Public Interest and Access to Justice
Part of the UB Law in Focus Discussion Series. This special event was presented by the University of Baltimore Students for Public Interest (UBSPI).
Over the past year, systemic issues of race, rights and access to justice were brought to light in new ways through the lens of a global pandemic and demonstrations seeking meaningful police reform. The legal community is at the forefront of enforcing rights, securing benefits, and advancing policy solutions and systemic change, and the work of public interest attorneys has been and will continue to be more important than ever in the coming year.
On April 15, 2021, our panel discussed the most pressing access-to-justice challenges faced in their work over the past year, what work remains to be done, and what issues they believe will linger in 2021 and beyond.
Our panel included Caylin Young, J.D. '16, public policy director for American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Maryland; Julianne Tarver, J.D. '15, program counsel at Legal Services Corporation and former Pro Bono Program Director at Maryland Legal Aid; and Randi Ames, J.D. '13, attorney at Disability Rights Maryland. UBalt Law Professor Michele Gilman moderated the discussion.
This virtual event, hosted by the University of Baltimore Students for Public Interest (UBSPI), squarely aligns with the student organization's mission: to inspire law students to pursue public interest careers. Each year, UBSPI works to ensure current students have the means to support themselves while pursuing public interest work in Maryland.
To do so, UBSPI provides summer fellowships to students interested in pursuing public service careers, giving them valuable hands-on experience prior to graduation. During their fellowships, students advocate for and serve underprivileged communities by helping them obtain equal representation in the justice system.
Panelists
Caylin Young, J.D. '16
Public Policy Director, American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland
Julianne Tarver, J.D. '14
Program Counsel, Legal Services Corporation
Randi Ames, J.D. '13
Attorney, Disability Rights Maryland
Michele Gilman
Professor, The University of Baltimore School of Law
Future Events
To recommend a topic idea or to express your interest to serve as a panelist for a future event, contact Jason Keller at jkeller@ubalt.edu.