UA alumna Jilisa Milton, who earned her MSW-JD degree in May, has been named a 2019 Regional Public Interest Award recipient. Each year, the Equal Justice Works honors eight law students who have demonstrated commitment to public interest law and pro bono work for the prestigious award.
In May, Milton became the first student to earn a MSW-JD degree at UA, culminating four years of preparation for the growing need for trauma-informed lawyers. The MSW-JD degree program is coordinated between the UA School of Social Work and UA Hugh F. Culverhouse Jr. School of Law.
Recipients of the Regional Public Interest Award are chosen for heir innovation and impact, each of the students selected is recognized for providing outstanding service through law clinics, volunteer work, internships, extracurricular projects, and more. . Each recipient received a $250 cash prize and commemorative plaque.
“We are proud to recognize these eight exceptional law students with the Regional Public Interest Award,” said Aoife Delargy Lowe, director of law school engagement and advocacy at Equal Justice Works. “As an organization founded by law students, we have always valued students’ passion for and commitment to public interest work.”
While at UA, Milton has interned and worked with the Adelante Alabama Worker’s Center and the Equal Justice Initiative. She also joined the law school’s domestic violence clinic. Through these experiences, Milton said it was normal to encounter situations where her trauma-informed background was needed to mitigate situations of sexual assault or abuse victims. As such, she was continually motivated to continue the dual-track degree.
After graduating from UA, Milton began working for the Alabama Disability Advocacy Program.
About Equal Justice Works
Since 1986, Equal Justice Works has been facilitating opportunities for law students and lawyers to engage in public service and bring lasting change to underserved communities across our country.