Officers

2025-26 Officers

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

Carolyn Mobley, ’26 President

Legal Interests: Youth Law, Family Law

I joined PILP because I believe public interest law is vital, advancing advocacy for underserved populations and creating lasting, positive change. By funding public interest internships, PILP empowers students to make a direct difference. To me, it represents the power of collective support to create meaningful, lasting impact.

 

Jerry Yang, ’26 Vice President

Legal Interests: Public Interest. Law. In that order.

I came to law school to help solve the public defender crisis that persists despite what certain elected DA’s claim. My introduction to PILP was being a test chimp for PILP’s 1Life program the year before it officially launched. Like the 400+ summer award winners PILP has sponsored, PILP has afforded me a great opportunity to pursue work that is needed rather than what is paid. As a three year member of PILP, I hope to grow the organization to create the world’s next civil rights attorneys, immigration attorneys, and of course public defenders.

 

Isaac York, ’26 Treasurer

Legal Interests: Environmental Law, Wildlife Conservation

Isaac York spent every summer camping in Yosemite National Park while growing up, and earned a BS in environmental biology from Cal Poly, Pomona; now, Isaac is a setting 3L, joint JD/LLM candidate at Lewis & Clark Law School in the Environmental, Natural Resources, and Energy Law program. He is interested in the intersection of law, policy, and science, and how to best identify and implement science-based solutions to address a myriad of environmental issues, culminating in the challenge of coping with climate change. Isaac joined PILP two years ago because he believed that change was necessary across all sectors of the environment, and that PILP was in the prime position to provide for caretakers and defenders of the local community: for those who make all the difference day in and day out.  

 

Maddie Diehl, ’26 Secretary & Historian

Legal interests: public defense, immigration law

I have been involved with PILP during all three years of my time in law school. By granting summer stipends to support law students pursuing public interest law, PILP democratizes access to this kind of essential and exciting work. I am so proud to be part of an organization doing such wonderful work.

 

Alex Walsh, ’26 Director of Awards

Legal interests: public defense, criminal law

I joined PILP because I believe in the driving principle that anyone who wants to work in public interest should be given equitable opportunities to do so. I came into law school with my sights set on public defense, and that goal has only become clearer through the support of my PILP colleagues, exposure to informational panels with current public interest lawyers, and the financial support that has allowed me to work in an unpaid public defense position- all made possible through the work of this organization. I am honored to serve this year as the Director of Awards, and I am excited for the opportunity to work with LC faculty and the rest of the PILP board to maximize opportunities and support for the next generation of public interest law students!

 

Sofia Cavenaile, ’27 Administrative Assistant

Legal interests: environmental law, corporate governance and accountability

I came to law school to make a positive impact in my community through environmental law, so I’m very excited to be a part of PILP and support my peers as they also strive to bring positive change to our communities. Pro bono legal work and community service are important to me, and PILP is a great opportunity to stay involved in public interest legal work in law school while creating relationships that will last into our careers.

 

ENGAGEMENT TEAM

Nathaly Ramos, ’27 Volunteer Coordinator

Legal Interests: Immigration, Criminal, and Admin law

I came to law school because I have seen firsthand how difficult it can be for people with limited resources and support to navigate the legal system. Public interest work is integral to the values that brought me to law school and PILP has been instrumental in allowing me to follow this path. As volunteer coordinator, I hope to support students pursuing their public interest goals and make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve.

 

Roger Yuan, ’26 Director of Student Engagement

Legal Interests: Environmental Justice Litigation and Policy, Energy Law

I hadn’t felt any particular pull towards public interest law until I met the students in PILP my 1L year. I think what initially caught my attention was how passionately they talked about their respective fields and how excited and committed they were to work towards one good cause or another. It was through these same people that I received the advice and encouragement that led to my summer position at Crag Law Center over my 2L summer. Although I’ve been an active member of PILP for the last two years, this will be my first year in an E-board position, and I will attempt to bring the same quality of mentorship and direction as I’ve received up until now. Ultimately, my commitment is to strengthen the community, whether in a formal/legal capacity, or in assisting the next generation of PILPers.

 

AUCTION TEAM

Jack Flaningam, ’27 Auction Co-Director

Legal Interests: Health Law, Criminal Law, Public Policy

Public interest work largely shaped my interest in going to law school, and I ultimately chose to stay in Portland for law school because I wanted to be around a large population of students who were passionate about public interest causes. In general, I love when I can use my voice or skills to support underrepresented people and causes. I joined PILP last year because I wanted to reduce the financial barrier students face when pursuing public interest work. Planning our annual auction has been a wonderful opportunity to interact with fellow PILP members as well as bring together a legal community who greatly supports the mission of PILP. This organization gives me tremendous hope that we can continue to give students meaningful opportunities to support communities that deserve zealous advocacy.

 

Abbee Mortenson, ’27 Auction Co-Director

Legal interests: labor law, housing law, and immigration law

I came to law school to learn skills that would serve our low-income communities who severely lack access to legal help to fight the various injustices they face. Being a part of PILP has been wonderful to work with students who have similar goals to mine. I love the creativity involved with planning our annual action to create an engaging event for the legal community to attend and support our students who spend their summers working on important legal issues that are underfunded.

 

Cody Krato ’26 Fundraising Data Manager

Legal Interests: Environmental law, Energy law

I joined PILP because of the intersection between environmental law and public interest work. I believe that public interest work is incredibly valuable and I hope to do my part to help out other like minded students pursue their career and life goals. Also Jerry made me do this.

 

Hilary Brooks, ’28 Auction Assistant

Public interest law plays an integral role in improving the quality of life within our society. The dedicated individuals who enter that field work tirelessly to promote justice and fairness for all. PILP’s mission to empower and support these individuals is crucial for the betterment of our community. I am excited for the opportunity to use my skills to contribute to such an impactful group.

 

Dora Totoian ’28, Auction Assistant

Legal Interests: Employment Law, Civil Rights

Public interest work is essential, and it should not only be the domain of those who can afford to work unpaid. I joined PILP to support making opportunities to explore public interest accessible to as many students as possible. I am excited to build community on campus and connect with the wider legal community through PILP.

 

SPONSORSHIP TEAM

Isaiah Putnam ’26 Sponsorship Co-Director

Legal interests: public defense, drug law.

Public defense is my passion. I was lucky enough to clerk with Deschutes Defenders over the summer, and I could not have done the work I did without the help of the PILP stipend. PILP allows students to focus on what they want to do: help the public. I serve as Sponsorship Co-Director because the PILP auction played a critical role in my summer and I want others to have the same opportunity.

 

Reese Southworth ’27 Sponsorship Co-Director

Legal Interests: Environmental law, Civil Rights
I came to law school to pursue a career in environmental law but have found a love for public interest law generally. Thanks to PILP I was able to spend my summer at Sacramento County Public Defense, exploring my interest in criminal defense work. I am looking forward to working as Sponsorship Co-Director to help enable other students to pursue their passion no matter their financial situation.

 

PROCUREMENT TEAM

Aidan Hall, ’26 Procurement Co-Director

Legal Interests: Immigration, Tax, Work

I joined PILP because without the PILP award, I would not have been able to spend the summer working for the Immigration Legal Services wing of Catholic Charities. A key anxiety throughout my first year of school was that I would not be able to find any paid work over the summer, requiring me to spend it working somewhere outside my area of interest, and maybe outside the legal field completely. Thanks to PILP this was not an issue, and I am so grateful for that opportunity that I want to do my part to help future students have their anxiety alleviated in the same way. By working on the Procurement team I look forward to bringing in more support for PILP, thereby allowing it to help even more students than last year.

 

Kat Engelken, ’26 Procurement Co-Director

Legal interests: animal law, policy/advocacy

I went to law school to study animal and environmental law, and found it troubling that most of these internships are unpaid. I joined PILP to help people change the world in the ways they’d like to over the summer while still being able to afford rent. The animals and the environment need saving, and I’m happy that PILP allows the people who’d like to do this work gain experience in it.

 

Maggie McCartan, ’27 Procurement Assistant

I joined PILP to make public-interest internships financially accessible for Lewis & Clark students. I believe every student should be able to pursue the internships they desire, and through PILP I am excited to expand access for our public-interest law community!

 

Beau Posey ’26 Procurement (Henchman) Assistant

Legal Interest: Alaska Native law (Tribal law & governance, Federal Indian law & policy)

I have been volunteering with PILP since my 1L year because its mission really resonates with me. PILP is a special organization that allows us students to directly support each other and the communities we serve through a great web of reciprocity and gift-giving. I was fortunate enough to receive a PILP scholarship during my 2L summer which allowed me to volunteer with the Sheet’ká Ḵwáan Tribe (Sitka Tribe of Alaska) tribal government as a court clerk, researcher, and intern for in-house counsel. I have joined the PILP board as a procurement assistant because procurement is my favorite part of PILP and because working with everyone in our greater community — in Portland, in the legal field, and beyond — that makes PILP possible brings me great joy.

 

MARKETING TEAM

Claire Buckley, ’26 Marketing Director

Legal Interests: Environmental Law, International Law I joined PILP because I believe in the transformative power of advancing social justice. I am proud to contribute to a project that plays such a vital role in fostering passionate advocates by allowing students to have more freedom to pursue this passion wherever feels right to them. Organizations like PILP and the people who support it are what keeps me hopeful that our pursuits of a more beautiful tomorrow are achievable.

 

Amanda Lee, ’26 Content Creator

Legal Interests: Labor, Employment, Civil Rights

I joined PILP because I believe your financial situation in law school should never prevent you from pursuing an internship in a field you are interested in. Thanks to PILP, I was able to work with the Oregon innocence Project last year which was an incredible opportunity. As a content creator, I hope to continue to give back to the project that made my internship experience possible and continue to help other students pursue public interest careers in the future.

 

Bryn Landrus, ’27 Content Creator

Legal Interest: Juvenile Dependency, Family Law

I came to law school after working in care coordination and patient advocacy in the healthcare system. I’m very passionate about equitable access to resources, which is originally what led me to join PILP my first year at Lewis & Clark Law. Going into my second year, I’m excited to continue working with other students who are equally driven by promoting justice in the legal system and creating connections to our community. Moving forward in my career, I hope to practice either in juvenile dependency law or family law, with a focus on supporting LGBTQIA+ families and trans youth as much as possible.

 

Andrew Bogdan, ’27 Content Creator

Legal Interests: Criminal Defense, Animal Law, Entertainment Law

My goal in coming to law school was to expand access to the justice system, and as a part of PILP, I feel that I am doing just that. Volunteering has always been important to me and my family, and I am so grateful for the countless opportunities and connections that PILP has provided. I look forward to working as a content creator this year!

 

Bethany Graves, ’27 Content Creator

Legal Interests: Juvenile Delinquency, Tenant Eviction Defense, Immigration Law, Disability Law

After working in Public Interest Law in a Tenant Defense Program, I knew that law school was the next logical step. Through that opportunity I was able to see first hand the intersecting legal issues that people often face and just how few resources or legal assistance are available to low-income communities. Public interest volunteers are vital to even beginning to bridge the justice gap, both in the criminal law and civil law spheres. The reason I began my legal education is because I recognized the inequity that runs rampant in our field and wanted to be a positive light and advocate in the midst of the injustice that occurs daily. Organizations like PILP are exactly where I want to dedicate my time and support to begin working towards a more equitable legal system.

 

Victoria Reiners, ’26 Social Media Coordinator

Legal Interests: Environmental Law, political law

I came to law school with a passion for environmental law and a desire to one day run for public office because I believe that law can be a powerful tool to protect our environment and ensure equitable outcomes for all. Public interest law plays a crucial role in advocating for the underserved and for our planet, and it aligns closely with my long-term goals. I joined the Public Interest Law Project (PILP) because I believe that financial constraints should never stand in the way of law students pursuing meaningful work in public interest law.

 

1LIFE / COMMUNITY OUTREACH TEAM

Cristopher Munoz-Lopez, ’27 1Life Student Outreach

Legal Interest: Criminal Law, Prosecution

I came to law school to represent my community in the criminal justice system. While many may call prosecution the “dark side”, I think it is best to have a diverse prosecution office that can relate to the community’s struggle. I wish to make my community be heard in our criminal justice system and to look at everyone for the story they bring rather than one single act they committed. I joined PILP to help students find their interest in law, and hopefully to convince them to stay in the beautiful practice that is public interest. A place to serve your community.

 

Brisa Franco, ’27 1Life Community Partner Outreach

Legal Interest: Immigration Law

I am the proud daughter of my mother, who immigrated to this country at 18. I have overcome many obstacles to get to higher education, so I can make navigating the world a little easier for immigrant families like mine. My mother struggled to establish herself in the U.S. as a single mother; she encountered discrimination and language barriers and was fearful of the new world around her. She had no one to help her, and nonprofits meant to help low-income families were often at capacity. Growing up, I saw how the world treated people of color, how cruel people could be toward immigrant families. Unfortunately, things have not changed, and I fear the worst for the immigrant community and families who rely on low-income resources as we navigate the next four years of this administration. My family’s experiences inspired my passion for breaking the barriers for low-income and immigrant communities through public interest law.

 

Matt Bratek, ’26 1Life Consultant

Legal Interests: Immigration, Family Law

I joined PILP because I believe there is a great need for advocacy for historically underserved populations. PILP helps fund the dreams of budding advocates and provides them with opportunities for gaining crucial experience in working directly with the community. Without PILP, I would not have been able to afford my 1L summer position at Metropolitan Public Defender, where I worked with their Immigrant Defense Oregon team to provide both limited and full-scope immigration representation to low-income immigrants. Life is too short not to use the limited time we have on this planet to make sure that the impact we leave behind is a positive one. Part of making that positive impact means, when able, giving back to the communities around you.

 

1L POD REPRESENTATIVES

Joshua Harrop, ’28 Red Pod Representative

Legal Interests: Legal Aid, Admin Law, Health Law

Public interest law and community legal aid are essential to my legal education, and to who I want to be as a future attorney. My time prior to law school in working with underprivileged and low-income communities showed me the power in community lawyering and public interest at large. I joined PILP to help facilitate my journey in this work and to help others discover their passion for public interest as well. I hope to make a positive impact through PILP and empower not just my peers, but our community.

 

Liz Leonard, ’28 Orange Pod Representative

Legal Interests: Environmental Law, Federal Indian Law, Tribal Law, Agricultural Law

I came to law school after three years of living in Sitka, Alaska working in civil legal services, as well as multiple years of experience working on farms. In law school, I am primarily interested in the intersection of environmental law, tribal sovereignty, and food justice. I joined PILP because I am excited about joining a community of law students who are committed to public interest law, and because I want to spread that passion throughout our larger law school community. It’s important to me that the next generation of lawyers is not only excellent at practicing the law, but are able to think critically about the systems they are a part of and are invested in bettering the world.

 

Michael O’Connor, ’28 Blue Pod Representative

Legal interests: Advocacy/Legal Aide, Admin law/policy

PILP’s mission and the effect its work has on expanding justice resonates with me. Public interest is really what I believe the law should be about. Humans are a community and I believe we have a duty to serve the interest of our community at large. This belief informs my decision to pursue a career in law generally and public interest law specifically.

 

Join the Team!

Please email pilp@lclark.edu with questions on how to join!