Read the stories of the 2025 JMA Scholarship recipients and how each of them were able to use their scholarship to do important public interest work all over the country.
Glenn Cofer
Law Clerk at Legal Action of Wisconsin, Inc.
I worked on pardon applications, background check removals, and predetermination forms for state licensure. I worked directly with clients daily, and I also had the opportunity to do some legal writing. Public interest work is important to me because it provides legal resources to the people who need them the most. Even relatively minor legal assistance can have an outsized impact on the issues indigent clients are facing. Without the JMA scholarship, I would not have had the freedom to work a non-paying public interest job this summer. I am lucky this opportunity existed; without it, my summer options would have been far more limited.
Patti Needham
Intern at the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office in Illinois
This past summer, I worked as a legal intern at the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office in Illinois, where I supported prosecutors in litigating misdemeanor cases, reviewing evidence, and observing court proceedings. The experience solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in prosecution and reinforced my belief in the importance of public service in ensuring justice and community safety. Public interest work is meaningful to me because it allows me to serve others while upholding fairness and accountability in the legal system. The JMA scholarship made it possible for me to dedicate my summer to this opportunity, easing financial burdens, and allowing me to fully commit myself to learning and growing in the field I hope to spend my career in! Thank you to all those who supported my summer internship!
Andrew Lindaas
Office of the Governor
I filled two roles while working for the governor’s office. I assisted the governor’s attorneys with various legal projects, whether it be policy-related or statutory interpretation, and I assisted the pardon’s process by processing pardon applications. In all honesty, working within the pardons process refreshed and reinforced my view of the importance of public interest work. I felt that partaking in an efficient yet deliberate process, while also being able to see into applicants’ stories of redemption and growth, is an irreplaceable experience that is almost addicting to be a part of. With the dynamic nature of the governor’s office, it would have been nearly impossible to hold a second job to support myself; thus I am grateful for the JMA scholarship for providing me the ability to fully enjoy my position without financial worry.
Trinity Giese
Judicial Internship with Hon. Judge Gansner (Milwaukee County Circuit Court)
This past summer, I got the opportunity to observe court proceedings under Judge Gansner – which included about seven full trials! I got to see both prosecutors and public defenders in action and, as such, got to witness a variety of different styles of lawyering. I would not have been able to take this internship without the JMA scholarship, as it helped me cover moving and extra living expenses associated with relocating to a new city.
Nicole Bezella
Governor Evers’s Office of Legal Counsel
Over my 2L year, I had the opportunity of being a law clerk for the Governor’s Office of Legal Counsel, and because of the scholarship I received, I was able to continue working for the office, something that I could not have done if I had not received the scholarship. I took part in the pardon process, helping people in their journey of a second chance on life, and I was able to interact with mentors who were just as passionate about government work as I am. I have always been passionate about public interest work, and government law in particular, and the JMA scholarship allowed me to continue my work in government without being hindered by a financial burden.
Kendell Oelschlaeger
American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law
This summer, I worked at the ABA’s Center for Children and the Law in Washington DC. My work focused primarily on policy work and outreach to support children and families involved in the child welfare system affected by immigration. Without this scholarship, I would not have been able to move to DC and cover the cost of rent, travel, and food.
Claire Laughlin
Judicial Intern
I did legal research and writing for Judge Peterson at the US District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin. I enjoyed working on meaningful work and was able to build on my skills. The JMA scholarship helped me to accept this job while helping out financially.