JDs Advancing Justice

This site was created to share the stories of the Nebraska Law students, alumni, and faculty who are dedicated to serving unmet legal needs in communities across the country and, as the name implies, advancing justice, which, as you might expect, can take on many different forms. We hope to educate you by examining the resources that exist to support this type of work, but more importantly, to inspire you by showcasing the incredible achievements and far-reaching impact of those in the Nebraska Law community.

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Faculty / Staff Posts

Welcome to JDs Advancing Justice

JDs Advancing Justice was created to share the stories of the Nebraska Law students, alumni, and faculty who are dedicated to serving unmet legal needs in communities across the country and, as the name implies, advancing justice, which, as you might expect, can take on many different forms. We hope to educate you by examining the resources that exist to support this type of work, but more importantly, to inspire you by showcasing the incredible achievements and far-reaching impact of those in the Nebraska Law community.

Martinez Swalley Selected as 2021-22 Legal Education Police Practices Consortium Fellow

In 2020, the American Bar Association, in coordination with a number of U.S. law schools, established the Legal Education Police Practices Consortium. The University of Nebraska College of Law is one of four Big Ten law schools, and 52 nationwide, participating in the effort. 2L Danny Martinez Swalley was chosen to serve as this year’s Consortium Fellow for the College of Law.

Conners Worked to Defend the Rights of Her Clients

Samantha Conners, ’22, is drawn to helping people. After spending a summer with the Salt Lake Legal Defender Association (SLLDA), she has a better idea of how she will use her law degree.

Cannon Seeks Justice for Families Facing Eviction

Her own experience suing a former landlord compelled her to become involved with the Tenant Assistance Project (TAP), and ultimately to work as a Nebraska Public Interest Law fellow with the Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP).

Student Posts

NPILF Spotlight: Kalie Saunders, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, Immigration Legal Services

The Nebraska Public Interest Law Summer Fellowship program (NPILF) provides stipends to University of Nebraska College of Law students who secure unpaid public interest positions for the summer. 3L Kalie Saunders, a 2024 NPILF recipient, worked with the Immigration Legal Services Team at Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska in Lincoln.

NPILF Spotlight: Alison Uecker, Nebraska Appleseed

The Nebraska Public Interest Law Summer Fellowship program (NPILF) provides stipends to University of Nebraska College of Law students who secure unpaid public interest positions for the summer. 3L Alison Uecker, a 2024 NPILF recipient, worked with Nebraska Appleseed in Lincoln, NE.

Micah, who is wearing a blue suit jacket and dark glasses, is pictured in front of the American flag with Congressman Don Bacon, who is wearing a gray suit jacket

NPILF Spotlight: Micah Moen, Office of Congressman Don Bacon

The Nebraska Public Interest Law Summer Fellowship program (NPILF) provides stipends to University of Nebraska College of Law students who secure unpaid public interest positions for the summer. 3L Micah Moen, a 2024 NPILF recipient, worked in the Office of Congressman Don Bacon.

NPILF Spotlight: Elliott Lund, Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (CIRA)

The Nebraska Public Interest Law Summer Fellowship program (NPILF) provides stipends to University of Nebraska College of Law students who secure unpaid public interest positions for the summer. 3L Elliott Lund, a 2024 NPILF recipient, worked with the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (CIRA).

Alumni Posts

Pro Bono Service with the Montana 13th Judicial District Yellowstone County Indian Child Welfare Act Court

John Knisely received his J.D. in May 2022 and works as an attorney in private practice in Montana. During his 3L winter break, John volunteered with Montana's 13th Judicial District Yellowstone County Indian Child Welfare Act Court. He shared more about the experience with "hope that another law student would be inspired to explore similar work or service opportunities."

Q&A: Shailana Dunn-Wall ('20) - Christine A. Brunswick Public Service Fellowship

Shailana Dunn-Wall (’20) is a UNL College of Law alumna and is currently working for Legal Aid of Nebraska as a tax attorney. She was awarded the Christine A. Brunswick Public Service Fellowship to support her work at Legal Aid.

Q&A: Margene Timm ('83) Reflects on a Long Career in Public Service

Upon graduating from Nebraska Law in 1983, Margene Timm spent one year working at a small general practice firm in Bemidji, Minnesota before returning to Nebraska to work for Legal Aid. After five years, she was hired at the Lancaster County Public Defender’s office, where she worked for thirty years until her retirement in 2019.

Three students with arms around one another

Q&A: Amy Peters ('16) - Gideon's Promise Summer Training Institute

Amy Peters is a 2016 graduate of Nebraska Law who has worked as Deputy Public Defender in Lancaster County since 2018. Last summer she was selected to attend the Gideon’s Promise Summer Training Institute, a 14-day “boot camp” in Atlanta for public defenders from across the nation. Peters spoke with JDs Advancing Justice about her career as a public defender and her experience at the Summer Training Institute.