Conroe, Gabe

Hofmeister, Beth

Mesco, Christina Hynes

bepress Legal Repository

Public Interest Student Profiles

Loyola University Chicago, School of Law: LAW eCommons

Public Interest Law Reporter
Volume 10
Issue 3 Winter 2005 Article 9
2005
Public Interest Student Profiles
Gabe Conroe
Christina Hynes Mesco
Beth Hofmeister
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Recommended Citation
Gabe Conroe, , Christina H. Mesco, & Beth Hofmeister, Public Interest Student Profiles, 10 Pub. Interest L. Rptr. 12 (2005).
Available at: http://lawecommons.luc.edu/pilr/vol10/iss3/9
NEWS
Public Interest Student Profile:
Gabe Conroe
Third Year Law Student
Chicago-Kent College of Law
For the past two summers, I have worked as
an intern at the Lake County Public Defender's Office.
The office provides free counsel for indigent people
charged with major traffic, misdemeanor and felony
offenses. My work began mostly as an observer, but
eventually I took on more responsibility, including
conducting jury trials. I chose to work in the public
sector because it allowed me to be in the courtroom
every day and to interact consistently with clients,
adversaries and judges. Iam also drawn to this area
because I have found that the criminal justice system
often treats the poor inequitably or fails them
completely. Through my work at the Public Defender's
Office, I observed that many of the clients' legal troubles
often coincide with major drug and/or mental health
problems. I believe that the knowledge of having an
advocate on their side will often do more for a client
than most punishments.
Public Interest Student Profile:
Christina Hynes Mesco
Second Year Law Student
Loyola University Chicago
This summer I worked for the Hospital
Accountability Project ("HAP"), an organization that
represents patients sued for medical debt free of charge
and seeks change in the non-profit health care industry.
HAP assists patients in applying for charity programs
that are offered, but not publicized by hospitals. As a
result of HAP's assistance, many of the lawsuits against
these patients are dismissed. Among many other
duties, I conducted client interviews, drafted
motions, and corresponded with attorneys and
health care providers. I chose to work for HAP
because I wanted to empower those less fortunate
and use my law degree to provide legal
representation for those who cannot afford it. This
experience inspired me to pursue work in the public
sector upon graduation because I believe there is
still much work to be done to increase access to
health care and to legal aid services in general.
Public Interest Law Society Fellowships
Through the fundraising efforts of Loyola University Chicago School of Law's Pubic Interest Law
Society ("PILS"), Loyola is able to offer grants to approximately eight students per year who plan to
work in the public sector over the Summer. For more information visit: www.luc.edullaw/activities/
opportunities/public-interest-grants.shtml.
Winter 2005 Public Inte~rest Law Reporter 112
1
Conroe et al.: Public Interest Student Profiles
Published by LAW eCommons, 2005
NEWS
Public Interest Student Profile:
Beth Hofneister
Third Year Law Student
Loyola University Chicago
This past summer I worked as a law clerk in
the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender,
Juvenile Division. The mission of the Public Defender
is to protect the fundamental rights, liberties and dignity
of each person whose case has been entrusted to the
office, Over the summer I was able to represent youth
at all stages of thejuvenile proceedings with my 711
license and under the supervision of an attorney.
Before law school, I worked extensively in the public
sector and chose to attend Loyola for its focus on
child and family advocacy, in addition to its
dedication to public service. My summer at the
Public Defender's office only reinforced my
commitment to use my legal education and work
experience as a social justice advocate in the
criminal and juvenile justice fields.
Get Involved! Loyola Chicago
Students to Aid Katrina Victims
Over Spring Break
A group of committed students from Loyola
University of Chicago School of Law will spend their
Spring Break serving the survivors of Hurricane
Katrina in the Gulf Coast. During this week students
will provide legal services for hurricane victims in the
New Orleans area by working with local legal aid
organizations. Those affected by Hurricane Katrina
face an overwhelming number of legal questions, with
little to no legal representation. Legal aid organizations
hosting volunteers address a variety of issues for
hurricane victims including government benefits,
eviction proceedings, unemployment compensation,
criminal justice, civil rights and other legal obstacles
unique to the hurricane's aftermath. Student volunteers
will work within legal aid organizations, performing a
variety of taks, including client interviews, legal
research, filling out paper work with clients, writing
memos and other miscellaneous legal support functions.
Loyola students will also have the opportunity to
participate in the clean-up and rebuilding efforts which
carry on throughout the Gulf Coast region.
Loyola law students will hold a number of
fundraising events will take place before Spring Break
to keep the cost per student to a
minimum. Contributions to fundraisers or cash
donations are also greatly appreciated.
Please contact Amanda Garcia at agarci8 @luc.edu
for more information.
Compelling Stories and Interesting People Wanted
Do you know a practitioner who would be a good subject for a future PILR feature?
Do you have a legal topic that you would like to see us cover?
Does your law firm have an outstanding pro bono program?
If so, we want to hear from you!
E-mail us at PILRLaw@luc.edu
Winter 200513 1Publi idaterest Lawi-1 Repoartr
2
Public Interest Law Reporter, Vol. 10, Iss. 3 [2005], Art. 9
http://lawecommons.luc.edu/pilr/vol10/iss3/9


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