| PILI Fellow Essays |
J’Antae D. Hall 2006 PILI Fellow at Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing Sponsoring firm: Sidley Austin LLP
Being a PILI Fellow has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have undertaken. Upon commencing my Fellowship with the Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing, I was more than a little worried about how I would manage my work and Bar study schedules.
However, my worries were quickly assuaged when, after my first week, I had already entered several court appearances on behalf of clients facing eviction; drafted several pleadings; conducted nearly ten client interviews; and still had ample time to review my lecture materials and practice sample questions. I realized that my excitement, which derived from my helping so many men, women, and children in my new community (after relocating from Houston), actually helped me to focus, feel good about my work, and my own abilities.
Additionally, I found my Fellowship extremely valuable because it exposed me to litigation work, in which I previously had no interest. Undertaking such work taught me that although the types of assignments differ (i.e. due diligence vs. pleadings drafting), both transactional and litigation attorneys must possess common skills: organization, time management, and effective communication.
Further, my Fellowship reinforced my belief that excellence in customer service is still the most important factor when dealing with both clients and opposing counsel: keep parties informed of litigation progress, listen effectively, complete tasks efficiently, and treat others how you wish to be treated.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my Fellowship experience because I was fortunate enough to undertake substantive work assignments, interact with wonderful people, and ultimately, fulfill my desire to serve others by incorporating pro bono assignments into my career plan.
Gregory A. Lewis 2006 PILI Fellow at Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender Sponsoring firm: Jenner & Block LLP
I think the PILI Fellowship is a great program. This summer, I enjoyed a unique and rewarding learning experience in the Forensics Division of the Cook County Public Defender. Although I plan to work as an intellectual property litigator, I also have an interest in criminal law. My work this summer as a PILI Fellow showed me how I might be able to combine these interests in performing pro bono public interest work while in private practice. A need to break complicated scientific principles into concise ideas is a problem facing both patent and forensic science attorneys. In working with the forensics attorneys at the PD’s office this summer, I learned how they present exceedingly complicated DNA principles to both judges and juries. I observed how they work with expert witnesses and create visual aids for use in court.
My PILI fellowship also offered many opportunities to develop trial and client interviewing skills. Because I had a 711 license, the PD's attorneys strongly encouraged me to conduct client interviews and prepare a few cases for trial. By the end of the summer, I made a few court appearances, prepared a few cases for trial, and argued one misdemeanor case in a bench trial. Through it all, I received excellent supervision from attorneys at both the Forensics and Misdemeanor Divisions of the Public Defender. And just as important, I saw the Cook County criminal justice system in action at both 26th and California (felony) and 555 W. Harrison (misdemeanor).
Rebecca Piper 2006 Fellow at Mandel Legal Aid Clinic
Although the June schedule of Bar Review class and PILI work was a challenge, my daily interaction with clients was a nice reminder of why I was studying so hard in the first place. As contrasted to the frenzied nature of studying for 15 plus subjects, it was nice to arrive at work and focus on the housing needs of members of my community. My role allowed me to participate in housing transactions that addressed a variety of different clients - limited equity coops, housing for the mentally ill and substance abusing population, housing for veterans, etc. I also had the opportunity to make suggestions for changes to how the organization approaches clients. I investigated options for a neighborhood-based approach to client support.
The most rewarding interaction of my PILI fellowship occurred upon returning from the month of studying and taking the bar exam. I made a phone call to a client about a minor matter and she responded with such excitement to hear I was back in the office. That made my day. Lacey Donovan 2006 PILI Fellow at Community Economic Development Law Project Sponsoring firm: Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP
While studying for the bar exam this summer, I had the privilege of working with Susan Kaplan and the attorneys of the Community Economic Development Law Project (CEDLP). I particularly enjoyed working with this organization because I had the freedom to get involved in a variety of projects with clients from diverse backgrounds. Over the summer, I was continually impressed to see how one organization could have such an impact on Chicago’s many communities.
Through CEDLP’s Small Business Support Program, I contacted past clients to learn about the progress of their businesses and to determine whether they needed additional legal services. Most of the clients were still in business and striving to become profitable. Regardless of the business’ status, nearly all of the owners felt that CEDLP enabled them to take the next step in starting their own business and in minimizing their vulnerability. In addition, nearly all of the clients noted that they would not have been able to pay for and receive the necessary legal assistance without the help of CEDLP.
CEDLP also provides legal assistance to nonprofit organizations that benefit their respective communities. I had the opportunity to assist a client in filing his application for tax-exempt status with the IRS. The client has a dream of opening a supportive home for people suffering from drug and alcohol addictions. By helping this client go through board compliance, conflict of interest, and budgeting issues, I broadened my understanding of nonprofit organizations. I enjoyed working with Jody Adler and learning that the role of the attorney is not simply to file the paperwork, but to work with the client to enable the organization to be successful.
Another program in which CEDLP is involved is the Chicago Housing Choice Voucher Program, which teams up lawyers with low-income homebuyers in residential real estate closings. With the assistance of staff attorney Angie Hall, I worked with the buyers who had complications after their closing. Once I reviewed the facts with the client and explained their legal options, I communicated with the seller and notified them of the buyer’s legal rights in each situation. Often, the fact that the buyer had the support of the attorney was enough to cause the seller to alleviate the problems.
My experience working at CEDLP with such intelligent attorneys has been deeply rewarding and I recommend this opportunity to all incoming associates considering a PILI Fellowship.
Anne Wasilchik 2006 PILI Fellow at Chicago Legal Clinic Sponsoring firm: Jenner & Block LLP
I thought the PILI Fellowship was a wonderful learning and life experience. The experience solidified my desire to continue to serve the public interest in some aspect throughout my legal career. PILI’s luncheon speakers provided insight into how to accomplish this while working in the private sector.
Looking back, my favorite experience at the Chicago Legal Clinic was my time spent at the Chancery Advice Desk in the Daley Center. The pro-se walk-in advice desk gave me the opportunity to have one-on-one contact with pro-se litigants by first listening to their problems involving foreclosure actions, name changes and administrative reviews, and then providing help with filing answers, appearances and various motions for each litigant.
In addition to the opportunities at the Advice Desk, the downtown Clinic office provided a variety of case work and constructive feedback on the projects on which I worked. As a whole, my PILI Fellowship was a very positive and rewarding experience.
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