PILA Fellows Drive Change through Public Interest Work
The 2025–2026 Public Interest Law Association (PILA) Fellows at UW Law address critical issues faced by marginalized communities.
UW Law proudly spotlights the work of 30 students awarded fellowships through the Public Interest Law Association (PILA), made possible by the generous support of UW Law’s friends, faculty, and staff.
PILA is committed to advancing legal work that serves the public and strengthens communities in Washington and beyond. Through these fellowships, students gain hands-on experience with organizations that advocate for vulnerable populations, expanding access to justice and promoting greater equity.
Meet the 2025–2026 PILA Fellows and learn how they are partnering with public interest organizations, legal services providers, nonprofits, government agencies, and tribal entities to help build a more just and equitable society.
The PILA Fellows
- Jasmin Bolte, 3L
- Geon Woo Choi, 2L
- Kyla Choi, 1L
- Piper Coyner, 2L
- Torben Deese, 2L
- Katie Ellis, 2L
- Hannah Gracedel, 3L
- Aubrey Greaves, 2L
- Kelsey (Seunghyun) Hahm, 2L
- Kassandra Hendricksen, 2L
- Josie Hunt, 2L
- Claire Kenneally, 2L
- Alexandra Kent, 2L
- Erin Knauth, 2L
- Bodie Kriner, 1L
- Kate Jung, 2L
- Eric Lopez, 3L
- Jason Lu, 3L
- Sarah Luchetta, 2L
- Fynn Manohchompoo, 2L
- Gabby McGann, 2L
- Grayson McGowan, 2L
- Ellison McVicars, 2L
- Chaewon Park, 2L
- Siying Qu, 2L
- Emily Seely, 2L
- Keaton Silver, 2L
- Adelyn Ulehla, 2L
- Colyer Woolston, 3L
- Chloe Young, 2L
Explore their Projects
Jasmin Bolte, 3L
Puget Soundkeeper Alliance
Seattle, WA
The PILA Fellowship allowed me to explore an area of law that I am passionate about and make valuable professional connections.
Working at Puget Soundkeeper gave me the amazing opportunity to engage in environmental law and with the Clean Water Act in the community I live in. I attended hearings and enforcement patrols, briefed legal issues and directly participated in making Seattle’s waterways cleaner and safer for the people and wildlife that depend on the Puget Sound. I got to learn so much about the local environmental legal community and meet so many wonderful people that I hope to work with in the future here in Seattle!
Geon Woo Choi, 2L
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
Tacoma, WA
The PILA Fellowship helped me focus on my summer externship without worrying about finances. It made it possible for me to gain real legal experience and confirmed that I want to keep doing work that serves the public.
While externing with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, I worked with Chief Magistrate Judge Fricke. I drafted bench memoranda and proposed orders on civil and criminal cases, including removal jurisdiction and habeas petitions, and conducted research to support judicial decisions. Observing hearings and reviewing filings gave me a behind-the-scenes view of how judges evaluate arguments and apply precedent. The experience strengthened my legal writing and research skills and deepened my understanding of federal procedure.
Kyla Choi, 1L
Western District of Washington Federal Public Defender
Seattle, WA
The PILA Fellowship allowed me to pursue my passion for indigent defense without financial barriers. Personally, it affirmed my commitment to public service and strengthened my sense of responsibility toward ensuring fairness and dignity for every client, regardless of their background or the charges they faced.
As a Summer 2025 intern at the Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Washington, I assisted attorneys with legal research, drafted sentencing memos, and organized discovery for cases involving complex federal statutes. I analyzed issues such as ineffective assistance claims, supervised release tolling and evidentiary challenges in sex offense cases. Through these projects, I witnessed how precise legal writing and empathy can directly influence a client’s liberty and trust in the justice system. My work helped attorneys streamline arguments and meet urgent filing deadlines, which had tangible effects on case outcomes. This experience deepened my understanding of how systemic inequities shape criminal defense and solidified my desire to build a career advocating for fairness within federal courts.
Piper Coyner, 2L
Kitsap County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
Port Orchard, WA
Thanks to my PILA Fellowship, I was able to extern at my local prosecutor’s office and spend the summer living with family. I am so grateful for my PILA Fellowship because it gave me the opportunity to work within my own community and alleviated many of my financial worries.
My summer at the Kitsap County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office was an invaluable legal experience that allowed me to see public service in action. I attended court multiple times per day, witnessed two trials, assisted attorneys with research and court preparation and learned about how public servants balance various issues and concerns. Most importantly, I received guidance and attention from a group of talented attorneys who were always willing to answer my questions and explain how they reach certain decisions. My externship gave me an insider's look at the criminal justice system, and I am beyond grateful to have had such an educational, hands-on legal experience in my local community.
Torben Deese, 2L
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
Seattle, WA
It made me feel like my goal of doing public service work throughout my career was being supported by the UW Law community. Rather than feeling pressured to explore corporate/law firm work, this fellowship allowed me to embrace my desire to use my law degree to help communities throughout the state of Washington.
I worked with Magistrate Judge S. Kate Vaughan on a variety of cases. I had the opportunity to learn how the federal judiciary operates and think through the decision-making process that judges all over the country engage in. I was given the chance to engage with many different parts of our federal judiciary through attending mental health diversion court, hearing from federal public defenders and visiting many courtrooms to watch trials and hearings. I was able to work closely with our law clerks writing memos and orders for the judge. Ultimately, I gained a wealth of knowledge that I will apply throughout my legal career to fight for marginalized communities and stand up to those wielding power in illegal or unjust ways.
Kate Ellis, 2L
King County Superior Court
Tacoma, WA
Because of the PILA fellowship, I was able to take a summer position that I was excited about and pay my rent! As a judicial intern, I conducted a significant amount of legal research, analyzed issues and drafted several documents, including ten research memos and several judicial orders. Being a judicial intern gave me the opportunity to gain practical insight into the judicial process through observation of various civil and criminal courtroom proceedings. Spending this valuable time in the courtroom and conducting so much legal research and writing both prepared me to come back to UW Law feeling confident in my courses and reinforced my future goal of being a public defender.
Hannah Gracedel, 3L
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
Seattle, WA
The PILA Fellowship made it possible for me to pursue a judicial externship I had dreamed of doing since starting law school. Because it funded an otherwise unpaid summer position, I was able to gain invaluable experience and mentorship without facing the financial barrier that would have prevented me from participation.
I externed in the chambers of the Honorable Ricardo S. Martinez at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. I drafted orders ruling on motions to dismiss, summary judgment and a temporary restraining order. I received constructive feedback from the law clerks, which helped me hone my ability to draft clear, concise and well-reasoned legal writing. In addition, I observed both civil and criminal hearings. Before and after hearings, Judge Martinez would discuss with me what arguments resonated with him and what could have been more effective. Because of this, I gained insight into how a judge approaches and analyzes complex issues. Working for Judge Martinez and his law clerks was a formative experience that will influence how I approach legal analysis and client advocacy throughout my career.
Aubrey Greaves, 2L
King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
Seattle, WA
The PILA Fellowship made it financially feasible for me to take advantage of a great opportunity. It made it possible for me to gain valuable work experience in a whole new legal field.
As an extern at King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, I learned more about trial work than any other summer position I could have had. I worked on major felony trials, as well as in King County’s Diversion Court programs. I also wrote an important memorandum about the offender scoring implications of the definition of “conviction” under the Sentencing Reform Act. On a personal level, this externship gave me the insight I needed to know I wanted to be a litigator, and sparked deeper insights into the criminal justice system writ large. I am very grateful for the PILA grant; without it, this opportunity would not have been feasible for me.
Kelsey (Seunghyun) Hahm, 2L
King County Superior Court
Kent, WA
Thanks to the PILA Fellowship, I worked at the King County Superior Court in Kent, where I had a memorable summer observing trials, writing memos and drafting an order, all of which deepened my understanding of real-world legal practice.
During my internship, I observed many types of trials, from civil cases like will disputes to serious criminal cases such as a murder trial. I spent much of my time writing memos and drafting an order while watching the proceedings. It was exciting to see how things I learned in my 1L classes actually played out in court. I also learned how judges think and what makes a legal argument persuasive. My favorite part was writing memos based on real cases I had seen, which made the work feel meaningful. Watching hearings, listening to arguments and putting together thoughtful recommendations made the experience both challenging and rewarding.
Kassandra Hendricksen, 2L
Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
Olympia, WA
I am grateful I was able to work close to home, and directly impact my hometown and surrounding community. At the prosecutor's office I worked in the conviction review unit on appeals. I was able to assist in ensuring convictions are upheld and receive direct practice in appellate advocacy. The office also gave me many opportunities to learn about how different government entities work together. It was motivating to see how hard public servants are working to ensure their communities are safe.
Josie Hunt, 2L
Deschutes Defenders
Bend, OR
My plan is to become a public defender so the PILA Fellowship is in line with my professional goals to ensure that folks are being represented properly, especially those who are often systemically neglected.
At my project site, I conducted legal research, visited with clients in jail, wrote motions regarding interpretation of Oregon criminal statutes and attended hearings and trials. While most of my work was behind the scenes, I wrote several memos for clients’ cases to reduce their charges, or remove them from their records. It was impactful to support the attorneys when often there was no case law relevant to their particular case's facts. It was very interesting to work with them to create their position, and was formative for me to see the kind of attorney I want to become. The passion, drive and desire to provide clients with the best legal representation possible was overwhelming.
Kate Jung, 2L
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
Seattle, WA
The PILA Fellowship allowed me to dedicate my summer to serving immigrant communities at a critical moment and to grow as a more effective advocate without the burden of financial stress. At the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP), I worked with clients from around the world seeking various forms of immigration relief. I assisted with applications filed with U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services and the immigration court, and helped prepare a brief addressing due process violations. One of the most memorable experiences was appearing before an immigration judge for a master calendar hearing. While news headlines often reduce the immigrant experience to a single narrative, working directly with clients reminded me once again that each person’s journey is unique and deeply personal.
As a future advocate, I learned the importance of listening with care, writing with clarity and precision, and staying agile amid constantly changing laws. Working alongside NWIRP’s dedicated attorneys and staff also reinforced the value of compassion and persistence in advocacy. Above all, this experience deepened my commitment to using the law as a tool for empowerment and meaningful change.
Claire Kenneally, 2L
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
Tacoma, WA
I assisted NWIRP legal staff in providing high quality legal assistance, including: identifying legal issues and potential forms of relief for immigrants; drafting legal brief and research memos; preparing filings with immigration courts and agencies; drafting client declarations and gathering evidence in support of applications; conducting intakes; and appearing in immigration court proceedings. I especially appreciated all of the client service I participated in and the direct service I did. With the PILA Fellowship, I appreciated being able to pay my rent and bills while doing the work I was passionate about.
Alexandra Kent, 2L
Washington Court of Appeals, Division II
Tacoma, WA
Thanks to the PILA fellowship, I was able to pursue a public service opportunity in the courts and apply what I learned in my first year of law school to meaningful and engaging work.
This summer, I worked as a judicial extern to Judge Rebecca R. Glasgow at the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division II. I had an incredible experience in chambers and was given an invaluable hands-on learning opportunity. In this role, I evaluated legal briefs and the record, drafted outlines, prehearing memoranda and opinions as the primary author on criminal and civil cases for presentation to a panel of judges. I also conducted independent legal research and performed final cite checks. Throughout the summer, I worked closely with Judge Glasgow and gained valuable firsthand insight into the judicial decision-making process and the inner workings of judicial chambers. My contribution helped the judge and law clerks manage their caseloads more efficiently, allowing cases to be resolved faster. Overall, this experience strengthened my commitment to advocacy by using litigation strategically to effect positive change.
Erin Knauth, 2L
King County CASA
Seattle, WA
During my summer internship with King County CASA, I supported attorneys and volunteers advocating for children in dependency proceedings. I researched case law, drafted trial briefs, and helped ensure that each child’s best interests were clearly represented in court. Through this experience, I saw how collaboration among all counsel, including the child’s advocate, the parents’ attorney, and the state’s representative, can lead to outcomes that genuinely serve families. Watching attorneys who often stand on opposing sides work toward the shared goal of stability and safety was very impactful.
This internship gave me a fuller understanding of how compassionate, collaborative lawyering can make a tangible difference for families navigating difficult circumstances. It strengthened my appreciation for precise, empathetic legal writing and showed me how thoughtful advocacy rooted in respect and cooperation can help the law serve people the way it is meant to.
Bodie Kriner, 1L
Veterans Legal Clinic
Seattle, WA
The PILA Fellowship allowed me the opportunity to gain essential lawyering skills like client interviewing, advocacy and case management. Such an opportunity reinforced the values that I look forward to developing related to systematic issues and helping individuals become the agents of change.
I managed cases that involved veterans' legal controversy with the Veterans Affairs as well as the various military branches. The work involved interviewing clients to develop the outcome that they desired, such as denied claims by the Veterans Affairs and applications for discharge review from the various military branches. The federal processes are difficult to navigate and it was an honor to advocate on my clients' behalf. I developed procedural materials to help streamline the work to be done at the organization. I also helped veterans in varying different situations with unique controversies. The clients that I served had tried numerous routes to seek help, before finding our organization. After developing the facts of each client's claim, I drafted legal documents to submit for reconsideration on the client's behalf.
I learned countless lessons, but what stands out would be the importance of empathy and organization. Some of my clients' controversies involved mental health issues and trauma. In developing a legal argument, oftentimes interviews brought up the traumas the client suffered. In building trust and rapport with the client, I softened the experience for them, while helping build their case. These interviews were difficult on the clients which made organization a priority to get it right the first time.
Eric Lopez, 3L
California Rural Legal Assistance
Delano, CA
The PILA Fellowship allowed me to explore opportunities I may not have been able to otherwise. I have thought about practicing outside of Washington state and with the fellowship, I was able to get a taste of what that may look like!
At California Rural Legal Assistance, I worked on education, employment and housing cases. I worked on declarations, conducted legal research and drafted memoranda. I also had plenty of opportunities to network within the organization. I met several other interns from various parts of the country and sat in on many attorney meetings. I was exposed to various areas of the law, even those I was not working on directly. One of the most meaningful experiences from my time at CRLA was from sitting in on intakes. This was a valuable experience for me as I was able to see how a case begins and what it is like interacting with a potential client as an attorney. Building the client-attorney relationship is one of the most interesting experiences I took out of my internship as that is not something you learn until you actually experience it!
Jason Lu, 3L
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
Seattle, WA
The PILA Fellowship gave me the opportunity to undertake my internship this summer. The experiences I've had this past summer opened my eyes to the immense need that immigrants have in this country for legal services, and allowed me to hone my skills in their service.
This summer, I had the privilege of interning with the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) through the Spring Blossom Fellowship, which affirmed the ABAW’s commitment to supporting law students in public interest work. NWIRP is Washington’s largest nonprofit defending immigrants’ rights through direct services and advocacy. As part of the Naturalization Unit, I assisted clients from around the world navigating the complex U.S. immigration system. The work demanded precision and resilience — small errors can have life-altering consequences — but I was guided by dedicated attorneys who modeled patience and excellence.
Many of my cases involved “crimmigration” issues, where criminal and immigration law intersect. I researched, drafted motions and helped clients understand how charges affected their status. My most rewarding moment was learning a detained client’s release motion I drafted had been granted. This transformative experience deepened my understanding of justice and strengthened my resolve to build a career at this intersection.
Sarah Luchetta, 2L
Disability Rights Oregon
Portland, OR
The PILA Fellowship allowed me to support Disability Rights Oregon's mission of promoting and defending the rights of people with disabilities. This opportunity allowed me to explore the fields of disability law and education law, and is an experience that I found very impactful.
While at Disability Rights Oregon (DRO) I worked with both the Special Education team and the Crime Survivors Project. As a member of the Special Education team, I was able to do research on school funding in Oregon and created an informational report. As part of the Crime Survivors Project team, I helped create a guide to victims' rights in "plain language" that was accessible to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. I was also able to observe court proceedings, attend client interviews and meetings with attorneys from different teams at DRO, created a memo for the Crime Survivors Project, and did a client intake with the assistance of a legal advocate. I am very grateful for the experience I had at DRO. The attorneys I worked with were all amazing and supportive, and I feel like I gained valuable experience working with clients and understanding the intersectionality of different areas of law.
Gabby McGann, 2L
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
Washington, DC
The PILA Fellowship allowed me to take an opportunity across the country this past summer that I would not otherwise have had the ability to accept. My internship provided a unique, hands-on experience with the legislative process and I'm now able to take this knowledge into the rest of law school and my future career.
I was an intern on the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation under Senator Maria Cantwell, working with the Oceans Team on legislative issues related to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and U.S. Coast Guard. During my time, I was able to compile the statutory authorities for NOAA and the Coast Guard to help inform current and future legislation affecting communities around the country, draft legislative text and track litigation related to agencies under the committee. I was also given the opportunity to sit in on committee hearings, meet with stakeholders and learn the ins and outs of the legislative process from committee staff. This hands-on experience allowed me to peek behind the legislative curtain and see what it takes for legislation to become a law, as well as where community advocates play a role in this process.
Fynn Manohchompoo, 3L
Northwest Justice Project
Tacoma, WA
Starting law school, I knew I wanted to continue the work I’d started as an organizer: helping to meet my community’s needs. Thanks to the PILA Fellowship, I got to explore how civil legal aid lawyers do exactly that, in one of the first places I learned to organize.
Working with the Northwest Justice Project, I got to dig deep into housing and public benefits law to fill in the gaps that too many people fall through. For example, extending the Homestead Exemption to protect people living in their vehicles, combing through common law to protect tenants from unlawful eviction, and struggling with DSHS to keep families on food stamp assistance and disability aid.
I shadowed some incredible lawyers and learned a lot from the way they both approached every client with genuine care and interacted on a personal level. It showed me how effective advocacy translates into policy and keeps public agencies accountable to the people they are supposed to serve. Overall, I found civil legal aid work deeply fulfilling, and it is something I am seriously considering for my future legal career.
Grayson McGowan, 2L
National Immigration Project (NIP) of the National Lawyers Guild
Washington, DC
The PILA Fellowship allowed me to stay housed while completing my internship. Over the summer I worked extensively on federal habeas litigation, motions to reopen in immigration court and conducted research on immigration issues such as asylum pretermission, equitable tolling issues and other APA claims. During my time at NIP we were able to secure release for individuals detained in Louisiana through habeas litigation and also filed a nationwide lawsuit challenging unlawful deferred action termination for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status recipients (A.C.R. et al. v. Noem et al).
The habeas work I did for trans migrants had the largest impact on me and I'm excited to continue specializing in post-conviction relief and removal defense in the future. The judicial decision-making process and the inner working of judicial chambers. My contribution helped the judge and law clerks manage their caseloads more efficiently, allowing cases to be resolved faster. Overall, this experience strengthened my commitment to advocacy and using litigation strategically to effect positive change.
Thanks to the PILA fellowship, I was able to pursue a public service opportunity in the courts and apply what I learned in my first year of law school to meaningful and engaging work.
Ellison McVicars, 2L
Benefits Law Center
Seattle, WA
The PILA Fellowship allowed me to pursue opportunities I am passionate about rather than prioritizing paying jobs. I am also grateful that, because I did not require payment, Benefits Law Center (BLC) was able to take on a legal intern; they require support that they can't get due to financial limitations.
BLC aimed to take on as many clients as ethically possible — Social Security issues are massive in quantity and lacking in representation. My contribution at BLC allowed for a wide net of clients to be served without overloading attorneys. Personally, I was very impacted by the client facing work — helping people in desperate situations was a very powerful experience.
I drafted and researched briefs to be presented before an Administrative Law Judge regarding Social Security, wrote advice of counsel letters for clients and advised them of their options regarding Social Security. I presented research topics to supervising attorneys, performed intakes and accompanied attorneys during community outreach.
Through this experience, I learned about applying administrative law to incredibly specific facts patterns and judicial decisions. I was also exposed to client facing work — something I had never done before — and navigated difficult situations.
Chaewon Park, 2L
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Laredo, TX
The PILA Fellowship provided the financial support I needed to focus fully on my summer public service work. Thanks to this support, I was able to explore the realities of public interest practice and strengthen my appreciation for serving the community.
While working at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, I assisted the judge and clerks with research and drafting on a wide range of federal cases, including immigration and criminal matters unique to the border region. Beyond the legal work, I had the opportunity to help with the court’s fellowship program for local high school students, designed to expose them to different careers in law and public service. Many of the students in this part of Texas had never met a Korean person before, and I was grateful to share my background while learning from their perspectives. It was a meaningful exchange that reminded me how diversity and representation can shape the way young people imagine their futures. This experience deepened my understanding of both the human side of the judiciary and the importance of inclusive community engagement.
Siying Qu, 2L
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI
The PILA Fellowship provided essential financial support that allowed me to complete my summer internship in Milwaukee. It made it possible for me to focus fully on meaningful public interest work without worrying about housing and transportation expenses.
During my summer project at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, I worked for Magistrate Judge Nancy Joseph. I researched and analyzed federal case law and procedural rules to support judicial opinions and rulings on motions, including dispositive and nondispositive matters. I also assisted in drafting judicial orders, recommendations and memoranda on motions to dismiss, summary judgment and evidentiary issues. Observing hearings, oral arguments and discovery conferences deepened my understanding of judicial reasoning and federal practice. My contributions helped the chambers manage cases efficiently and ensure the accuracy of judicial decisions. This experience strengthened my legal writing, analytical precision and attention to procedural detail. More importantly, it reaffirmed my commitment to pursuing a career in litigation, where clarity, fairness and rigorous reasoning are essential to the pursuit of justice.
Emily Seely, 2L
Seattle City Attorney's Office
Seattle, WA
Receiving the PILA fellowship allowed me to accept an unpaid public service externship without wondering how I would support myself during the summer. As an undergraduate student, I had to decline a competitive unpaid internship because I couldn't afford to forego a paycheck during the summer. The PILA fellowship prevented this exact scenario from happening to me as a law student.
I worked in the Torts section of the Seattle City Attorney's Office. Most of my work involved conducting legal research on municipal tort liability and observing depositions, mediations and hearings. My research was used by the Torts section leader in a hearing concerning the use of a public park. He was arguing against a preliminary injunction that would close a city park of historical significance for the LGBTQIA+ community in Seattle. I felt proud to have contributed to this cause. I also learned a great deal about the competing interests of a municipality. There is never an easy answer when considering the interests of individuals who work for the municipality, individuals who reside in the municipality and the community as a whole. I have an even greater respect for our local government attorneys and non-lawyer employees who work hard to balance these interests.
Keaton Silver, 2L
Washington Supreme Court
Olympia, WA
The PILA Fellowship allowed me to take an opportunity in Olympia and afford summer housing so that I could be physically in the Washington Supreme Court every day of the week. The benefit of being physically present allowed me to meet and network with justices and court staff beyond my chambers. The PILA Fellowship gave me the opportunity to work on more than just assignments and emails; my summer was filled with learning opportunities and networking with some of the greatest legal minds in Washington State. I worked directly with Commissioner Michael Johnston. In this role, I independently drafted a bench memorandum recommending whether the Supreme Court grant review or affirm the Court of Appeals's holding. I also reviewed discretionary motions to the court such as to consider newly discovered evidence. My summer was filled with legal writing and analysis that significantly improved my research, writing and analysis skills.
As an extern, I performed the same tasks as staff attorneys and helped the Court efficiently work through their docket. I was also given the opportunity to write research memos on the impact of A.I. in judicial systems and the particular threat A.I. use poses to the common law when used by judges. This memo is being used to consider how the Washington Code of Judicial Ethics could be updated to reinforce public trust in Washington court where the public is concerned about A.I. use.
My experience was unique and impactful. It has shaped my journey as a young attorney and I am eternally grateful for the PILA Fellowship for allowing me to spend my summer at the Court in Olympia.
Adelyn Ulehla, 2L
King County Superior Court
Kent, WA
The PILA Fellowship allowed me to intern at the courthouse with The Honorable Mark A. Larrañaga, which was truly one of the most interesting, informative and pleasant experiences of my legal career thus far. I believe that every law student should spend time familiarizing themselves with the judicial system.
I observed and assisted with two major trials this summer, one which was for a second-degree murder charge with claims of self-defense, and one which was a civil plane crash case. I completed any legal research, memorandums and proofreading Judge Larrañaga needed done on these matters and other smaller ones. The Court was extremely busy this summer, so I was able to help alleviate some of the work Judge Larrañaga had on his plate. I gained so much knowledge and practical experience in just one summer. I learned about the mechanisms behind trials, sentencings and jury selection. The criminal case ended in a mistrial, which was also a very unique experience. Finally, I honed my legal research and writing skills, and learned about evidence rules and the tough decisions judges must make with their broad discretion. Finally, Judge Larrañaga is excellent and I value the connection I was able to make with him!
Colyer Woolston, 3L
Alaska Supreme Court
Anchorage, AK
The PILA Fellowship allowed me to serve as a judicial extern with Justice Borghesan at the Alaska Supreme Court. Through this experience, I supported and acquired firsthand knowledge of Alaska’s appellate judicial process. This opportunity would not have been possible without the generous support of the PILA Fellowship.
Throughout my judicial externship, I was tasked with a wide range of research and writing projects, including researching the case law of other states to answer questions that had no clear answer in Alaska’s case law, as well as assisting with the researching and drafting of judicial opinions at different stages of the opinion writing process. Additionally, I had the opportunity to attend oral arguments as well as to meet and speak with the justices of the court.
Because of these opportunities, my externship was a highly valuable experience. My legal analysis, research and writing skills were honed through the complex memos that I was assigned, and I was introduced to many new areas of law. Additionally, this experience was incredibly humbling. I developed a new appreciation for the immense effort that is required of justices and their clerks to thoroughly research and fairly answer difficult questions of law that have significant impacts on people’s lives. Having the opportunity to assist with this work made the experience all the more meaningful.
Chloe Young, 2L
Washington Court of Appeals, Division II
Tacoma, WA
Prior to law school, I worked as a waitress to make ends meet. By alleviating a portion of my family’s living costs, the PILA Fellowship allowed greater flexibility to focus on honing my legal research and writing skills over the summer to effectively support marginalized members of my community seeking justice. Additionally, the scholarship made it financially possible to earn academic credit from UW through the externship program.
I completed four prehearing memoranda. Prehearing memoranda help the panel of judges understand the case prior to conferencing and often serve as the basis for the draft opinion. My memoranda involved both civil and criminal cases. This strengthened my skills in analyzing legal issues by applying legal principles to real-world scenarios. I also increased my understanding of WA appellate procedures and their impacts on trial litigation. My contributions helped resolve four cases currently pending at the Court of Appeals. I learned how to effectively work in a team to analyze long records, write concise memos and research efficiently.