Announcing Our 2023–25 Equal Justice Works Fellows

For more than 25 years, Latham & Watkins has sponsored public interest fellowships through Equal Justice Works (EJW). EJW seeks “to create opportunities for lawyers to transform their passion for equal justice into a lifelong commitment to public service.” Its fellowships address the shortage of lawyers working on behalf of traditionally underserved populations by providing financial and technical support to the fellows as they meet the most pressing needs in their communities. 

“We have a long and proud history of supporting Equal Justice Works and its fellows, as they combat significant needs and make incredible impacts around the United States,” said Laura Atkinson-Hope, Public Service Counsel and Director of Global Pro Bono at Latham & Watkins. “We are glad to be among those in the private bar who recognize the responsibility of supporting the next generation of public interest lawyers, and we look forward to collaborating with our fellows past and present.”

The firm’s 2023–25 Equal Justice Works fellows and their projects are listed below.

JASON DAVIDSON, NATIONAL VETERANS LEGAL SERVICES PROGRAM

Jason will engage in a nationwide outreach campaign to inform veterans that the recently enacted PACT Act significantly expands eligibility for Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC) for a host of conditions associated with exposure to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan. This campaign will further inform those who have been previously denied for these presumptive conditions about seeking assistance from the National Veterans Legal Services Program for appeals. Additionally, Jason plans to substantially reduce the number of veterans improperly denied CRSC through a combination of administrative and policy advocacy, and impact litigation to improve consistency, uniformity, and access to justice among the military branches.

ANDREW FEINBERG, HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST

During his fellowship, Andrew will represent indigenous individuals in their immigration proceedings. Working collaboratively with community organizations in Los Angeles, Andrew will strengthen networks for interpreters, translators, and subject matter experts, and publish pro se legal guides in underserved indigenous languages. Additionally, Andrew will organize know-your-rights presentations and asylum clinics in partnership with schools, community organizations, and legal services providers, and  he will develop a policy report detailing the failures of the asylum system to meet the needs of indigenous peoples in the Los Angeles area.

SERENA HUGHLEY, LOUISIANA CENTER FOR CHILDREN’S RIGHTS

Serena aims to reduce Louisiana’s transfer of children to adult prisons and advocate for improved conditions for incarcerated children. Her project will litigate the state’s new juvenile transfer plan, and provide post-disposition advocacy to children in adult prisons. Specifically, this advocacy will center on education, visitation, medical care, solitary confinement, and abuse complaints. Serena will also produce practice guides and know-your-rights training for lawyers and others.

REBECCA RAFTERY, JUDGE DAVID L. BAZELON CENTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH LAW

During her fellowship, Rebecca will represent Washington, D.C. students with behavior-related disabilities in special education proceedings, seeking to secure access to education in the most integrated setting appropriate. Rebecca will collaborate with community-based organizations and stakeholders, including mental health providers, social workers, and parent advocates, to conduct outreach and provide training to families to promote self-advocacy in the special education process. She will also lay the foundation for systemic litigation to address the disproportionate exclusion of Black and Brown students with behavior-related disabilities.