Gillis Long-DCFS Initiative

Five Gillis Long Spring Interns are partnering with Dean Landrieu to work on a new, exciting initiative with DCFS. Currently, there are over 400 children in foster care in Louisiana whose parents’ parental rights to them have been terminated and who are free and eligible for adoption. These children are most likely to be adopted by the family with whom they are currently living.  Dean Landrieu is working with these families, counsel for the children, and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to identify and remove the systemic, institutional, and human barriers to achieving permanency for these children.  

button

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.