As the School of Law’s largest student-run event, the annual PILP auction gavels in big bids on exciting live and silent auction items to fund student grants for unpaid public interest law summer internships.

Interning at vital nonprofit and government agencies across the country, public interest law interns provide pro bono aid to individuals faced with complex legal issues who do not have effective representation. With the financial support of PILP grants, the student interns gain valuable legal experience while making a meaningful impact in their communities.

Last year’s PILP Auction raised over $25,000, providing financial grants to seven Quinnipiac Law students pursuing unpaid public interest internships. This year’s goal was to meet or beat last year’s mark, said PILP co-president Brianna DeVivo JD ’25.

“Our goal is to always exceed what we raised the year before, and we are always so grateful for the immense support we receive from our community,” said DeVivo.

On March 21, PILP volunteers dressed in their Ozian best and transformed the School of Law lobby and Brooke A. Goff Courtroom into the Emerald City for a magical evening on the North Haven Campus.

“The PILP Auction is one event that really brings the Quinnipiac community together,” said Lauren Boucher JD ’25, PILP vice president of auction logistics. “It’s really special to see all of the students showing up, whether they’re wearing pink or green or in full costume. Their support means the world to us.”

Over 200 auction items, gifts, events and experiences were contributed by School of Law professors, students, staff, clubs, alumni, friends of the school, local businesses and organizations. Some of the evening’s most coveted items were the numerous creative gatherings, events and outings offered by School of Law professors.

“It’s so fun to connect with all the professors that you know and care for and see every day,” said PILP co-president Kate Woloszyn JD ’26. “They’re so willing to help out, which is what’s so beautiful about Quinnipiac. Community comes together. That’s what I enjoy about PILP – everyone coming together for a good cause.”

It was a full-circle event for PILP vice president of auction logistics and 2024 PILP grant recipient Alexandria Chura JD ’25. With her PILP grant, Chura interned at the Luzerne County Public Defender’s Office in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania last summer.

“I took an unpaid internship at the public defender’s office that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to do because, especially in this economy, you can’t go unpaid,” said Chura. “So it’s really amazing to me that I got to be a grant recipient and now I get to help out grant recipients who may be in that position. Everyone here is helping to raise money for those students who really want to do something they love and not sacrifice anything because of financials.”

School of Law Dean Brian Gallini said he saw many parallels to the journey of public interest law interns and Dorothy’s three Wizard of Oz companions in their pursuit of courage, wisdom and heart.

“What makes the story of the Wizard of Oz so powerful is the revelation that all three, the lion, the scarecrow and tin man, possessed those qualities all along. They just needed the journey to discover it. Similarly, it strikes me that the experiences that our students gain through public interest internships help them recognize and develop the courage, intelligence and compassion that they already have within them,” said Gallini.

Gallini remarked on the School of Law’s commitment to supporting students dedicated to public interest law through scholarships and, more importantly, through fundraising efforts such as the annual PILP Auction.

“Together these programs ensure that financial constraints don’t prevent our students from pursuing valuable and value-driven experiences,” said Gallini.

Gallini also reflected on the legacy created by the late Melanie Abbott, an alumna, retired law professor, and Quinnipiac School of Law PILP founding advisor. Abbott dedicated her career to public interest work, particularly in the area of poverty law.

“Her commitment to service and to our students exemplifies the values that we celebrate tonight. We stand on the shoulders of dedicated faculty like Melanie who blazed a trail,” said Gallini.

Gallini expressed his gratitude to the large crowd of alumni, faculty, staff, students and supporters attending the PILP Auction.

“Your presence really demonstrates that our Quinnipiac Law community shows up and shares the heart, brains, and courage that defines the best of our profession,” Gallini said. “By participating in tonight’s auction you’re not only helping students follow their own yellow brick road of service but you’re continuing a tradition of excellence in public interest law that’s been a cornerstone of our institution for over three decades.”

In Focus