2022 Scholarship Recipients

Alea Tiberi
District Attorney's Office, Allegheny County​

Bio:
My name is Alea Tiberi and I am currently a 2L at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. I am originally from Buffalo, New York. In 2021, I received a BA in History and Political Science from the State University of New York at Geneseo. In my free time, I am a Dance Fitness Instructor with Pitt Campus Recreation. 
 
Summer Internship Experience:
This summer, I was an intern at the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office in the Domestic Violence Unit. Throughout this experience, I was able to observe many interesting court proceedings, complete legal research for my supervisors, and review law enforcement body camera footage that was to be used as evidence at trial. I am incredibly grateful to PLISF for giving me the financial support that I needed in order to be able to take advantage of this opportunity. 

Why I'm Interested in Public Interest Law:
To me, public interest means giving back to the community around me. It means helping those that would not ordinarily have support, especially at some of the most vulnerable points in their lives. In short, public interest is about leaving the world better than you found it.

Advice to 1Ls:
Don't count out public interest opportunities just because they are unpaid! Obviously, we all have financial responsibilities, but there are so many resources available to help financially support you if you want to have a public interest summer experience (most notably, PLISF!)

Amanda March
Community Justice Project

Bio:
I am currently a second-year student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. As a life-long Pittsburgher, I plan to take the Pennsylvania Bar Exam after I graduate and continue my legal career in Pennsylvania. I find myself attracted to the challenge of litigation.  Additionally, as a first-generation college graduate and a first-generation law student, my decision to pursue a law degree was motivated by a desire to contribute to my community and help other people with my skills and experience. I interned with Community Justice Project the summer after my first year of law school, where I was fortunate to work on high-impact litigation in the public interest field. I hope to continue working in public interest this summer, and eventually find a full-time public interest job after I graduate and pass the bar. 

Summer Internship Experience:
During my internship with Community Justice Project, I had the opportunity to be included on a call where one of my supervising attorneys told a client they would be able to represent them at no cost. The relief and appreciation in the client’s voice is something I will not forget. Nor will I forget the learning opportunities I was able to have at Community Justice Project. From inclusionary zoning laws, contract law, fee-shifting for intervenors on the federal level, and the implied warranty of habitability, my legal research for Community Justice Project allowed me to learn many new nuances and areas of the law on a practical level. In addition to the substantive law that I have become more familiar with, I have also learned a lot about legal research and writing, and what works and does not work as well.

Why I'm Interested in Public Interest Law:
As a first-generation college graduate and a first-generation law student, my decision to pursue a law degree was motivated by a desire to contribute to my community and help other people with my skills and experience. While all lawyers contribute and give back to society to an extent, Public Interest is special to me because of the sacrifices these attorneys make for the greater good of their community. Their passion, desire, and creativity to push the law forward inspires me. Public Interest means using your privilege and knowledge of the law, which is not accessible to many people, to help them with their problems. This combination of knowledge and generosity makes the idea of work exciting to me and transforms work into a career I could see myself doing for the rest of my life.  

Advice to 1Ls:
Don’t compare your timelines and summer internship prospects to your friends who are not doing public interest. They are just different, and you have enough to worry about in law school without comparing your goals to someone else’s goals that are entirely different. However, I do recommend trying out for Law Review, as that looks good to any employer, not just Big Law. 

Daniel Tublin
United States Attorney's Office of the Western District of PA

Summer Internship Experience:
I had a fantastic experience as an intern with the USAO. I directly supported Assistant United States Attorneys in the review of several cases that were referred by local, state, or federal law enforcement partners. This work included reviewing evidence, performing legal research, and drafting indictment memorandums for the US Attorney. I also attended several hearings and criminal trials. The Office coordinated a SWAT training session with FBI agents, a tour through a Federal correctional institute, and a guided visit through the United 93 Memorial in Shanksville. The PLSIF Scholarship funded this experience which transformed my understanding of the role that federal prosecutors play in today’s criminal justice system.

Why I'm Interested in Public Interest Law
To me, public interest law offers me the opportunity to engage with and support my community more meaningfully. It’s about applying my time and legal skills towards issues that are underrepresented. It’s about advocating for and building relationships with individuals who cannot afford legal services but deserve a voice. 

Advice to 1Ls:
Some students come into 1L with a specific policy interest and then look for opportunities with public interest groups specializing on that issue. If you don’t have a niche focus, that’s ok (my interests change every other day)! Look for opportunities, like the USAO, that will expose you to a wide variety of the law. But more importantly, once you get your first gig, whatever it may be, seek out and stick with supervisors or colleagues that know their craft and take an interest in your career development.
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Emily Clark
​Shelby County Office of the Public Defender
 
Bio:
My name is Emily Clark and I am a 2L. I am originally from Cranberry Township, PA. I received my undergraduate degree in public policy at Ohio State University and taught first grade for three years with Teach for America in Memphis, TN before attending Pitt Law. 

Summer Internship Experience:
I spent my summer with the Shelby County Office of the Public Defender in Memphis, TN. I worked with attorneys in the Direct Representation Unit and in Criminal Court, where I was able to work on a variety of felony cases. My internship allowed me to work in court every day, meet with clients regularly, and draft a variety of motions. I really enjoyed my internship and was able to gain a lot of valuable practical experience. MY PLISF award allowed me to focus on my career development this summer and alleviated the stress of taking an unpaid internship. 

Why I'm Interested in Public Interest Law:
To me, a commitment to public interest means using the legal education I have the privilege of obtaining to help serve my community.

Advice to 1Ls:
I would advise 1L students who are interested in public interest work to seek out professors, upperclassmen, and attorneys who have worked in the areas that they are interested in. Learn more about different opportunities in public interest and start building your network.

Emily Kunko
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
 
Bio:
Hi! My name is Emily, and I am a 2L at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. I am the current Vice Treasurer of PLISF, and will be taking on the Treasurer role next year. Outside of PLISF, I am the Social Media Manager for Pitt's chapter of If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice. I am also an Associate Editor for the Journal of Law and Commerce. After law school, I hope to work in either tax law or trusts and estates. 

Summer Internship Experience:
This past summer, I interned for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's Pittsburgh Office. I worked directly with claimants and was able to serve my community in a manner unique to law students. Because of PLISF, I was able to accept this opportunity to work for a government agency while being able to cover my expenses. 
 
Why I'm Interested in Public Interest Law
To me, public interest work is the most important task we are faced with as legal professionals. As law students and eventually, lawyers, we possess a unique skillset that allows us to benefit others in their time of need. By providing legal services to the public, we make our communities safer and provide our neighbors with peace of mind and a sense of justice. Public interest work is not just an opportunity to do good, but also a duty each of us should take seriously. 

Advice for 1L’s:
To any 1L students seeking a career in public interest, I would suggest seeking advice from Megan Lovett in the PDO office! She worked with me on numerous occasions to help me find an internship opportunity that fit my areas of interest and skillset. If you haven't made an appointment with her yet, I'd schedule one soon.

Grace Mannix
Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh Civil Law Project

Bio:
Hello! I am a 2L at Pitt Law. Previously, I earned a degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management from Penn State University. I am from a town just outside of Philadelphia in Delaware County. Upon graduating from law school, I hope to hold positions that develop my skills in litigation and legal writing.

Summer Internship Experience: 
My internship this summer would not have been possible without the support of the PLISF scholarship. I completed a full-time, unpaid legal internship with the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh Civil Law Project. Attorneys there represent victims of intimate partner violence in Protection from Abuse, Custody, Support, and Divorce matters at no cost. The most rewarding part of the experience was working directly with clients by conducting intake interviews, participating in consults, and explaining court documents. I feel grateful to have had such a unique opportunity to learn about others and support them during the most traumatic time in their lives, and have the PLISF scholarship to thank for making it happen.

Why I'm Interested in Public Interest Law:
I have worked in the public interest field in a variety of cultures and environments – villages in Senegal, remote Native Alaskan communities, a Navy aircraft carrier – and in each experience, I have learned that public interest means practicing curiosity, compassion, and tenacity in supporting others. 

Advice for 1L’s:
Make time to take care of yourself.

Hannah Oleynik
PA Attorney General, Financial Enforcement Section
 
Bio:
 Hi! My name is Hannah Oleynik and I’m a 2L at Pitt Law. I’m originally from State College, PA and I graduated from Penn State in 2021 with degrees in Political Science and Labor and Employment Relations. 

Summer Internship Experience:
This summer, I interned with the PA Attorney General in the Financial Enforcement Section. This internship helped me learn more about the bankruptcy process, as I was able to conduct research on issues arising out of the Bankruptcy Code, draft some pleadings for Bankruptcy Court, and observe hearings. I was also able to learn about and observe the interactions between debtors and government creditors which was extremely interesting. My PLISF scholarship allowed me to devote my time to my work. My summer experience would not have been possible without PLISF! 
 
What Public Interest Means to Me: 
To me, public interest law is about engaging with our communities and trying to ensure equal access to justice. 

Advice for 1Ls: 
Be open to new experiences! If you have a passion for public interest, there are so many ways to pursue it - step out of your comfort zone. 


Mandi Morris
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Bio:
My name is Mandi Morris. I am from Allentown, PA. I did my undergraduate studies at DeVry University where I obtained my Nursing Degree. After many years working in the Emergency Room, I decided to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a lawyer. I hope to pursue a career in trial advocacy, mainly working with those in marginalized communities. 

Summer Internship Experience:
I did my internship at the U.S Department of Justice/ U.S Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania based in Philadelphia. It was an amazing and educational experience. The program spanned a total of eight weeks, and as interns, we assisted federal prosecutors with research and writing by preparing briefs, memos, and working on a variety of cases both civil and criminal. We had the opportunity to go on educational tours, such as visiting the U.S Marshalls Office, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the ATF field office. We sat in on two Third Circuit oral arguments, as well as other trial proceedings, and our program coordinator arranged for us to go to an FBI gun range. Perhaps the best experience was just being able to interact with federal judges, prosecutors, as well as other law enforcement agents. They were very approachable, always willing to teach us new things, and provided us with great feedback and advice. The PLISF scholarship helped me with my cost of living, and it was a blessing as I was able to fully focus on enjoying the program, stress-free.

What Public Interest Means to Me: 
Public interest to me means being able to be grateful for what I have achieved, and in so doing being able to give back to my community. To anyone considering a career in public interest, I encourage you to go for it. This summer internship experience has shown me first-hand just how many indigent clients, and improvised communities there are out there that genuinely need our help as future legal advocates. Best of luck on your Pitt law experience everyone!

Octavia Williams
 Allegheny County Office of the Public Defender 

Bio:
This summer, as a PLISF Scholar, I interned at The Allegheny County Public Defender Office. As a certified intern, I represented clients in a similar capacity as a licensed attorney. I interviewed clients, examined evidence, drafted suppression motions, and conducted preliminary hearings in Municipal Court. I enjoyed interning at the Pd Office because it exposed me to the work of public defenders and gave me a glimpse of my future career. 

Summer Internship Experience:
My interest in working in the public interest sector stems from my belief that people should be treated equally regardless of their economic status or background. In public interest law, attorneys can practice almost any type of law, such as criminal defense and landlord-tenant law. 
 
Making people's lives better gives me a lot of fulfillment, and that's why I strongly encourage law students to consider a career in public interest law because this is a field where you can really make a difference. By funding my internship, PLISF made a difference in my life, and I encourage students to explore public interest and see what it's all about.

Pauline Rouse
 
Bio:
Hi! I am currently a 2L at Pitt Law. I am originally from Madison, Wisconsin and graduated from UW-Madison with degrees in psychology and legal studies, with a certificate in criminal justice. After graduating, I hope to work as a public defender someday. I am new to Pittsburgh, but so far, I am enjoying all the green, hills, and diversity. 
 
Summer Internship Experience:
Last summer, I interned at the Allegheny County Office of the Public Defender. I came to law school because I wanted to become a public defender, so my experience interning at the Public Defender’s Office was not only very valuable but confirmed my desire to pursue this career after graduation. I am also excited to share that I will be interning with them this upcoming summer! I am extremely grateful for my PLISF scholarship because it allowed me to focus on my work at the office and alleviated major financial burdens that can come with working at an unpaid internship. I am looking forward to working with PLISF in order to further encourage and aid other students considering public interest work. 

Why I'm Interested in Public Interest Law: 
I’m passionate about public interest law because I believe that we move towards a more just and fair society when we strive to advocate for everyone in our society - regardless of income, race, social status, gender, sexuality, mental health, etc. I have immense respect for those who work in the public interest sector, and I hope that I can use my privilege and education to assist others who are not as lucky as I have been. 

Shelby Bennett
PA Innocence Project
 
Bio:
My name is Shelby Bennett, and I am a 3L at Pitt Law. I am originally from Atlanta, GA, but since moving to Pittsburgh a few years ago, I have totally fallen in love with the city! I completed my undergraduate education at Georgia College & State University in 2020 with a degree in Criminal Justice."

Summer Internship Experience:
This past summer I was an intern for the PA Innocence Project at their Pittsburgh office. This was a new experience for me as I have a long-time interest in criminal law, but I had never worked in the non-profit space. The work of the Innocence project is truly noble, and I am glad to have been a part of it. Without a PLISF scholarship, this kind of unpaid non-profit work would have simply been impossible for me to take on. Thanks to PLISF, I was not only able to accept the position but also cut back on my weekend working hours at my second job. 
 
Why I'm Interested in Public Interest Law: 
Every step in the process of becoming a lawyer is more stressful and more expensive. As a result, I believe that those whose have the advantage of becoming a lawyer should contribute to the betterment of society and try to alleviate the inequalities arounds us.  
My advice for 1Ls hoping to work in public interest is to try to gain a wide breath of experiences in law school in the area. There are many ways to work in public interest, be it through government, non-profits, and advocacy groups, and all have their own unique environments and advantages.