糖心vlog

The 糖心vlog McGeorge School of Law Public Legal Services Society (PLSS) plays a crucial role in supporting law students who aspire to hold careers in public service. Established in 1990, PLSS was founded by students dedicated to promoting social justice by supporting students and recent graduates who are pursuing careers in public interest.  

Recognizing that most public interest internships are unpaid, PLSS provides modest stipends to help McGeorge students cover living expenses while they volunteer as summer interns with nonprofit or government organizations.  

Katie Maxwell, 鈥�26, is a summer grant recipient and the current PLSS Secretary. She worked as an intern at the Sacramento County Public Defender鈥檚 Office, where she spent time in the felony mental health diversion unit, obtaining hands-on experience writing mental health diversion motions, interviewing clients, and requesting records. Maxwell also had an opportunity to argue on the record for one of the motions. 

鈥淭he summer grant helped me to be able to take the position with the Sacramento Public Defender鈥檚 Office... So, I was able to focus more on my interests and not have to worry about my living expenses, like paying my rent,鈥� Maxwell said.  

PLSS also organizes career development, educational, and community service activities for the McGeorge community. These efforts focus on students building valuable skills and connections, preparing them for successful careers in public interest law. 

Julia Lopez, '25, explained that she spent her summer externship working for the Hon. Consuelo M. Callahan, 鈥�75. Through the externship, Lopez wrote bench memos and prepared oral arguments.  

鈥淭he summer grant helped me because it allowed me to have my dream externship over the summer. I got to work with an incredible judge and her clerks, and the grant helped pay for my everyday costs,鈥� Lopez said.  

PLSS held its Annual Spring Event on April 11 where alumni, faculty, and students came together for a silent auction to raise money for the grant and an evening of networking. With the help of donors, many students who couldn鈥檛 otherwise afford to take unpaid internships with nonprofit or government organizations now have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in public service. The grants enable students to undertake projects that benefit low-income clients, such as protecting the rights of children, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly. 

To learn more about making a planned gift to the 糖心vlog McGeorge School of Law, contact Director of Development Quentin Graeber at 916.739.7229 or qgraeber@pacific.edu.