Equal Justice Works Welcomes Zakia A. Nesbitt to its Board of Directors
Equal Justice Works is proud to announce that Zakia A. Nesbitt has joined the organization’s board of directors as its newest member. Zakia is a second-year student at the Louisiana State University (LSU) Paul M. Hebert Law Center.
“Zakia is an accomplished leader on her law school campus and had an impressive career as a mental health professional before law school,” said David Stern, executive director at Equal Justice Works. “Her passion for public interest law paired with her professional experience will be a valuable asset as we continue our growth trajectory to create more opportunities for lawyers to commit to public service.”
At LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, Zakia serves as the treasurer for the Black Law Students Association, where she is responsible for the management and oversight of the organization’s financial affairs. She has been recognized for her leadership and achievement by numerous organizations, including LSU Law’s Public Interest Legal Society and the National Association of Women Judges. In 2018, she was a recipient of the Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair Diversity Scholarship.
Prior to law school, Zakia was a behavioral health clinical supervisor at Aetna, a CVS Health Company. She is also a board certified counselor through NBCC and is a licensed clinical mental health counselor in the state of North Carolina.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to become part of the Equal Justice Works Board of Directors,” said Zakia Nesbitt. “I look forward to supporting this organization’s outstanding efforts to create more opportunities for law students and lawyers to serve their communities and increase equal access to justice.”
Zakia earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and her M.S. in Counseling from North Carolina A&T State University.
A full list of Equal Justice Works Board of Directors can be found here.
WASHINGTON, D.C., FEBRUARY 25, 2020—Equal Justice Works, the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law, announced today that its Disaster Recovery Legal Corps (DRLC) is the winner of the American Bar Association’s (ABA) 2020 Louis M. Brown Select Award for Legal Access (the “Brown Select Award”).
The Louis M. Brown Award recognizes organizations that are committed to increasing legal services to low- and moderate-income communities and innovating the development, funding, or implementation of the delivery of legal services. The Brown Select Award is presented by the ABA Standing Committee on the Delivery of Legal Services to the Brown Award nominee that receives the most online votes from the public. to the Louis M. Brown Award nominee with the most online votes from the general public.
“We are proud of what our Fellows in our Disaster Recovery Legal Corps have accomplished over the past two years in responding to the unmet and critical disaster-related legal needs of Texas and Florida communities,” said David Stern, executive director at Equal Justice Works. “We are honored to receive this award from the American Bar Association as it recognizes that this program is good both for communities in need and the public interest lawyers who serve them. It is timely because we intend to replicate our disaster recovery work in other regions.”
Launched in the summer of 2018, the Disaster Recovery Legal Corps, is a fellowship program made up of 20 lawyers who deliver legal assistance to communities affected by 2019 Tropical Storm Imelda and the three big hurricanes of 2017—Harvey, Irma and Maria. Hosted at legal services organizations in Texas and Florida, Fellows in the program are a critical part of the recovery process in the communities where they serve. From applying for FEMA benefits, to protecting against unlawful evictions, and challenging insurance claim disputes—Fellows ensure that residents have access to the legal services they need to stabilize and rebuild their lives.
“We are thrilled at the opportunity to showcase the outstanding work of our Disaster Recovery Legal Corps,” said Linda Anderson Stanley, senior program manager at Equal Justice Works and the director of the ABA-Young Lawyers Division Disaster Legal Services program. “We are committed to mobilizing more public service leaders who are passionate about helping communities prepare for and recover from disasters.”
For more information about the work of our Disaster Recovery Legal Corps Fellows, click here.
The Disaster Recovery Legal Corps program is funded with support from the American Red Cross, the Bigglesworth Family Foundation, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, Center for Disaster Philanthropy, the Florida Bar Foundation, Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative, Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation, Sharon and Ivan Fong Family Foundation, and the Texas Access to Justice Foundation.
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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
Heena Patel
Communications Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202.466.3686
We are honored to receive this award from the American Bar Association as it recognizes that this program is good both for communities in need and the public interest lawyers who serve them. It is timely because we intend to replicate our disaster recovery work in other regions.
David Stern /
Equal Justice Works Executive Director
Put your legal education and passion for public service to work this summer while gaining experience in immigration law.
Are you interested in making a difference in immigrant communities, but aren’t sure where to start? Apply for the Equal Justice Works Immigration Summer Legal Corps (ISLC), our newest law student program, and gain exposure to the immigration field through hands-on experience.
ISLC, an eight-to ten-week summer internship program, places law students at legal services organizations to respond to the critical needs of underserved and low-income immigrant communities. ISLC is open to first- and second-year law students and provides a $5,000 stipend for completing 300 hours of service in the program.
Through ISLC, students have the opportunity to learn valuable skills outside of the classroom, such as providing direct legal services, engaging in community outreach and education, and building capacity at the organizations where they serve. Additionally, law students receive training in immigration law prior to the start of the program.
Applications for the program are due at 11:59 p.m. EST on February 18, 2020. For more information about ISLC eligibility and requirements and to apply, please visit here.
Janie L. Payne to serve as human resources director, responsible for enhancing, developing, and implementing HR policies and procedures for the organization
Equal Justice Works, the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law, welcomes Janie L. Payne as its human resources (HR) director. With more than fifteen years of years of private, federal, and nonprofit experience, Janie brings valuable leadership skills to Equal Justice Works.
“We are delighted to welcome Janie to the Equal Justice Works team,” said Sara Morello, executive vice president at Equal Justice Works. “Janie has a storied career leading HR management strategies across a wide range of organizations. She will play a critical role in helping our organization attract and retain diverse talent who share our commitment to equal justice for all.”
As the HR director, Janie will serve as a strategic partner and member of the leadership team, and will be responsible for establishing and implementing HR policies and procedures that effectively communicate and support the Equal Justice Works mission and strategic plan. In this position, Janie will also help the organization integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into both its workplace and its work.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to join such a vibrant and dedicated team,” added Janie. “Equal Justice Works is an impressive organization and I look forward to applying my experience to assist the organization in its efforts to provide a supportive environment for growth.”
Prior to Equal Justice Works, Janie was the chief human resources officer for Global Communities, where she was responsible for the design, implementation, and management of integrated HR strategies. Before Global Communities, Janie enjoyed a ten-year career with the federal government, serving in key strategic human resources positions with multiple cabinet level agencies. Janie began her career with Verizon Communications, where she held numerous roles of increasing responsibility including directing a diversity program that resulted in significant improvement in diversity profile measures.
Janie earned her M.A. from American University and holds several professional development certificates in Human Capital Management and Change Management.
A full list of Equal Justice Works staff members can be found here.
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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
Heena Patel
Communications Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202.466.3686
equaljusticeworks.org
WASHINGTON, D.C., NOVEMBER 5, 2019—Equal Justice Works, the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law, today announced that Vanita Gupta and Kim Koopersmith have been named to the organization’s board of directors.
“We are honored to welcome Vanita, and welcome back Kim, to the Equal Justice Works Board of Directors,” said David Stern, executive director at Equal Justice Works. “These highly respected leaders embody the organization’s spirit of service, and we are extremely fortunate to have them join our continuing work to create opportunities for lawyers to bring lasting change to underserved communities across our country.”
Vanita Gupta is the president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. She previously served as the Acting Assistant Attorney General and head of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. “It is a privilege to join the Equal Justice Works Board of Directors,” said Ms. Gupta. “I am honored to support an organization that mobilizes public service leaders to use the law for its best purpose—to help those in need.”
Kim Koopersmith is the chairperson of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, a position she has held since 2013. She previously served on the Equal Justice Works Board of Counselors and its Board of Directors for ten years—three of them as board chair. “I look forward to returning to serve as a member of the Equal Justice Works Board of Directors,” said Ms. Koopersmith. “This organization is a powerful force for good and it is exciting to continue supporting the work of the Equal Justice Works Fellows across the nation who are providing critical legal services to communities in need.”
In addition to these new members, Equal Justice Works announced that Ivan K. Fong, senior vice president, legal affairs, and general counsel of the 3M Company, has been elected board chair. Mr. Fong will succeed Randal S. Milch, co-chair of NYU Center for Cybersecurity, who will step down at the conclusion of his term. Kathryn J. Fritz, partner in the Litigation and Intellectual Property Groups of Fenwick & West LLP, has been named board vice chair.
Learn more about the Equal Justice Works Board of Directors here.
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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 public service into a lifelong commitment to equal justice. 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
Heena Patel
Communications Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202.466.3686
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WHAT:
U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), a Member of the House Judiciary Committee and a leader for gun safety reform, and Ryan Gerber, litigation fellow at Everytown for Gun Safety, will participate in a panel discussion on gun reform at the Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair.
WHO:
More than 200 public interest employers and over 1,400 law students and recent graduates will attend the Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair, the largest national public interest legal career fair. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in prescheduled interviews, workshops, and informal “table talk” discussions; receive résumé and cover letter advice; network with law students and legal professionals; and hear from Representative Raskin and Gerber from Everytown for Gun Safety.
WHEN:
Saturday, October 19, 2019
10:00 – 11:00 a.m. ET
WHERE:
Crystal Gateway Marriott
1700 Richmond Hwy
Arlington, VA 22202
CONTACT:
Heena Patel, Communications Manager
202.466.3686
[email protected]
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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 public service into a lifelong commitment to equal justice. 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. Visit equaljusticeworks.org for more information.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WHAT:
Former United States Attorney General Loretta Lynch will sit down with the Honorable Ann Claire Williams, formerly of the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, at the Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair to discuss her career and unyielding commitment to public service.
WHO:
More than 200 public interest employers and over 1,400 law students and recent graduates will attend the Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair, the largest national public interest legal career fair. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in prescheduled interviews, workshops, and informal “table talk” discussions; receive résumé and cover letter advice; network with law students and legal professionals; and hear from Former United States Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch about her service at The Department of Justice.
WHEN:
Friday, October 18, 2019
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET
WHERE:
Crystal Gateway Marriott
1700 Richmond Hwy
Arlington, VA 22202
CONTACT:
Heena Patel, Communications Manager
202.466.3686
[email protected]
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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 public service into a lifelong commitment to equal justice. 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.
Visit equaljusticeworks.org for more information.
Equal Justice Works, the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law, today announced that U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), a Member of the House Judiciary Committee and a leader for gun safety reform, and Ryan Gerber, litigation fellow at Everytown for Gun Safety, are scheduled to participate in a panel discussion on gun reform at the upcoming Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair.
Each fall, Equal Justice Works hosts its two-day Conference and Career Fair, the largest national public interest legal career fair, bringing together more than 200 public interest employers and 1,400 law students and recent law graduates. Attendees participate in prescheduled interviews, workshops and informal “table talk” discussions; receive résumé advice; and network with law students and the public interest law community.
This year, the Conference and Career Fair will be held October 18–19 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia, and will include a panel discussion from 10–11 a.m. on October 19, between Representative Raskin and Gerber from Everytown for Gun Safety. At the session, the two panelists will look at how young people and law students can make a difference on gun reform; the role of courts in gun safety; legislative action around the issue; and recent advocacy efforts, including community involvement with Representative Raskin’s office. The panel will be moderated by 2019 Equal Justice Works Fellow Eliana Green, whose work is hosted by Root & Rebound Reentry Advocates, and sponsored by Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP.
The Conference and Career Fair will also hold a special keynote session with former U.S. Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch, from 4–5 p.m. on October 18.
Visit here for more information about the Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair.
Program Builds on Organization’s Work to Mobilize Lawyers and Community Organizers to Combat Unlawful Evictions
WASHINGTON, D.C., AUGUST 20, 2019—Equal Justice Works, the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law, today announced the launch of the Housing Justice Program, a new Fellowship program aimed at helping families currently or at risk of experiencing housing instability in the Greater Richmond Region. Attorneys selected to be Equal Justice Works Fellows will serve at legal services organizations in Richmond and provide free legal services in the local community.
Richmond has the second highest rate of eviction among large cities in the United States according to an analysis by Princeton University’s Eviction Lab, which participated in stakeholder interviews as part of the city selection process. In addition, Equal Justice Works consulted with leaders from nonprofit organizations, legal services organizations, and community groups, as well as community members who have experienced housing instability themselves in choosing Richmond for the Housing Justice Program.
“For many residents in Richmond, having legal representation can mean the difference between staying in their homes and being involuntarily displaced,” said David Stern, executive director at Equal Justice Works. “We are proud to launch the Housing Justice Program to ensure the availability of lawyers who will work to keep people and families in their homes and off the streets. This program serves as a pilot initiative for Equal Justice Works as we continue to expand our efforts to combat the scourge of unlawful evictions across our country.”
The Equal Justice Works Housing Justice Program places six lawyers and two community organizers at Central Virginia Legal Aid Society, Legal Aid Justice Center, and Virginia Poverty Law Center, to serve low-income individuals and families facing evictions and/or other manifestations of housing instability. Over the course of a two-year program term, Fellows and community organizers will provide a combination of services including client representation; community outreach and education to community members and property owners; and strategic partnership building. Additionally, Fellows will expand the capacity of the legal services organizations where they serve to ensure greater access to legal services for residents facing the possibility of eviction.
Over the past three decades, Equal Justice Works has awarded more than 2,000 Fellowships to lawyers committed to public service. More than 85 percent of Fellows remain in public service, continuing to pursue equal justice for underserved communities across the country.
The Housing Justice Program is made possible thanks to the generosity of The JPB Foundation. Visit the Equal Justice Works website to learn more about the Housing Justice Program.
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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 public service into a lifelong commitment to equal justice. 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. Visit equaljusticeworks.org for more information.
Contact
Heena Patel
Communications Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202.466.3686
WASHINGTON, D.C., JULY 31, 2019—Equal Justice Works, the nation’s largest facilitator of opportunities in public interest law, recently announced the election of Jonathan Chiel and Juliette Pryor to its Board of Directors.
“We are delighted to welcome Jonathan and Juliette to the Board,” said David Stern, executive director at Equal Justice Works. “Both of these highly regarded leaders share our commitment to equal access to justice, and we’re excited for the passion, unique perspectives, and wealth of experience that they will bring to advance our mission to mobilize passionate public service leaders.”
Jonathan Chiel is the executive vice president and general counsel for Fidelity Investments. He received his A.B. from Brown University and his J.D. from Harvard Law School and is a past member of the Equal Justice Works Annual Dinner Steering Committee.
Juliette Pryor is the senior vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary for Cox Enterprises, where she is responsible for overseeing the company’s legal functions and serving as a strategic advisor to the company’s Board of Directors and executive team. Bringing more than 25 years of public and private corporate legal experience to her role, Juliette previously served as the executive vice president, general counsel, and chief compliance officer of US Foods, Inc. Juliette received her B.A. from Fisk University, M.S. from Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, and J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. She currently serves as a member of the Equal Justice Works Annual Dinner Steering Committee.
For more information on the Equal Justice Works Board of Directors, visit our website.
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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 public service into a lifelong commitment to equal justice. 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. Visit equaljusticeworks.org for more information.
Contact
Heena Patel
Communications Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202.466.3686