Students make their bids 
PILF auction chair Kiran Madar
Pro Bono and Public Service Week kicked off Tuesday, Jan. 29 with the annual PILF (Public Interest Law Foundation) Auction. Professors and staff auctioned off items and events. Items included law-themed artwork, a spa gift set, and $50 gift cards to Macy’s and Sephora’s. Professor-hosted activities included a group baking session with Prof. Catherine Hardee, surfing lessons with Prof. Tim Casey, and a BBQ with Profs. Lisa Black and Ken Klein.
The silent auction raised upwards of $3,000 for summer grants for students to work within the public service sector. Auction day also included a CPDO-hosted public interest law panel featuring speakers from the FBI, San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, Disability Rights California, and the Department of Justice.
The Pro Bono and Public Service Fair on Thursday, Jan. 31 brought over 150 students to the first and second-floor lobbies, where over 40 employers had informational booths set up. Students had the chance to learn from and network with representatives from agencies such the San Diego Public Defender’s Office, San Diego District Attorney’s Office, and Legal Aid Society of San Diego.
Students interested in applying for a PILF grant can email pilf@law.cwsl.edu for more information.
3L Ashley Simpson, right, with Michael Giorgino and Gabriela Brannan (class of 2000) from the San Diego City Attorney 
3L Quan Nguyen and CLP director Dana Sisitsky represented Cal Western’s Community Law Project 
Students networking at the pro bono & public service fair 
Alumni Raquel Cohen, Madison Bills, and Chris Escamilla from the San Diego Public Defender’s Office
Vincent Chiaverini and Taylor McElroy contributed to this reporting.