Equal Justice Works

07/31/2026

People with disabilities facing eviction too often go without legal representation, leaving them vulnerable to losing safe, accessible housing they depend on.

2025 Fellow Erin Esterson is working to change that through her Equal Justice Works Fellowship with Disability Rights Maryland, where she represents individuals with disabilities in eviction proceedings.

Learn more about her project here: https://www.equaljusticeworks.org/fellows/erin-esterson/

07/29/2026

In the next 25 years, the number of seniors with dementia in Washington state is expected to double. These seniors, especially those from marginalized communities, are at higher risk of elder abuse and fraud, often through guardianships that take away more of their independence than necessary.

Every senior deserves to age with dignity and keep control over their own life as much as possible. That means finding ways to support seniors that don't strip away their rights. That's exactly what 2024 Fellow Laura Hannon is working on in her Fellowship at Eastside Legal Assistance Program.

Learn more about how Laura is helping protect seniors' independence: https://www.equaljusticeworks.org/fellows/laura-hannon/

07/27/2026

You've spent hours taking notes, highlighting key information, and taking practice tests. You're ready.

Now bring this aura to the bar exam this week. Good luck! 🍀

07/27/2026

We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2026 Regional Public Interest Awards!

Each year, Equal Justice Works’ National Advisory Committee selects law students from across the country who have gone above and beyond to advance access to justice in their communities—through pro bono clinics, legal aid work, advocacy, community organizing, and more.

Congratulations to our 2026 winners:

🏆 Emani Cannady, Howard University School of Law — Mid-Atlantic Region
🏆 Madison Castor, University of Nebraska College of Law — Mountain Region
🏆 Ilana Cohen, New York University School of Law — Northeast Region
🏆 Ada Cruz, University of Florida Fredric G. Levin College of Law — Gulf Region
🏆 Anahita Farishta, University of Texas School of Law — Southwest Region
🏆 Emily Goll-Broyles, University of California, Davis School of Law — West Coast Region
🏆 Olivia Hatch, Vanderbilt University Law School — South Region
🏆 Tyson Weeks, Notre Dame Law School — Midwest Region

Learn more here: https://www.equaljusticeworks.org/news/the-winners-of-the-2026-regional-public-interest-awards/

07/24/2026

Structural barriers prevent people with developmental disabilities to access the services they need to live their lives. With the lack of transparency in the process and the complexity of the systems, people are often denied services they need.

2025 Fellow Megan Johannesen, at New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, is using her legal skills to help people navigate the system, gain necessary services, and defend their autonomy

Learn more about her project and how she’s advocating for accessibility: https://www.equaljusticeworks.org/fellows/megan-johannesen/

(Megan is sponsored by Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, Morgan Stanley)

07/24/2026

👩‍🎨 Our Design-Your-Own Fellowship serves as a collaboration between candidates and their host organization to closely work on a project together.

Having a hard time putting together your application? Our website offers resources🗂️ to help candidates through the process. Check out our pre-recorded webinars too! 👀

Applications are due September 17!

This Design-Your-Own Fellowship program allows you to leverage your law degree in service of a community or cause of your choice.

07/14/2026

40 years of impact. A future of equal justice. Join us on October 22nd in Washington, D.C. for the 2026 Scales of Justice as we celebrate Equal Justice Works' 40th Anniversary!

Throughout the evening, we'll honor the incredible work of our Fellows and recognize those who have made this movement possible:

🌟 40x40 Alumni Changemakers, honoring outstanding Alumni whose leadership demonstrates meaningful impact in their communities, organizations, and fields.

⚖️ 2026 Scales of Justice Honoree Juliette Pryor, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary of Lowe's Companies Inc.

🏆 Cornerstone Award recipient Pfizer, recognizing its support of 40 Fellows.

We look forward to celebrating this milestone with the supporters, partners, and advocates who have helped make our work possible.

07/09/2026

In their own words, three Opioid Crisis Response Program Fellows share what the work looks like, what they've learned, and why it matters to the communities they serve.

Justin Apperson, Carrie Stambaugh, and Lauren Williams are helping remove barriers to recovery across the country—work that just earned OCRP an Honorable Mention in the General Excellence category of Fast Company's 2026 World Changing Ideas Awards.

Read more about the program that made the list: https://www.equaljusticeworks.org/news/how-the-opioid-crisis-response-program-helps-remove-barriers-to-recovery/

07/04/2026

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, we're reflecting on the people working every day to help our nation live up to its highest ideals. Across the country, EJW Fellows and Alumni are helping expand access to justice and strengthen communities.

Through their service, they help ensure that more people can access the legal support they need and the opportunities they deserve. Their work reminds us that the promise of justice is not self-executing. It depends on people who choose to serve, advocate, and stand alongside their communities.

This Independence Day, we celebrate those who dedicate their careers to advancing equal justice and helping build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Happy Fourth of July from all of us at Equal Justice Works.

06/30/2026

Public Service Loan Forgiveness has helped public service professionals serve their communities since 2007.

But starting July 1st, some borrowers, including those with Parent PLUS Loans, could lose the ability to make qualifying PSLF payments based solely on the repayment plan they're placed in.

Without PSLF, many public service professionals may be forced to leave careers serving their communities, worsening workforce shortages across the country.

Congress can fix this with a simple, straightforward solution:

Any federal repayment plan authorized under the Higher Education Act should qualify for PSLF.

Tell Congress to act now with a simple click:

Since 2007, PSLF has worked simply and effectively as a means to support America’s communities: Make 10 years, 120 months, of on-time federal loan repayments while working for a qualified employer, and the balance of your loans is forgiven. However,...