Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

Jonathan Giardina ‘26 had to overcome initial nerves before presenting a motion to dismiss in court, where he was assisting on a case as an intern at Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV). This experience was part of his involvement in St. John’s Law School’s Summer Public Interest Fellowship Program, made possible by alumna Genie Cesar-Fabian ‘04.

Coordinated by the Public Interest Center under the leadership of Jeanne Ortiz-Ortiz, the annual program provides stipends to students working full-time over the summer without pay in nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies. The funding comes from various sources, including endowment funds, foundation support, alumni donations, fellowships sponsored by the Law School’s academic centers, and fundraising events.

“We’re grateful for the support that allows us to give St. John’s Law students this unrivaled opportunity to gain practical experience while serving the greater good,” said Ortiz-Ortiz. “Our pillar fundraiser is the annual Public Interest Auction, which students organize and run online and in person over multiple days.” She highlighted the efforts of Director of Fundraising Natalie Mishkin ‘24 and Associate Directors Justin Gorgchuck ‘25 and Erin Kelly ‘24 in meeting their goal of awarding fellowships to all eligible students.

In total, 81 students received summer public interest fellowships in 2024, supported by $468,838 in funding. “This year’s financial support includes proceeds from the SHEro Challenge led by Rose DiMartino '81,” Ortiz-Ortiz explained. She noted her inspiration from alumni generosity and their commitment to giving back to St. John’s Law.

At this year’s Public Interest Auction, Genie Cesar-Fabian received the Erica B. Fine '82 Public Interest Champion Award for her support of public interest students and programs. A former summer public interest fellow herself, Cesar-Fabian now funds several fellowships for deserving students. “As a Fellow, I spent my 1L summer at Her Justice, advocating for survivors of domestic violence,” she shared.

One client Cesar-Fabian assisted during her fellowship later contacted her years afterward to express gratitude for inspiring her and helping her find inner strength. “It was a profound experience,” Cesar-Fabian recalled. “That’s just one client. I was just one student. The multiplier effect there is extraordinary.”

Current fellows are equally appreciative of their experiences enabled by Cesar-Fabian's generosity. Jonathan Giardina has been honing his skills at LSHV; Nathalie Amazan ‘26 has been writing motions and attending court proceedings at Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem (NDS). “Without the fellowship, it would have been nearly impossible for me to work as an intern,” Amazan said.

Kevely Molme ‘25 is interning at the New York State Supreme Court, Criminal Term in Queens. “I’ve had the opportunity to observe a case from its inception—from jury selection to summation for closing argument,” she shared.

Cesar-Fabian remains committed to supporting these fellowships: “These fellowships facilitate situations where law students can change lives for the positive... It’s rare that opportunities of this type are available.”