News Archive 2006
July 1, 2006 - December 31, 2006
New Pro Bono Group Formed - The Children's Special Education Project |
The Education Law and Policy Society, in conjunction with the Office Public Interest and Pro Bono, is pleased to announce a new pro bono project, The Children's Special Education Project, to begin in the Spring Semester of 2007. Below is a short description of the program, which will be coordinated by the Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC) and Professor Jane Wettach, and is open to all interested Duke Law and Policy students. Because ECAC will need a "critical mass" of interested students to participate, we need to determine whether there is sufficient interest amongst the student body to get this project off the ground. If the program is of interest to you, please email christopher.lott@law.duke.edubefore break. Let it be stressed that YOU ARE NOT COMMITTING TO PARTICIPATING IN THE PROJECT BY EXPRESSING INTEREST. An informational meeting will be held early next semester for those who are interested. At that time, express commitments will be necessary. If there are any questions--about levels of time commitment, or anything else--please do not hesitate to contact Chris at the e-mail address above. Best of luck on exams, and have a wonderful holiday! Sincerely, Sarah Campbell
The project will be modeled off of the "IEP Partners" project, run by the Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC), which operates a variety of programs to provide support and assistance to children with disabilities and their parents. The Children's Special Education Project will train Duke students to support parents of special education students at IEP meetings. At IEP meetings, the parents of a special education student (and sometimes the student) meet with a number of school officials to draw up an individualized educational plan. Duke students who participate in the program will act as Supportive Partners for the families in these meetings. Duke students will not represent the families in a legal capacity, but rather help the parent get ready for the meeting, help the parent ask questions at the meeting, and help interpret the meeting to the parent. A reasonable amount of training is necessary to participate in the program. The training usually lasts 12 -16 hours; it can be broken down into three to four individual sessions. The ECAC staff is willing to come to the law school to train a group of interested law students and to then coordinate assigning of the trained students to parents who need support. More information about ECAC and the IEP Partners Project can be found at: |
Posted: November 29, 2006 |
Southern Justice Spring Break Mission Trip Information Session |
This is the time to hear more of the details of what is planned for spring break, and think about what you might want to do. Opportunities include several prestigious organizations throughout the South. Prior trips have included: As for the hurricane-related work, we took advantage of the recent visit of Morgan Williams, the Co-Founder of the Student Hurricane Network, to consider how we could best use our time in New Orleans - in part by taking some of our projects with us. Let's talk about taking the Duke Law VITA program to New Orleans, and perhaps how our other pro bono groups might find projects that match what you do already. Your ideas welcome. For more information, contact amy.curry@law.duke.edu. |
Posted: November 28, 2006 |
Registration begins Tuesday, Nov. 28 for the Public Interest |
Get in touch with what motivated you to come to Law School! Join your classmates in a woodsy retreat setting; hear inspiring speakers who have found a way to provide public service from several different sectors; commune with nature and each other; come early for hiking, canoeing and perhaps yoga; enjoy ice breakers and a DJ party; sleep in rustic bunk rooms nestled under a pine forest; eat great food; enjoy companionship, conversations and time for reflection with your peers - the perfect antidote for all that ails you! And all for just $30.00!!! Registration begins on Tuesday, November 28 from 12:00 to 1:30 at a table outside the library, and each day for the rest of the week. |
Posted: November 28, 2006 |
The Basics of Finding & Funding Summer Public Interest Employment |
Those who wish to review the basics of summer public interest employment (summer fellowships and locating a placement) before the winter holiday break are invited to attend an informal session with Carol Spruill, Associate Dean for Public Interest & Employment, and Tia Barnes, Director of Public Interest and JD Advising. Time: 12:10 PM - Location: Room 4040 |
Posted: November 28, 2006 |
Post-Graduate Fellowship Information Session |
In an information session on applying for post-graduate fellowships, Carol Spruill and Tia Barnes will guide you in how to begin your search for those post-graduate fellowships available, and where to find deadlines and tips for applying. They will review some of the major fellowship programs, and also will talk with you about what support you would like to have throughout the application process. For 1Ls, 2Ls & 3Ls: Time: 12:10 PM - Location: Room 4172 |
Posted: November 28, 2006 |
Morgan Williams, Founder of the Nationwide Student Hurricane Network Speaks at Duke Law Nov. 17 |
Please join us Friday, beginning at 12:15 in Room 3037, for an exciting speaker and panel. Morgan Williams will be here to talk about surviving Katrina and what he did in the wake of the storm and the broken levees. He has created a nationwide network of law students who are working with victims of Katrina and Rita, both during law school breaks and throughout the year. He already has received several national awards for his efforts. Whether you are interested in hurricane policy issues or are inspired by an example of a law student deciding to tackle a problem and doing it on a nationwide basis, you should enjoy hearing Morgan's story. (You do not need to be involved in hurricane-relief work to attend.) Morgan will be joined by several other panelists: * Anna Areceneaux is a 2006 Columbia Law graduate who has worked with Morgan on this effort. She is living in Durham for two years doing a post-graduate fellowship with a capital defense organization. * Lauren Mandell is a Duke Law 3L who helped hurricane evacuees last spring break and founded the Duke Law Hurricane Relief Project for Duke Law students to do hurricane relief work throughout the year. He has organized this program and will be the moderator. * Amy Curry is a Duke Law 3L who did spring break hurricane-relief work in New Orleans last year - gutting houses so that owners can rebuild. For two years, she has led the Duke Law Southern Justice Spring Break Mission Trip. * Matt Wolfe is a Duke Law 2L who did juvenile work in New Orleans last spring break. Before law school, he taught in the NO school system with Teach for America. * Destiny Duron Deas is a Duke Law 2L from Shreveport, Louisiana. She was a leader in the Duke Stuff the Truck effort last year that sent furniture, clothes and other supplies to hurricane victims. * Rebecca Krefft is a Duke Law 2L who started law school at Loyola, evacuated to Duke Law after the hurricane, and has now transferred to Duke. Her family has rebuilt in New Orleans. The event is Friday, November 17 at 12:15 in Room 3037, followed by an informal coffee at 1:30 in the Burdman Lounge. After the presentation, a video will be available at http://www.law.duke.edu/publicinterest/photoVideo.html. |
Posted: November 13, 2006 |
Public Interest Book Club Meets Thursday Night Nov 16 for Margaret Atwood's The Blind Assassin |
The Public Interest Book Club is having its first book discussion of the year on Thursday Nov. 16, 2006 at 7:30. It will be a discussion on Margaret Atwood's The Blind Assassin, a WWII-era novel that unravels the reasons behind a suicide in a series of unfolding stories-within-stories. The book wrestles with the idea of individuality under the pressures of conformity and outward deception, amongst other interesting things. Please come and join us, even if you haven't read the book. The event will be held at Scott Thompson's apt., at The Parc at University Tower, apt # 328. Please let Heather Johnson or Scott Thompson know if you would like a ride (we plan on meeting at the law school at 7:15), or if you have any questions. Appetizers and desserts will be provided, please feel free to bring a dish of your own if you would like. Message from Public Interest Book Club Co-Directors Emily Jura, Heather Johnson and Scott Thompson |
Posted: November 13, 2006 |
Alaska Defenders and Child Advocates Speak |
Ian Miller, a 3L, and Editor-in-Chief of the Alaska Law Review, has arranged for three public interest attorneys from Alaska to do an informal program at 4:00 Wednesday in Burdman. Though part of the message of the speakers is to encourage interest in their summer internships, you don't have to agree to spend a summer in Alaska to attend! Please join us if you would like to hear from these long-time public interest attorneys who work in criminal defense, with abused and neglected children and with incapacitated adults. Message from 3L Ian Miller: Internship possibilities in criminal law and public advocacy: On November 8, 2006 at 4 pm in the Burdman lounge there is an informal reception with Rachel Levitt ('97), deputy director of Alaska's Office of Public Advocacy. The OPA protects the rights of vulnerable Alaskans by providing legal representation to indigent criminal defendants, abused and neglected children and incapacitated adults. She will be joined by Josh Fink, Director of the OPA and Quinlan Steiner, Director of Alaska's Public Defender Agency. Both the public defender and the OPA offer paid summer internships, and they are hoping to encourage Duke students to apply. If the "paid" part of the internship doesn't catch your eye, let me also give a personal plug for Alaska, both as a state and as a legal community. The state is stunningly beautiful, and Alaska in the summertime will be the experience of a lifetime. The legal community is also top-notch. In short, I just think this is a wonderful opportunity. If somebody cannot make it but would like contact information, I would be happy to provide that as well. |
Posted: November 8, 2006 |
Exonerated Former Death Row Inmate Speaks at Duke Law |
Juan Melendez will speak about how he resided on Florida's death row for almost eighteen years for a crime he did not commit. He was exonerated and released on January 3, 2002. Mr. Melendez's story is an exceptional one of survival, faith and hope. Lunch will be served. Wednesday, November 1, 2006, 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. (Room 3041) For more information, contact 2L Emilia Beskind, Director of Duke Law's Innocence Project, emilia.beskind@law.duke.edu. |
Posted: October 31, 2006 |
Summer Public Interest Employment Recognition Day - Oct. 31, 2006 |
On Tuesday, Oct. 31, two events will mark Summer Public Interest Employment Recognition Day. A breakfast (sponsored by the Alumni & Development Office) will honor the 80 Duke Law students (identified so far) who worked last summer in the non-profit and government sectors. Topic tables this year are: Civil Rights and Legal Aid; Criminal Law; Environmental Issues; Federal & State Clerkships; State Attorney General and City & County Attorney's Offices; U.S. Attorney's Office and Department of Justice; Federal Government Agencies; International; US House & Senate; Miscellaneous; and Pro Bono in Law Firms.
Criminal Law
Environmental Issues
Federal & State Clerkships
State Attorney General & County Attorney's Offices
U. S. Attorney's Office and Department of Justice
*
Federal Government Agencies
International
U.S. House and Senate
Miscellaneous
Pro Bono in Law Firms
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Posted: October 30, 2006 |
Oct. 18 panel discussion focuses on domestic violence and the legal system (Open in a new window) |
Duke law students were briefed on the legal, personal, and cultural issues faced by victims of domestic violence during an October 18 discussion at the Law School. Sebastian Kielmanovich ’04, a prosecutor with Wilmington’s district attorney’s office, Suzanne Chester, managing partner of the domestic violence unit of Legal Aid of North Carolina, and Teandra Miller, director of the agency’s Battered Immigrants Project took part in a panel sponsored by the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocacy Project. |
Posted: October 16, 2006 |
Public Interest Retreat Planning Committee |
We are looking for enthusiastic 1Ls, 2Ls, and 3Ls to serve on this year's Public Interest Retreat Planning Committee. The Duke Public Interest Retreat (held February 2-3) is a great chance for public interest-minded students to escape to the woods for a weekend and interact informally with their peers, Duke alumni, and other leaders who are accomplishing fantastic things in the public interest realm. As a committee member, you will help select speakers and a theme for the retreat, as well as plan activities and other logistics. If you are interested in getting involved with this fun and exciting group, please send a short (4-6 sentence) statement of interest to marjorie.mulhall@law.duke.edu by 5 pm, October 5. Thanks! Marjorie Mulhall & Hannah Polikov Retreat Student Directors |
Posted: October 16, 2006 |
Dean Bartlett Honored as Dean of the Year by Equal Justice Works |
Dean Katharine T. Bartlett will receive Equal Justice Works’ Dean John R. Kramer Award for 2006 at the organization’s awards dinner in Washington, D.C., on October 19. The award honors Bartlett’s dedication to nurturing an outstanding spirit of public service at Duke Law School. George Soros, the Open Society Institute, and Benjamin W. Heineman Jr., former general counsel of General Electric Company, are among others being honored by Equal Justice Works. Associate Dean for Public Interest and Pro Bono Carol Spruill nominated Bartlett for the Kramer award, praising, among many other initiatives, Bartlett’s enhancement and support of Duke’s clinical programs through the addition of six new clinics during her tenure as dean, and her vigorous promotion of public interest and pro bono work as a central aspect of professional development for law students. “I am delighted that Equal Justice Works has decided to honor Kate Bartlett,” said Spruill. “While Kate has been vocal in her support of the public service contributions of others, she has been quiet about her own extensive personal service and financial support.” A former legal services attorney, Bartlett has continued to be active in public service. For example, while dean she also served on the Board of Directors of Durham County Department of Social Services (1999-2005), which she chaired in 2004-05. “Her willingness to take on these two demanding leadership positions at the same time is testimony to her belief that one is never too busy to include time for public service,” Spruill said. Spruill also lauded Bartlett’s support of Duke Law School’s Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) – one of the most generous in the country – for law students interested in pursuing public interest careers, and her commitment, along with her husband, Charles S. Murphy Professor of Law and Public Policy Studies Christopher Schroeder, of $100,000 of personal funds to begin an endowment for support of LRAP. “The entire student body at Duke Law was deeply touched by this tremendous demonstration of personal and institutional dedication,” Duke Bar Association President Brettny Hardy ’07 wrote to the awards committee, adding that Duke law students “stand in awe of Dean Bartlett’s impressive dedication to the good of society.” Hardy also noted Bartlett’s devotion to promoting and improving pro bono opportunities for law students, and her encouragement of them to make community service an active part of their lives. Equal Justice Works was founded in 1986 by law students dedicated to working for equal justice on behalf of underserved communities and causes. Committed to organizing, training, and supporting law students in areas relating to public service, Equal Justice Works helps support law students in summer public interest positions, places new lawyers in two-year postgraduate fellowships at nonprofit public interest organizations addressing urgent community needs, and helps law schools create and improve LRAPs to facilitate graduates’ entry into public service positions. For more information, visit http://www.equaljusticeworks.org/. |
Posted: October 16, 2006 |
Public Interest Book Club Selects Atwater's The Blind Assassin |
The PI Book Club will be meeting at the end of October (time to be decided) to talk about our first book: Margaret Atwood's The Blind Assassin. Message from Public Interest Book/Film Club Co-Directors: Heather Johnson, Emily Jura & Scott Thompson |
Posted: October 16, 2006 |
Associate Dean Carol Spruill wins Duke’s Diversity Award |
Associate Dean for Public Interest and Pro Bono and Senior Lecturing Fellow Carol Spruill has won Duke University’s 2006 Blue Ribbon Diversity Award, which recognizes a demonstrated commitment to the spirit of diversity, leadership through positive interaction between persons of different cultural backgrounds, and a respect and value for differing values and points of view within the University. Dean Katharine Bartlett nominated Spruill for the award, telling the nominating committee that Spruill does not just “preach diversity,” but lives it in every aspect of her personal and professional life. “She integrates diversity of background and points of view in the speakers she brings to campus, the multitude of activities she organizes, and the pro bono opportunities she cultivates for students. She has 100 percent credibility among students and faculty in under-represented groups, and serves as the quiet conscience for majority students on diversity issues. It is hard to imagine a more appropriate recipient of a diversity award.” A former Legal Services attorney, Spruill established Duke’s Pro Bono Program in 1991. Since then, Bartlett noted, she “opened the eyes of students never before exposed to the effects of grinding poverty,” even tailoring a “Poverty IQ Test” for the students enrolled in her Poverty Law course. Bartlett also lauded Spruill’s facility in helping students’ find placements for public service that are specifically matched to their interests and abilities, and her inspiration to faculty and administration colleagues to participate in pro bono and public interest efforts. “In short, Carol works tirelessly to imprint the Duke Law School experience with a common commitment to diversity – diverse peoples, diverse community organizations, diverse ideas and causes, and diverse political leanings.” Bartlett’s accolades were backed by a package of tributes from faculty, administrators, students, alumni, and members of the community that a delighted Spruill described as “better than a retirement party and certainly better than an obituary.” “In my time at Duke Law, she has been supportive and encouraging of my search for personal fulfillment and professional development through pro bono work,” wrote Sonja Ralston Elder J.D./M.P.P. '09. “Early into my law school career, she made time to meet individually with me, as she does every year for any interested student, and discuss my skills and goals and help find the right service project for me. This type of individual attention fosters a more honest form of diversity than is frequently measured: Beyond the identifying characteristics of race, gender, status, and background, Dean Spruill seeks to unlock the potential of every individual, and it is that potential that holds more power than any demographic.” “When I was a law student, Carol Spruill was a constant support to me in pursuing a job in the poverty law field … and also helped those who were going to go on to private practice,” wrote John Coburn '95, an attorney with Health & Disability Advocates in Chicago. “And it is through this help that I think Carol truly makes an enormous mark. Most Duke Law graduates will go on to private practice in large firms and other prestigious positions. With these positions, these graduates can make a huge difference in their broader community. I believe the pro bono programs and other programs created and led by Carol Spruill give these current and future leaders an important experience in working with lower income individuals that they do not forget and take with them. And with these experiences, they help build policies, infrastructure, and community that include everybody.” Duke President Richard Brodhead will present Spruill with her award at a luncheon on November 1. |
Posted: October 16, 2006 |
DC Public Interest Alumni/Student Reception Friday, Oct. 20 |
For those of you who will be in the DC this Friday, you might be interested in attending the DC Public Interest Alumni/Student Reception on Friday night from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Dupont Circle area. The announcement that was sent to DC alumni is below. This was sent previously to the Duke Law students attending the Equal Justice Works Career Fair and Conference. We are having this event in conjunction with the Equal Justice Works Public Interest Career Fair and Conference. In addition to alumni, we are inviting students from Duke Law School who are interviewing and attending the career This invitation is going to our Duke Law School alumni and friends who either work in government or the non-profit sector, or who are in private firms but have a long-standing commitment to the public interest programs at Duke Law School. We hope that you will enjoy mingling with the current students to give them encouragement, and to learn from them what life is like at Duke these days. If you know other Duke Law alumni who would enjoy meeting with students attending the conference, please pass this invitation If you can attend, please RSVP using the link below. In addition to informing you of the Friday night reception, we also would like to share the good news that Dean Katharine Bartlett will be receiving the Equal Justice Works Kramer Award for Outstanding Law Dean. Though she has a conflict and cannot attend the Friday reception, she will be in DC on Thursday night to receive her award at the Equal Justice Works Awards Dinner. To read more about the Dean and this award, see http://www.law.duke.edu/features/2006/equaljusticeworksaward.html. We look forward to seeing you in DC! Sincerely, |
Posted: October 16, 2006 |
Public Interest Cookout |
Please join us at a Public Interest Cookout on Tuesday, October 3, starting at 5:30 pm, at the Belmont. This is our second year of social events for those members of the student body who enjoy public interest. No program and no fund-raising -- just food, fun and stimulating conversation. Public Interest Board Member and Social Director, Joel Cohen has arranged for us to use space at his apartment complex, the Belmont, for the cookout. Food, soda and beer will be provided free of charge by the Office of Public Interest and Pro Bono and student board members will bring dishes. Summer is over and fall is here, So let's get together for food and good cheer. There's not an agenda or work to be done. This time around, it's all for the fun! |
Posted: October 3, 2006 |
Faculty Lives in Public Service Features Prof. Michael Tigar and Defense of the High Profile Defendant |
Please join us Thursday, Sept. 27, 2006 for the first Faculty Lives in Public Service presentation of the year. Visiting Professor Michael Tigar is well know among lawyers for his representation of many famous and controversial clients. * Lynne Stewart (NY defense attorney representing "the Blind Shiek" in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing case and herself convicted of aiding a terrorist organization)
* John Demjanjuk (convicted of Nazi war crimes in the US, deported, exonerated in Israel, returned to the US, sentence overturned, charged for a different set of Nazi war crimes, convicted, and deported to Ukraine)
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Posted: September 27, 2006 |
What's Being Done in NC for Hurricane Katrina Survivors? |
On Sept. 20 at (in Room 4048), the Hurricane Relief Project will be sponsoring a program on Hurricane Katrina. This is the new pro bono group that many of you heard Lauren Mandell talk about at the Public Interest and Pro Bono Kick-Off/Sign-Up. The purpose of today's meeting is both to have a program open to all interested in hearing about what is being done in NC in regard to follow-up on hurricane-related legal problems (with no obligation to participate in the group), and to tell those in the group about available projects. Please join us if you can. Lauren's description of today's program follows: |
Posted: September 20, 2006 |
Public Interest Book/Film Club Revival - Sept. 14 - The Constant Garderner |
Message from student leader Emily Jura: We expect to read a book each semester, on a topic related to human rights or current societal issues or ethics in general. We also hope to have film showings and bring speakers to campus periodically. Our first meeting is Thursday, Sept. 14th, at 7:00 in room 4042. We will show The Constant Gardener and provide delicious vegetarian chili, snacks and beer. We will also choose which book to read this semester. Please join us, whether you plan on reading with us or not. All are welcome! |
Posted: September 13, 2006 |
Equal Justice Works Career Fair & Conference Info Session |
From Carol Spruill, Associate Dean for Public Interest & Pro Bono Dear 1Ls, From Tia Barnes, Director of Public Interest & JD Advising: Dear 1Ls, The Equal Justice Works Career Fair & Conference will be held on the campus of the University of Maryland, October 19-20. This is the largest annual public interest law career fair in the United States, featuring 100+ public interest employers hiring interns for Summer 2007 and/or 3Ls for post-graduation employment. We will hold an informational session primarily for 1Ls on Thursday, September 14 at 12:15 in Room 4045. Second- and third-year students are also invited to attend, or contact 3L Erin Gerrard (Erin.Gerrard@law.duke.edu) for more information. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, and we hope that you will take advantage of this great opportunity for summer internships! |
Posted: September 13, 2006 |
2006 Pro Bono Placement Opportunities Now on the Web |
You can now read about the pro bono placements being offered this year by going on the web to http://www.law.duke.edu/publicinterest/probono.html#infoStudents. Once there, look under Description of Placements and click on Pro Bono Placement Master List. To get past the login and password, use the generic Duke Law login and password given to you previously. We encourage you to skim through the many choices and read the ones of interest before you make your pro bono decision at the Public Interest & Pro Bono Kick-Off/Sign-Up on Thursday (4:15 p.m., Blue Lounge) |
Posted: August 30, 2006 |
Public Interest & Pro Bono Kick-Off/Sign-Up |
On Thursday, August 31, 2006, at 4:15 p.m, the Office and Board of Pubic Interest and Pro Bono will officially begin the year's activities with the Public Interest Kick-Off and Sign-up Event in the Blue Lounge. The program will consist of brief introductory remarks by 2L Matt Wolfe (the event's director), Steven Schindler and Julia Kohen (the PILF co-directors), and Dean Carol Spruill. Then we will then move to 1-minute spiels by representatives of pro bono opportunities and public interest activities, sharing with you the projects' mission and needs. Afterwards, you will be able to circulate throughout the room, talking with representatives and signing up for individual projects and the Pro Bono Pledge. Pizza, beer, and soda will be served. Public Interest Retreat |
Posted: August 30, 2006 |
Public Interest & Pro Bono Kick-Off/Sign-Up |
On Thursday, August 31, 2006, at 4:15 p.m, the Office and Board of Pubic Interest and Pro Bono will officially begin the year's activities with the Public Interest Kick-Off and Sign-up Event in the Blue Lounge. The program will consist of brief introductory remarks by 2L Matt Wolfe (the event's director), Steven Schindler and Julia Kohen (the PILF co-directors), and Dean Carol Spruill. Then we will then move to 1-minute spiels by representatives of pro bono opportunities and public interest activities, sharing with you the projects' mission and needs. Afterwards, you will be able to circulate throughout the room, talking with representatives and signing up for individual projects and the Pro Bono Pledge. Pizza, beer, and soda will be served. Public Interest Retreat |
Posted: August 30, 2006 |
The North Carolina Equal Access to Justice Commission meets at Duke Law School |
The North Carolina Equal Access to Justice Commission meets at Duke Law School on Friday, August 11, 2006 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Room 4042. The Commission was created to address the lack of access to the civil justice system in North Carolina for people of low-income or moderate means. Chief Justice Sarah Parker appointed members in January 2006, including judges, representatives of the Governor and other elected officials, representatives of the business and philanthropic communities, a representative of law schools, and members of legal advocacy organizations. Carol Spruill, associate dean for Public Interest & Pro Bono and senior lecturing fellow, is the law school representative on the Commission. |
Posted: August 10, 2006 |
Keischa Williams Joins Public Interest and Pro Bono Office |
Keischa Williams has been named the new Coordinator of Public Interest & Pro Bono at Duke Law School. She joins Kim Burrucker, Director of Public Interest & Pro Bono, and Associate Dean Carol Spruill. Keischa formerly worked in the Student Affairs Office. |
Posted: August 10, 2006 |