Each year, the Law School’s Clinical Program (GW Law Clinics) selects a third-year law student to receive the prestigious Jacob & Charlotte Lerhman Foundation Student Director Fellowship position. This Student Director, who is enrolled in one of our many clinical programs, works closely with the Clinic’s leadership team to assist in managing the clinics. Thanks to the long-standing generosity of the Jacob & Charlotte Lerhman Foundation the Student Director receives a financial award.
Our Student Director for the 2021-2022 academic year has been Brittany Gault, who is a student attorney in the Family Justice Litigation Clinic.
In her words, “participating in the Clinic has emphasized how in practice, effective lawyering is about understanding clients’ needs, goals, and then working within the framework of the law to find creative solutions. When my clients call with a problem they’re looking to me for practical advice as to how the law can help solve their problems and they are trusting in my ability to provide that. The most valuable experience I have gained in clinic has been in handling those requests and developing the skills necessary to do so.”
In addition to her client work, Brittany trains student attorneys on clinic protocols and case management systems. With the support of the Clinic’s Student Advisory Council, Brittany conducts activities and projects related to social media, clinic registration, and clinic public service initiatives. She also assists with the production of an internal newsletter to keep student attorneys across all clinics updated about events, volunteer opportunities, and post-graduate jobs that may be of interest. Brittany is a creative thinker and brings years of marketing experience to the Clinics, making her well-suited for dynamic practice areas such as data privacy, which remains of interest to her.
Our faculty, staff, and students appreciate Brittany’s service as Student Director. We are now accepting applications for the 2022-2023 Student Director Fellowship. If you have questions about this position, please reach out to our Managing Attorney, Andrea Willis-Johnson and/or Brittany Gault directly.