Alison Uecker
by Alison Uecker
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. Alison shared more about her experience below.
Can you describe the work or mission of your host organization?
Nebraska Appleseed is a nonprofit organization that fights for justice and opportunity for all Nebraskans. Appleseed uses litigation, public policy, and community organizing to solve complex systemic issues that threaten Nebraskans’ access to justice and opportunity. It does this work within four main program areas: Economic Justice, Immigrants and Communities, Healthcare Access, and Child Welfare.
What were your main responsibilities? How did you spend your time?
This summer I worked as a law clerk on the child welfare team. I started the summer by learning more about juvenile court and the child welfare system. This foundation was helpful background knowledge before conducting legal research on child welfare topics. Further, learning about the systemic issues within the child welfare system influenced how I view the need for reform. I spent my time this summer conducting legal research and drafting memos related to Appleseed’s public policy and litigation work. I answered legal questions for the child welfare team, and we discussed potential strategies based on my research.
I also attended and observed child welfare stakeholder meetings, including the Supreme Court Commission on Children in the Courts. This commission is made up of judges, lawyers, legislators, executive branch representatives, and children’s advocates. The purpose of this commission is to study systemic issues and make recommendations to the Nebraska Supreme Court to ensure the court system is as responsive as possible for children who interact with or are directly affected by the courts.
What drew you to this type of work and how did you find/secure this particular opportunity?
I’ve been interested in and inspired by Nebraska Appleseed’s work ever since I first heard of the organization during my freshman year of college in 2015. My social work background and passion for advancing justice led me to public interest law. In a previous job working in benefit eligibility, I saw how policies had a direct impact on people and their wellbeing. I wanted to better understand the law to change these policies. Nebraska Appleseed’s work interested me because of their focus on systemic change and policy reform.
I secured this opportunity through on-campus interviews during the spring of my 1L year. I have worked at Nebraska Appleseed full time the past two summers thanks to NPILF! I also work at Appleseed part time during the school year.
What did you most enjoy about the experience?
It’s impossible to pick just one thing, but one of the best parts about Appleseed is the people! I loved working with an incredible group of advocates and getting to know people at Appleseed. Everyone was very welcoming and made me feel included as part of the team. The culture of the office and the wonderful staff help make it such a positive work experience.
I also really enjoyed the variety of projects I worked on and felt engaged in the work. I appreciate how my supervisor and other Appleseed staff explained the purpose of my assignments and how they contribute to Appleseed’s work. My work felt meaningful and supportive of Appleseed’s long-term goals.
What was the biggest challenge you faced as a summer fellow?
My biggest challenge was trying to stay hopeful in this kind of work after learning more about multiple systemic issues. How can we improve systems when the systems are so broken? Where do we even begin? I had conversations with staff attorneys at Appleseed and asked how they continue to do this work despite all the challenges. They mentioned the importance of personal well-being and how supportive everyone at Appleseed is. I learned about the importance of relationships with the community and how this drives their work and makes it more impactful. They also shared the importance of celebrating little victories. I felt more hopeful after these conversations! Even though this is a challenge that could come up again, I feel more equipped to handle it and feel like I’d able to show up to do this work even in the face of obstacles.
How has your summer experience impacted you or your view of public interest work/the legal system?
This experience reaffirmed my interest in public interest law, especially impact litigation and public policy work. I’m passionate about this work and dedicated to a career in public interest law. There are several issues in the legal system, and we need public interest lawyers like those at Appleseed who challenge systemic issues and advocate for widespread change.
Do you have a favorite anecdote or project from your summer work?
Before this summer, most of my previous projects at Appleseed were policy related. I enjoyed doing more work related to litigation this summer. It was also a great experience to observe juvenile court and attend the Nebraska Supreme Court Commission on Children in the Courts.
Would you recommend this placement to others?
I would absolutely recommend this placement to others! I’ve learned so much at Appleseed and it’s been a highlight of my law school experience. At Appleseed you can experience a wide variety of public interest law. You’ll work closely with staff attorneys and have individualized feedback and support. I highly recommend that anyone who is passionate about the program areas and interested in public interest law apply for a clerkship at Appleseed.
What would you say to someone who was considering donating to the NPILF fund?
Without NPILF, I wouldn’t have been able to clerk at Appleseed the past two summers. NPILF is essential in helping fund clerkship opportunities for law students engaged in public interest work. This fund allows future public interest lawyers to engage in work they are truly passionate about without having the stress of receiving no compensation for their work. Due to the nature of public interest work, NPILF funds have a far-reaching impact on the clients and communities that organizations like Nebraska Appleseed and others serve.
What do you hope to do with your law degree?
I plan to pursue a career in public interest law, and I’d love to work for a nonprofit organization like Appleseed. I’m passionate about civil rights litigation, movement lawyering, poverty law, and public policy. I think my experiences during my 3L year including my election law class and housing justice clinic will expand the type of public interest work I might be interested in.
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