Madison Castor, ’26, has been named the Mountain Region recipient of the 2026 Equal Justice Works Regional Public Interest Award, a national honor recognizing law students who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to public service and access to justice. Madison was one of eight law students selected from across the country for this year’s awards.
A member of Nebraska Law’s inaugural Public Interest Scholars cohort, Madison has built an impressive record of advocacy, leadership, and service throughout law school.
Madison completed public interest internships with Legal Aid of Nebraska and Nebraska Appleseed, working on litigation and policy issues related to healthcare and food access. While with Nebraska Appleseed, Madison testified at a Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services hearing regarding proposed restrictions on purchases through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
At Nebraska Law, Madison served as president of the Equal Justice Society, Nebraska OUTLaw, and the Disability Law Caucus, an organization Madison founded during the first year of law school. Madison also served as an Inclusive Leadership Fellow and secretary of the National Disabled Law Students Association.
In addition to these leadership roles, Madison dedicated significant time to pro bono service through the Habitat for Humanity Transfer on Death Deed Clinic, Nebraska Free Legal Answers clinics, and the Community Legal Education Project. Madison also helped launch the Nebraska Journal on Advancing Justice as a member of the publication’s inaugural editorial board and served as submissions editor for the journal's first issue.
Beyond an impressive list of accomplishments, Madison is known for compassion and a deep commitment to justice.
The Equal Justice Works award recognizes law students whose commitment to public service has made a meaningful impact in their communities. Through advocacy, leadership, and service, Madison has exemplified that commitment.
