EJW Fellowship project prevented COVID-19-fueled evictions of small businesses and residential renters at high risk of displacement in Miami. Post-Fellowship, Oliver often shares his experience, lessons learned, and how it helped him build his career at local events to current and former law students who are also interested in becoming Fellows. He presently works as a Senior Policy and Legislative Strategist for Commissioner Marleine Bastien in Miami-Dade County. In this role, he continues to address interconnected issues related to housing by providing strategic insight on equitable community development using tax increment financing, affordable housing, county appropriations, public transportation, and intergovernmental affairs. Oliver’s testament to how a Fellowship can be expanded upon to build a career of service will be helpful to the AAC as it considers how to engage both alumni and law students in the Equal Justice Works community. 

“Serving Equal Justice Works in this moment and in this capacity is deeply intentional,” said Oliver. “Now, more than ever, we must be unwavering in our commitment to eradicate poverty and ensure that the poor have access to quality legal representation.” 

Sabrina Talukder, 2014 Fellow 

Sabrina began her career as an Equal Justice Works Fellow identifying and representing non-citizen survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking who have criminal convictions in their immigration matters. She keeps her ties to Equal Justice Works strong by organizing events in New York for Fellows, participating in the annual Scales of Justice fundraiser, discussing mental health best practices during a Fellowship at our Leadership Development Training, and conducting trainings on anti-trafficking, immigration, and criminal legal services. Outside of her work with Equal Justice Works, she remains involved with other public interest-minded organizations like the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and Her Justice. 

“Being an EJW fellow is one of the most important experiences in my life,” said Sabrina. “In the current political climate, it is critical for EJW to continue doing its work and for fellows to feel supported and inspired.” 

To learn more about the Alumni Advisory Council, click here. To see how you can stay involved as an alumni, click here. 

2018 Fellow Taylor Sartor is the Senior Staff Attorney at the L. David Shear Children’s Law Center of Bay Area Legal Services, Inc.

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 30, 2025—Equal Justice Works, the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law, to honor Taylor Sartor, Senior Staff Attorney at the L. David Shear Children’s Law Center of Bay Area Legal Services, Inc. as the 2025 recipient of the Equal Justice Works Distinguished Alumni Award at the Scales of Justice event on November 5, 2025.  

Taylor, a 2018 Equal Justice Works Fellow sponsored by Greenberg Traurig, LLP and The Florida Bar Foundation, worked at the L. David Shear Children’s Law Center of Bay Area Legal Services, Inc., where she provided holistic legal services and trainings, and collaborated with community organizations to improve outcomes for young adults in the foster care system. During her Fellowship, Taylor specialized in representing youth and young adults in group home care and successfully advocated for over 85 percent of her clients to transition into family-like settings. 

“Taylor is a fantastic example of just how much of a difference one person can make in a public interest law career,” said Verna Williams, CEO of Equal Justice Works. “In addition to continuing the work of her Fellowship by representing young adults in need, Taylor has developed the nation’s first mobile app providing youth in foster care with vital information about benefits, protections, and their legal rights, expanding the scope of her impact. We are thrilled to celebrate her contributions at the 2025 Scales of Justice event.” 

Equal Justice Works created the Distinguished Alumni Award to highlight Fellow alums who have made outstanding contributions as a leader in public interest law; created lasting impact in the communities they serve; embody the organizational values of passion, community, service, opportunity, and equal access to justice; and reflect the transformative power of an Equal Justice Works Fellowship. Past awardees include Diego Cartagena, President and CEO of Bet Tzedek Legal Services and Ahilan Arulanantham, Professor from Practice and Co-Director of the Center for Immigration Law and Policy at the UCLA School of Law. 

Following her Fellowship, Taylor continued to expand on the work completed during her project by staying at Bay Legal Services, Inc. as a Senior Staff Attorney. In this role, she represents youth and young adults in the foster care system. Taylor focuses on issues related to human trafficking, disabilities, commitment in psychiatric facilities, aging out of foster care, school to prison pipeline prevention, systemic impact advocacy and litigation, and more. Taylor is also the Creator and Legal Director of FosterPower, which empowers youth and young adults in foster care by making critical and comprehensive information accessible.  

Taylor received a bachelor’s degree in English literature, magna cum laude, from Florida State University in 2014. She earned her Juris Doctor with a Certificate of Concentration in Social Justice Advocacy from Stetson University College of Law in 2018. Taylor is the founder of the organization Child Advocates of Stetson Law, which provides a way to connect law students who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children through legal advocacy and community engagement efforts. 

“Equal Justice Works provided me with the opportunity to hit the ground running in a career of social justice, from fighting for children’s rights in foster care to creating the only app in the country that explains their rights and laws meant to protect them,” said Taylor. “It is such an incredible honor to receive this award, and I am proud to say that, thanks to my Fellowship, I was given the tools and platform to jumpstart and subsequently continue this valuable work. I am grateful to witness how current and past Equal Justice Works fellows are shaping the future of our legal system by changing the trajectory for people who otherwise wouldn’t have legal representation or resources.” 

Click here for more information about the Scales of Justice. Click here to learn more about Taylor. 

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About Equal Justice Works 

Equal Justice Works is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for lawyers to transform their passion for equal justice into a lifelong commitment to public service. As the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law, Equal Justice Works brings together an extensive network of law students, lawyers, nonprofit legal aid organizations, and supporters to promote a lifelong commitment to public service and equal justice. 

Contact 

[email protected]  

Each year, the National Advisory Committee selects eight students whose exemplary passion for public service shines in their communities to win the Regional Public Interest Awards. Equal Justice Works today announced the eight law students who are being honored with the 2025 Award! 

“These eight law students have increased access to justice in their communities and on campus,” said Brooke Meckler, Director of Community Engagement at Equal Justice Works. “We are proud to recognize the winners of our 2025 Regional Public Interest Award for their dedication to public service and pro bono work.” 

Chosen for their enthusiasm and dedication to public interest law, each of the students selected is recognized for providing extraordinary service through clinics, volunteer work, internships, and more. These students all have demonstrated commitment to driving change towards equal justice for all. 

“I am deeply honored to receive the Equal Justice Works Regional Public Interest Award as I embark on my career dedicated to public service and legal advocacy,” said 2025 award recipient from the Gulf region, Alexis Fulton. “The support I have received from Equal Justice Works has emboldened my pursuit to ensure justice is afforded to all and reinforced my belief of my capacity to create positive change in this world.” 

The winners of the 2025 Regional Public Interest Award are: 

• Hayden Davis, Harvard Law School, Northeast Region
• Jacquelyn Francisco, University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, Southwest Region 
• Alexis Fulton, Florida State University College of Law, Gulf Region 
• Madeline Hren, George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School, South Region 
• Connor Hurley, University of Cincinnati College of Law, Midwest Region 
• Clover Li, University of California at Los Angeles School of Law, Pacific Region 
• Alexandra Russo, American University Washington College of Law, Mid-Atlantic Region 
• Anthony Alas, University of Minnesota Law School, Mountain Region 

“As a first-generation student, I receive this award thanks to those who lifted me up—and through public service,” said Anthony Alas, winner from the Mountain Region. “I’ve been honored to do the same for others.” 

Equal Justice Works offers many opportunities for law students to serve the public interest law community on their campuses and nationwide. Visit here for more information.

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 13, 2025— Equal Justice Works, the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law, today named 60 public interest leaders to its 2025 class of Fellows. They will work at 58 host organizations—local legal aid organizations—and in doing so will represent people needing legal assistance and empower communities to thrive amidst crises in housing, health care and other areas. 92 law firms, corporations, private foundations, and individual donors have generously supported the important work of our Fellows this year. 

This class adds to the footprint of 84 2024 Fellows and 33 cohort Fellows across the Disaster Resilience, Housing Justice, and Opioid Crisis Response Programs already in the field.  

Each law school graduate in this class has designed a two-year Equal Justice Works Fellowship project to address unmet legal needs. Specifically, Fellows enable host organizations to address new issues or innovate to expand the services they provide, while gaining experience fighting for clients and empowering communities by educating people about laws affecting them. In doing so, these Fellows advance Equal Justice Works’ mission to make America’s promise of equal justice for all a reality. 

“We are so proud of each of our incoming Fellows for committing to public service when they are needed more than ever,” said Verna Williams, CEO of Equal Justice Works. “The Fellows embody our organizational belief that the law belongs to everyone. With this dedicated class of Fellows, Equal Justice Works deepens the nation’s bench of passionate, skilled champions of justice.” 

Equal Justice Works’ Class of 2025 will affect change by working on key issue areas such as juvenile justice reform, affordable housing, and veterans’ rights. Example projects from the 2025 Class include: 

Brionna Crawford, Youth Law Center, Howard University School of Law 

Text-to-Give Fellow Brionna Crawford’s project at the Youth Law Center aims to mitigate the impact of child welfare and involvement in the juvenile justice system for children with disabilities in Tennessee. 

Stephanie Iraheta, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, Loyola Marymount University Loyola Law School 

Stephanie Iraheta will launch the first medical-legal partnership in Southern California, which plans to address the social determinants of health, focusing on preventing prevalent risk factors for HIV. 

William Kleisner, Community Economic Defense Project, Boston University School of Law 

William Kleisner’s project seeks to protect tenants’ rights to safe housing by enforcing Colorado’s newly revised laws requiring landlords to provide livable housing conditions.  

Charlotte Pope, New York Civil Liberties Union, City University of New York School of Law 

Charlotte Pope’s Fellowship targets school surveillance technology and punitive school discipline in the Empire State.  She plans to challenge such practices that infringe on student rights. 

Taylor Reilly, National Academy of Social Insurance, Emory University School of Law 

Taylor Reilly will work to increase access to much-needed Supplemental Security Income by making the application process easier to digest for low-income individuals, individuals with disabilities, and older adults.  

In almost forty years, Equal Justice Works has awarded over 2,800 postgraduate fellowships to passionate public service leaders dedicated to serving communities large and small, rural, and urban, all across this nation. On average, 85% of Equal Justice Works Fellows remain in public service positions throughout their careers, building a pipeline of public interest minded legal professionals who are committed to our nation’s promise of equal justice for all.  

Click here to learn more about Design-Your-Own Fellowships at Equal Justice Works. 

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About Equal Justice Works  

Equal Justice Works is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for lawyers to transform their passion for equal justice into a lifelong commitment to public service. As the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law, Equal Justice Works brings together an extensive network of law students, lawyers, nonprofit legal aid organizations, and supporters to promote public service and inspire a lifelong commitment to equal justice.  

Contact  

Emily Singer  

Director of Communications 

[email protected]