The Peggy Browning Fund Fall Newsletter 2021

Experiences Tess Shelton Joel F. Dillard, PA Jackson, MI Duringmy fellowship, I perfomed awide varity of tasks, including interacting with clients; drafting documents for federal court; delivering opening and closing arguments for focus groups; and assisting the firm throughout a federal trial. My supervisor made it clear on the first day that he wanted to provide me with a broad, hands- on learning experience. However, the highlight of my summer was attending and assisting my firm in a trial - a sexual harassment case in federal court against the Mississippi Attorney General’s office. It was a stressful experience and we were all very emotionally invested in the client. I helped by taking notes on direct and cross exams and keeping track of documents. Every night, our firm prepared for the next day of trial. For me, that meant preparing exhibits, reviewing evidence, and drafting a cross-examination. All of our hard work paid off when the jury returned a $750k verdict in our favor. Better still, the plaintiff finally felt vindicated after years of slander and gaslighting. Ultimately, my fellowship confirmed to me that I want to pursue a career advocating for workers. Tess shared, “Bringing about that outcome for our client more than made up for all the stress and exhaustion. It was an indescribably rewarding experience.” 5 Jacob Bies Northwest Workers’ Justice Project Portland, OR This summer I was excited to work in a generalized labor law organization. I was looking forward to the chance to branch out into non-agricultural areas of labor law and I was not disappointed. In fact, I was able to work on motions for summary judgment, assist in preprations for and observe depositions, help draft garnishment documents that resulted in successful collection, and much more. Prior to my fellowship, my experiences and insights into legal practice were quite limited. The experience of talking to clients, and getting clear, concise information about their situation for attorneys to work with (in my second language no less!) showed me how cases come to attorneys at firms like NWJP. Overall, my experience showed me that I can trust my instincts as a future attorney. Hearing that my work was thorough and clear and helpful to the attorneys has helped me realize that I have the skills and diligence needed for this work. “It is the measured, calculated, and creative approaches that can fell opposing counsel with far deeper coffers,” noted Jacob Bies. Summer Fellow Alexis Boyd (center) at an SEIU Domestic Care Workers Rally in Washington, DC