Women Lawyers of Franklin County’s Post

Equal Justice America : Week 4 Update! As the summer semester approaches a close, my clinic has begun wrapping up some of our work, in preparation for the fall semester’s students to begin working. Working with my clinic has included some (positive) challenges, and has not been easy every step of the way. In this sense, I look forward to being able to focus on just my classes when the fall semester begins, but I also know I am going to miss working with my clients. It has been nice to build trust and relationships with them, and to know that they feel comfortable working with me. I am hopeful that they will be able to build similar, if not even better, relationships with the new students that we onboard to assist in their casework.  I am also really excited to also see how working with the clinic will change how I approach learning and classwork, even though I’m not taking very many practice-based law courses this semester. I will be fulfilling my ‘legal writing requirement’ (LWR)  set by this school this semester, and I hope that all of the note taking, research, document review, and drafting I’ve done over the summer will be reflected in the quality of my LWR paper. The paper will be written for my “Slavery and the Constitution” course, which I think will be a great exercise of me having to take a resonant topic that is difficult to remove my subjectivity from, but argue whatever my thesis will be with strong, logical, objectivity. I also think that the more personal lessons I’ve learned from my clients will help me to find new perspectives to frame my other courses, especially through lenses of ability, accessibility, and accountability. @Lincoln Square Legal Services Inc. with @Fordham University School of Law https://lnkd.in/eSkECrY4  

Highly recommend you stay on top of these issues if you serve or fund diverse entrepreneurs. Here's an option. #philanthropy #racialequity #blackfounders #businesssupport #inclusiveentrepreneurship #accesstocapital

DEI and Affirmative Action are under attack. JOIN US TODAY 12PM ET and our panel of experts from philanthropy and law as we review the legal landscape of these attacks and discuss potential implications and actions for the philanthropic sector. REGISTRATION https://lnkd.in/eXnEgqV5 MODERATOR Amber Banks, Ph.D. - Decolonizing Wealth Project PANELISTS @Susan Taylor Batten- ABFE- A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities Jon Greenbaum - Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Justin David Hansford - Howard University School of Law and Executive Director of the Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center Abby Levine - Robert Wood Johnson Foundation In June 2023, the Supreme Court issued a decision that effectively ended race-conscious admission programs (Affirmative Action) in higher education. The decision was one of several recent attacks on efforts to advance racial justice and heal from centuries of racism. Just a few months after the SCOTUS decision, The Fearless Foundation, a 501c3 organization that provides capital, community, mentorship, and education to women of color entrepreneurs, was sued, alleging its Fearless Strivers Grant program was ‘racially exclusionary’ and a violation of Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866. The SCOTUS Affirmative Action decision and the ongoing The Fearless Foundation litigation (among other cases) have raised concerns in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors at a time when funders must not retreat from commitments and investments to support racial justice. This session will not be recorded for distribution. The information provided during this webinar, including any handouts, presentations, or other materials, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The views and opinions expressed in this webinar are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization. No attorney-client relationship is formed by your participation in this webinar. The information presented should not be relied upon as legal advice for any specific situation or matter. Please consult with a qualified attorney for advice on legal issues that pertain to your situation. hashtag #decolonizingwealth #philanthropy #dei #affirmativeaction

Happy New Year! 💥 I love fireworks and enjoy making resolutions, so I enjoy ringing in the New Year. As we flip the calendar to 2024 (!), here are some things I’m looking forward to: 👨🏻💻Launching The Legal Accountability Project’s Clerkships Database and helping the first class of aspiring clerks identify beneficial clerkships (and avoid judges who mistreat clerks). 🏫Visiting more law schools for candid #clerkships programming and changing the messaging from overly optimistic to realistic. We’ll ensure students know the RIGHT questions to ask before clerking. ✍️Publishing in new forums (although I’ll of course continue publishing with Above the Law, where I'm grateful for the platform to share my candid takes on the #judiciary.) 📢Announcing other LAP initiatives. Our Clerkships Database is an important #transparency, #diversity, and #accountability tool, but there’s WAY more work to do to correct the outrageous lack of #judicialaccountability and workplace protections in the #judiciary. ✊🏼Expanding LAP’s team and Board of Directors so I can start observing weekends. 🔊Legislative advocacy, including the #JudiciaryAccountabilityAct, urgent legislation that would finally extend Title VII protections to federal #judiciary employees, including law clerks and public defenders. The lack of #accountability for judges who mistreat clerks and workplace protections for employees are top priorities for LAP (again) in 2024. ✊🏼Continuing to engage LAP’s robust followership in action items, including student/alumni advocacy. If you've filled out LAP’s post-clerkship survey, urge your alma mater to participate in the Database, and donate to LAP. If you’re a student, join LAP’s mailing list (on our website), reshare LAP’s content, and host a LAP event on campus to help share our message with students. 🤲 Connecting the dots between followers and fundraising. I’m grateful to Pooya Pourak and his MatchNice team for helping LAP highlight the impact of your donations.  🗣️I'll also dispel some ridiculous myths that a handful of schools purvey about LAP’s work. It saddens me that some schools maintain a chokehold on clerkship messaging, and their students will go another year without #clerkship resources or even understanding the right questions to ask before clerking. We’ll get there! LAP is changing the game around #clerkships. I’ve shared my experience, explained the right questions to ask, highlighted inadequate options for mistreated clerks, and answered thoughtful student questions on 30+ campuses. The response has been incredible. In 2024, LAP will share our vision and values with more students, clerks, attorneys, law schools, and judges. But we can’t do it alone. I hope you’ll get involved by amplifying LAP’s content and adding your own voice, explaining why LAP’s work resonates with YOU. LAP has sparked a clerkship transparency movement: you can be part of the solution. 🎉 #clerkships #courts #lawschools #transparency

If you don’t know Professor Tom I.Romero II J.D., Ph.D.’s work, #GoogleScholar it. Far too extensive and far too impactful for one post. May this become a template for 49 other states! #Equity #Slavery #Colorado

Amazing. Would be even better if law firms are actively participating in such initiative as well as EDI structure is sorely missing in practice. Firms say they have EDI structures, but do they really? Who will confirm, and how? The applicability and transferability of the impact of this initiative to the broader practice would be the next step, but one step at a time!

Hi Linkedin Family! After many years on this platform, I'd like to finally re-introduce myself to you all. My name is Jasmine Rivera, and I am... 1. A proud Howard Alumna. I graduated with honors from Howard University on May 10th a year early with my Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in Political Science. It was not easy, but it was so worth it. 2. Service-minded. I am extremely passionate about community service, and have volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club in DC, Center for Common Ground, The Movement Street, and other organizations that have allowed me to connect with the D.C. community and find myself through service. 3. A Scholarship Awardee. In my time at Howard, I received scholarships based on my merit. These include but are not limited to the HU Achievers Scholarship, HU Choir Scholarship, Liberty Mutual Excel Scholarship, and Jabberwock Scholarship. 4. A leader. I am so thankful to my college experience for giving me opportunities to showcase leadership in various ways. From my work as President of Howard's chapter of the NAACP to Chief of Staff of a student led Non-profit, H.B.C.U. A.B.L.E., I have been able to have an impact on the Howard community and the greater D.C. community. For that, I will be forever grateful. 5. Goal-oriented. During college, one of my biggest goals was to get experience in my field and others. Because of this goal, I interned with 5 organizations: Morningstar, Inc., Liberty Mutual, Public Defenders Service of D.C., H.B.C.U. First, and the Washington Lawyers' Committee. Each of these taught me something different, and I am so appreciative of the people I met 6. An advocate. I am excited that I have begun my journey towards become a lawyer. As I take my gap year in preparation for law school next fall, I am working as a Legal Assistant in D.C., gaining invaluable experience in this field. I hope to one day pursue a career in Criminal or Civil Rights law, but more than anything I am committed to ensuring that marginalized voices are heard and represented. I would be remiss to finish this post without thanking God for opening each and every door that brought me to where I am today. Whether you know me from Howard, one of the aforementioned organizations, or anywhere else, I am grateful to have you in my network and to be in yours. I look forward to continuing to connect with you all.

Here with another #EJAFellowUpdate to let my network know what I’m learning in my internship with the Southern Poverty Law Center and how funding from Equal Justice America is making this possible. Three big takeaways so far. First, shifting focus to state-based litigation is a national trend to combat a SCOTUS hostile to civil rights. But that doesn’t mean that it is any easier in the southern states where SPLC works. The bar to achieve essential measures of justice – e.g. constitutional conditions of confinement and postconviction relief – is still so high, it’s almost impossible to meet. Second, it is really hard to investigate and find a plaintiff for impact-style cases. Impact-focused organizations should invest in on-the-ground relationships (whether by hiring organizers and community advocates, or something else). Third, working for an organization founded on combatting hate and extremism during this election cycle is deeply moving. But also, even though SPLC has a storied reputation and some endowment funds to boot, we’re at the whims of political missions. The problem is that litigation is much slower than the changing winds of politics and public policy focus, so we’re still working on important issues that left the social discourse years ago. EJA provides summer scholarships to law students working in public interest. https://lnkd.in/eRMFYigK

Proud to announce my filing for Flagler School Board District 5 candidacy Today marks a step forward in the future of Flagler County education as Vincent Sullivan officially filed his candidacy for the Flagler School Board, District 5 seat. A proud member of the community, Vincent is motivated by his deep commitment to the students, families, and the overall well-being of the Flagler County School System.   Vincent's journey is intertwined with the fabric of Flagler County. A 2008 graduate of Matanzas High School, Vincent has been actively involved in community service, earning recognition as a recipient of the "36 Under 36" award by the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division. His dedication to education is further exemplified by his role as a board member of the Flagler County Education Foundation receiving last years “Make It Happen” award for his service and dedication to supporting Flagler County’s education.   Vincent, a partner at Chiumento Law, co-founded Chiumento CARES, a philanthropic initiative focused on finding solutions for homeless students through fundraising efforts and benefiting the Flagler Families in Transition program. His commitment to pro bono legal work in St. Johns County reflects his broader dedication to making a positive impact beyond Flagler's borders.   Born in Central California and a resident of Palm Coast since 1999, Vincent's roots run deep in the community. After graduating from Flagler College with a degree in Political Science and a minor in Pre-Law, he pursued his legal career, ultimately returning to Flagler County to join Chiumento Law.   Vincent's interest in the school system was sparked by his stepdaughter's experiences within Flagler's schools. He participates in the Law and Justice program at Matanzas High School, showcasing his passion for fostering educational excellence. Vincent also serves on the Board of Directors for the Flagler County Education foundation.   "As a first-generation Matanzas High School graduate, I understand the importance of a strong education system. My commitment to Flagler County is personal, and I am eager to contribute to the continued success of our schools," remarked Sullivan.   Vincent Sullivan's diverse background, community involvement, and legal experience position him as an ideal candidate to represent District 5 on the Flagler County School Board. His slogan, "Save a seat for Sullivan," encapsulates his dedication to ensuring every student in Flagler County receives the quality education they deserve.   For further information or media inquiries, please contact: votevincentsullivan@gmail.com   Vincent Sullivan for Flagler School Board District 5 *Education. Community. Excellence. * Save a Seat for Sullivan

Here with another #EJAFellowUpdate to let my network know what I’m learning in my internship with the Southern Poverty Law Center and how funding from @Equal Justice America is making this possible. I’m sure it won’t come as a shock to my network (and because this is a fundraising post it is pretty obvious) but public interest attorneys are paid significantly less compared to their counterparts in the corporate sector. According to the National Association of Law Placement, the median starting salary for a public interest attorney is around $50,000. In contrast, starting salaries for corporate lawyers at large firms can exceed $190,000. And, mid-size firms (many of whom operate a plaintiff-side practice) are being driven out of business because they are unable to compete financially. Mid-size firms are either merging with larger firms or shutting down, leading to a concentration of legal power and diminished client options. This stark disparity illustrates a troubling trend that threatens the sustainability and effectiveness of the public interest legal sector. The wide salary gap has far-reaching implications. For one, it discourages law graduates burdened with substantial student loan debt from pursuing careers in public interest law (tuition went up again this year; a seasoned attorney recently suggested schools should set tuition amount for students upon their acceptance – they can raise the amount for each new class, but once you’ve paid your first semester, you’re locked into that amount for the rest of your degree. A tiny change in the inflated price of tuition, but still a simple policy to implement). When public interest orgs can’t compete and few avenues exist for students to pay off inflated tuition debt, the number of talented attorneys available to represent vulnerable populations reduces and corporate interests are prioritized over civil liberties. The legal system wasn’t designed to only work for people who can pay for it. In the long run, the underpayment of public interest attorneys could lead to a justice system skewed in favor of those who can afford high-priced services. Addressing this pay gap is essential to ensuring a balanced and fair legal system that serves all segments of society, not just the wealthy. https://lnkd.in/eRMFYigK