February 17, 2017

PILP Auction Brings Community Together

Funds raised will go toward public interest law summer stipends and loan repayment assistance

On February 11, the Public Interest Law Project (PILP) Auction celebrated a successful return to Lewis & Clark Law School in Vintage Vegas style! The 26th PILP Auction, PILP’s largest fundraiser, brought together the Portland legal community to support public interest law and raise funds for the Summer Stipend and Loan Repayment Assistance Programs. These important programs provide financial assistance to students and alumni pursuing careers at legal aid organizations, conservation nonprofits, immigrant rights groups, and other public interest law organizations.

According to Tracy Sullivan, Director of the Public Interest Law Program at Lewis & Clark Law School, “Public interest law is essential to our society. When we invest in those who are drawn to this important work, we invest in our communities as well.”

Thanks to the generosity of attendees, the 2017 PILP Auction garnered nearly $80,000 in gross profits, shattering PILP’s projected fundraising goal. PILP auctioned off exciting packages, including an evening with bestselling author Phillip Margolin, a relaxing week’s stay in Bali, and a winter getaway in Mount Hood. Services donated by students, including baking and pet sitting, were also a hit. PILP President Lydeah Negro said, “The Auction was especially successful this year because of our Executive Board’s persistent dedication and proactive planning the past nine months. Public interest law is vital to our communities and I was inspired and humbled by the amount of support we saw this past week!”

PILP also honored Judge Michael McShane with the Larry K. Amburgey Commitment to Public Interest Law Award at the PILP Auction, recognizing his long-term dedication to public interest law. Judge McShane worked for the Metropolitan Public Defender for nearly a decade before being appointed to the bench. He currently serves as a U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Oregon in Eugene. His speech garnered a standing ovation and left many re-inspired by the power of public interest law.