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University of Illinois College of Law

The following University of Illinois College of Law students have received fellowships from Equal Justice America. These fellowships are made possible by contributions from University of Illinois College of Law alumni. With continued support from the alumni, we look forward to putting many more University of Illinois law students to work providing vitally needed legal assistance to the poor.

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(Equal Justice America is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation unaffiliated with any law school.)
Please click the links below to read more about the students’ EJA Fellowships.

"I have had an extraordinary time working with the attorneys and other interns at the Housing Practice Group and working on meaningful projects that have left me feeling accomplished and proud. From day one, I was immersed in a niche and fast-paced legal environment. Further, much of the material and work was entirely new to me so it was exciting to learn all this information, and I am incredibly thankful to the talented and supportive attorneys who guided me through various aspects of the housing field."
Sebastian Esparza
University Of Illinois College Of Law
EJA Summer Fellow, 2023
  • Fall 2023
    • Trisha Makley worked at the Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights.
  • Spring 2021
    • Michael Abraham is working at the Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Family Services in Chicago.
  • Summer 2019
  • Summer 2018
  • Summer 2016
    • Molly Carmody and Nicole Joseph worked at the Legal Assistance Foundation.
  • Summer 2015
    • Maureen Cleary worked at the Legal Assistance Foundation..
    • Abigail Twenter worked at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri in St. Louis.
  • Fall 2014
    • Catrina Miksis worked at Equip for Equality in Chicago.
  • Summer 2014
I really appreciate Equal Justice America’s support for lawyers and law students to gain invaluable experience in public interest, and [Cabrini Green Legal Aid (CGLA)] is definitely one of the places that are enthusiastic about training public interest lawyers. CGLA removes legal barriers for a great number of people every day, and it is my pleasure and privilege to be able to contribute to this mission.
Chantal Chiu
University of Illinois College of Law
EJA Summer Fellow, 2017
  • Summer 2013
  • Spring 2013
    • Todd Schmid worked at the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago.
  • Summer 2012
    • Veneeta Chintamaneni worked at Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law in Washington, DC.
    • Jessica Rhodes worked at the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago.
    • Allison Wagner worked at the Family Defense Center in Chicago.
  • Summer 2010
    • David Kuriniec worked at the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago.
    • Nelly Montenegro worked at Ayuda, Inc. in Washington, DC.
    • Aimee Roby worked at the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation in Champaign, IL.
  • Spring 2010
    • Drew Curle worked at the Chicago Legal Clinic.
  • Fall 2009
    • Nicole Berg worked at the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago.
    • Drew Curle worked at the Chicago Legal Clinic.
Working at LAF has confirmed my want to work in legal aid, being of service to others by making some sort of difference in the community around me. This past summer would not have been possible without the support of EJA. Thank you so much for helping me have the impact that I did in the Chicago area this past summer.
Colin Nardone
University of Illinois College of Law
EJA Summer Fellow, 2018
  • Summer 2009
  • Summer 2008
    • Jonathan Bobell worked at the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago.
    • Anna Moss worked at Legal Aid of Western Michigan.
  • Summer 2007
    • Yusra Gomaa worked at the Domestic Violence Legal Clinic and the Cook County Public Guardian’s Office.
  • Summer 2006
    • Candace Bertha worked at the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago.
    • Gray Mateo worked at the DC Employment Justice Center.
  • Summer 2005
    • Melinda Podgor worked at the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation, Inc. in Champaign, IL.
    • Claudia Silva worked at the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago.
  • Summer 2004
    • Diane Aniolowski worked at the Office of the Public Guardian in Chicago.
    • Jessica Pamon worked at the Chicago Legal Clinic.
  • Summer 2003
    • Farah Fawcett Brass worked at the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago.
    • Kareen Turner worked at the Legal Aid Bureau in Chicago.
    • Nicole Lalich worked at the Chicago Legal Clinic.
  • Summer 2002
    • Jeff Bedell worked at the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii.
    • Maria Isabel Martinez worked at the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago.
  • Summer 2001
    • Sean Collins-Stapleton and Adam Thurmand worked at the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago.
    • Shawn O’Toole worked at the Chicago Legal Clinic.
    • Dolores Whiters worked at the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation in Champaign, IL.
  • Summer 2000
    • Latoya Hughes worked at the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago.
    • Nekima Levy worked at the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation.
    • Janaki Nair worked at the Chicago Legal Clinic.

© 2021 EQUAL JUSTICE AMERICA and the Equal Justice America logo are registered trademarks of Equal Justice America.
Equal Justice America is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, EIN number 13-3708596

This organization supports and values the uniqueness of all individuals and promotes a work environment where diversity is embraced.

© 2021 EQUAL JUSTICE AMERICA and the Equal Justice America logo are registered trademarks of Equal Justice America.
Equal Justice America is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, EIN number 13-3708596

This organization supports and values the uniqueness of all individuals and promotes a work environment where diversity is embraced.