Law Students Spend Summer in Public Interest

Six ONU law students are spending their summer working with public organizations thanks to funds provided by the Law Career Services Public Interest Program.

They are: Ashley Ahrens, a second-year law student from Davenport, Iowa, working with the Maryland Public Interest Research Group, Toxic-Free Future Campaign; Lindsey Alexander, a first-year student from Pittsburgh, Pa, working with Equal Justice Works AmeriCorps, Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc.; Aza Gray, a second-year student from Bloomfield, Conn., working with the Department of Consumer Protection, Legal Division; Marianella Medelius-Marsano, a first-year students from Hampstead, N.C., working with the Mil Mujeres Family and Immigration Legal Services, offering legal aid for Spanish-speaking victims of domestic violence; Ross Patrick Miltner, a first-year student from Massillon, Ohio, working with the Cleveland Department of Public Health; and Tyshia Riddley, a second-year student from Minneapolis, Minn., working with the Neighborhood Justice Center, Inc., St. Paul, Minn., a non-profit law firm specializing in criminal defense for low income people.

The students receive stipends from the Law Career Services Public Interest Program.

Since 1994 the public interest program has raised over $70,000 for summer public interest fellowship stipends. More than 70 students have been awarded stipends to help with expenses while working in unpaid summer public interest positions.  The fellows are chosen by a committee of faculty and administration for their involvement in public service as well as a desire to continue public service after graduation from law school. Students participate in non-profit summer programs assisting those who are most in need:  abused women and children, individuals impaired physically and mentally, the aged, minorities and underprivileged persons and groups.