Reflections from the Field (Part 9)

This past summer, UBSPI (in conjunction with the Maryland Legal Services Corporation and the University of Baltimore School of Law), funded 15 UB Law students to intern at public interest organizations to gain first-hand legal experience serving a variety of communities.  Over the next few months, their stories will be highlighted on Out in the Streets.

1Ls and 2Ls:  Are you interested in applying for a $4,000 grant to support your public interest work this summer?  Applications for 2012 grants are available here.  Remember:  Much of our funding comes from our annual public interest auction, to be held this year on March 9.

 

Kevin Hilgers, 3L, University of Baltimore School of Law - DC Appleseed

 

Last summer I worked for the DC Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, a nonprofit dedicated to solving public policy problems in the District of Columbia. DC Appleseed partners with community leaders, public officials, attorneys, and others to analyze and develop practical solutions to systemic problems.  I became interested in the District's local policy issues in my previous career as a journalist. The city is a paradoxical place. It is the capital of the world's most powerful nation, yet it has limited self government and suffers from serious economic, health, and social problems. While at DC Appleseed, I gained a better understanding of these problems. I focused particularly on issues relating to local autonomy, governmental structure, and affordable housing.

 

My internship with DC Appleseed was the most rewarding professional experience of my life. It helped me clarify my career goals and realize that I had a passion for this type of work. I am thankful to DC Appleseed for the opportunity, and I am indebted to UBSPI for setting me up for success.