About WPILF

The Whittier Public Interest Law Foundation (WPILF) is a non-profit, student-based organization dedicated to serving the community through our public interest law initiatives. WPILF provides students with opportunities to utilize their legal skills and experiences to serve underprivileged communities. WPILF is committed to increasing the awareness of students, faculty, and alumni to the rewards, challenges, and opportunities available in the public interest sector through grants, community outreach, and fundraising events.

Additionally, WPILF hosts various educational and networking programs each year comprised of practicing attorneys, judges, and other members of the legal community. There are several social events held to foster relationship building amongst members such as Heilman Night, and co-sponsoring events with other Whittier Law School student organizations.  WPILF also holds an annual auction to raise funds for grants awarded to students volunteering for public interest organizations providing free legal services to indigent clients.  In 2012, WPILF raised over $25,000 in this effort.  These funds supported vital student-work programs that focused on children’s rights, domestic violence, mental health issues, fair-housing issues, and criminal justice.  WPILF grant award recipients have worked directly with local affiliate groups, such as Public Law Center, the Alliance for Children’s Rights, Legal Aid Society of Orange County, and Public Counsel to provide free legal services to low-income individuals.

2012-2013 WPILF E-Board

President – Jessica Desalva, 3L

Vice-President – Tim Rout, 3L

Secretary – Kim Black, 3L

Treasurer – Gillian Mellon, 2L

Please email WhittierPILF@gmail.com, to learn how you can get involved!