LMU Loyola Law School graduating students Rachel Fox ’24, Allison Rubinfeld ’24 and Drew Wilds ’24, were awarded prestigious Equal Justice Works Fellowships this year.
Drew Wilds ’24 is excited to join the team at Public Counsel’s Center for Veterans’ Advancement for the next two years. “I will be working with female veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma,” says Wilds. “Veterans are one of the most vulnerable and overlooked populations...which often creates opportunity for exploitation, discrimination, and lack of resources."
Wilds feels prepared for the next chapter in her legal career because of the excellent education and practical experience she gained at Loyola Law School. “Loyola and my clinical experience have provided so many wonderful opportunities to engage in issues that matter to me,” says Wilds. “I am thrilled to build the foundation for the first of its kind female veteran-centered services in Los Angeles.”
Rachel Fox ’24 was a 1L when she learned that there was a deficit of homelessness prevention lawyers despite 70,000 unhoused individuals in Los Angeles County. “I was inspired by Professor James Gilliam, who spoke at the Public Interest Law Foundation’s ‘Public Interest Palooza’,” says Fox. “I spent much of my time at law school learning about eviction defense and housing policy. Because Los Angeles is so drained for resources in these areas, I spotted many gaps in the system–one of which motivated me to write my Equal Justice Works proposal.”
She credits her time in the Shriver Landlord-Tenant Clinic for hands-on legal experience in homelessness prevention as a student, which cemented her desire to pursue a post-graduate public interest career.
“I took on an unlawful detainer client and led her case from start to finish. I conducted her intake, managed her discovery, wrote a motion to compel, developed a case plan, spoke at court hearings, and eventually won on a summary judgment. I was inspired by my client’s story–she was so ecstatic that she could remain in her home–but I was also horrified that she had to jump through so many complicated hoops for such a fundamental necessity,” she says.
Fox will be working at Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA), where she will provide rapid relief to low-income tenants who are at high risk of homelessness through self-help programs, direct representation, and educational outreach.
For Allison Rubinfeld ’24, the Equal Justice Works Fellowship will allow her to continue working with community members who have been directly impacted by law enforcement violence. “My project is hosted by the Loyola Anti-Racism Center, in partnership with Check the Sheriff, a grassroots coalition led by families directly impacted by sheriff violence,” says Rubinfeld. “I will utilize litigation, community-based advocacy, and public education to further the coalition’s work and community demands for law enforcement accountability in Los Angeles County.”
Her experience as a clinical student in the Juvenile Innocence and Fair Sentencing (JIFS) Clinic, was an incredibly formative experience in her legal education. "I learned how to be a better legal writer and advocate on behalf of my clients on the record, in an actual courtroom,” says Rubinfeld. “My clinical experience in JIFS has instilled in me the importance of being a reliable presence for my clients, particularly for clients who have been harmed by our criminal legal system.”
As a 2024 LMU Loyola Law School graduate, Rubinfeld feels excited and grateful to support communities who have been impacted by law enforcement violence. “I’m so grateful for this fellowship and to be able to use my legal education to support the work of families fighting for accountability. Together, we can create a better world that we all believe is possible.”
Rachel Fox ’24, Allison Rubinfeld ’24, and Drew Wilds ’24 are a testament to LMU Loyola Law School’s commitment to social justice, public service and real-world impact. Their dedication to addressing critical issues faced by vulnerable populations is an inspiration and we look forward to all the ways our fellows will pursue a meaningful legal career driving positive change in our communities.