Justice for All

Gillis Long Poverty Law Center

For more than 30 years, the College of Law has facilitated representation of low-income people through the Gillis Long Poverty Law Center. Access to civil legal services is transformative for low-income and vulnerable people. This Center was founded to give students and graduates the opportunity to engage in lawyering for those who would not otherwise have access to legal services.

Spring 2025 Internships

The Gillis Long Poverty Law Center is now accepting applications for 2025 Spring Internships. Apply now on Symplicity at the job posting numbers listed below:

Disability Rights Louisiana, #13245
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, #13246
The Pro Bono Project, #13247

Post-graduate Programs

After graduating from law school, many alumni want to pursue public interest careers. The Gillis Long Poverty Law Center financially supports graduates committed to serving the legal needs of low-income communities.

Graduates for Justice

Gillis Long Social Justice Fellowship

Loan Repayment Assistance Program

Programs for Students

The Gillis Long Poverty Law Center gives Loyola law students opportunities to serve the greater good while supplementing their coursework with real world legal research and practice.

Criminal Justice Summer Intern Program

Civil Summer Intern Program

Fall and Spring Intern Program

Pro Bono Program

Support from Monica and Mark Surprenant

The Monica and Mark Surprenant Graduate Award

Generous additional support for the Fall Gillis Long Social Justice Fellowship.

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Mark and Monica Surprenant Access to Social Justice Fellowship

Supports social justice internship opportunities for current law students.

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Gillis Long Highlights

Next Gen For Justice

The Gillis Long Poverty Law Center was proud to partner with the Jesuit Social Research Institute and the Loyola student chapter of the National Lawyers Guild to present Next Gen for Justice: Abolishing the Death Penalty. This panel discussion featured death row exoneree, Shareef Cousin, and attorneys working on death penalty cases in Louisiana.

Katera Green, J.D. Candidate '26

Through the Gillis Long Program, I was able to intern with Louisiana Center for Children's Rights. Being able to work with such passionate attorneys and get feedback on writing, trial preparations, and client communications, have been invaluable experiences that have allowed me to start my 2L year with a better understanding of how the "real world" connects with my in-class studies. With their office values centered around community and mental health awareness, LCCR taught us all how to navigate difficult legal challenges while leaning on our colleagues for help, when needed. Being allowed to see intense trial sessions, write memos and motions on novel legal issues, as well as being able to visit clients; working with LCCR has been a wonderful experience that I will not soon forget!

Payton Travis, J.D. Candidate '25

My time at the Jefferson Parish Public Defender's Office was an invaluable experience, shaping my professional and personal outlook. Immersed in the challenges of real-world legal defense, I gained a deep understanding of the complexities in the justice system and the vital role of public defenders in upholding individual rights. Each day offered new insights into the importance of empathy, resilience, and zealous advocacy. The knowledge I acquired and the connections I made have profoundly influenced my perspective on the justice system and will continue to inspire my commitment to the legal field.

Alex Bellow, J.D. Candidate '24

My summer internship at the Jefferson Parish Public Defender's Office (JPPDO) was transformational. I was given the opportunity to meaningfully participate in a trial, conduct much substantive research, and observe many different procedures in live court settings. This internship allowed the theories we are learning in the classroom to "come alive" for me in actual practice. I am greatly indebted to Gillis Long and the JPPDO for this opportunity.

Renea Pellegrino, J.D. Candidate '24

This internship has reinforced my desire of entering into public interest law. The most rewarding part of this internship has been knowing that the efforts put forth have a direct result on a person's life and access to freedom. I would recommend this internship to anyone who cares to make positive changes within the criminal legal system.

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Giving Back.

For more than 30 years, the Gillis Long Poverty Law Center has financially supported law students and alumni committed to public interest.

1,000+

internships funded through the Summer Internship Program.

$4.2 M+

awarded to Gillis Long Summer Interns.

51

Gillis Long Summer Interns in 2023.

$301K

awarded to summer interns in 2023.

Connect with Us

The Gillis Long Poverty Law Center
Loyola University New Orleans College of Law
7214 St. Charles Avenue, Box 902
New Orleans, Louisiana 70118

504-861-5762 | cmluwisc@loyno.edu