Tulane Law Students and Alumni Honored at SLLS 2025 Volunteer Awards

Becca Hildner rhildner@tulane.edu
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Several Tulane Law students and alumni were recognized for their outstanding commitment to public service at the 2025 Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) Volunteer Awards. 

SLLS is a non-profit law firm that offers free representation and advocacy to low-income people. The annual Volunteer Awards celebrate the contributions of law students, attorneys, and community partners who advance SLLS’s mission to expand access to justice. 

Tulane Law students have a long history of volunteering – and later working – with SLLS. Since 2014, Tulane Law students have worked at SLLS through post-graduate Lutz Fellowships, funded through the generosity of Laurent (L’86) and Marcia Lutz. Many of those one-year fellowships have become full-time positions, and the legal aid organization now counts more than a dozen law graduates among their attorneys. 

Fittingly, Tulane Law alumnus Douglas Carey (L ‘94), Director of Pro Bono Programs at SLLS, delivered the remarks and presented this year’s awards. 

Multiple Tulane Law students received Rising Star Awards, honoring their exceptional work during summer internships with SLLS offices across the region: 

  • Blake Grayer Bruno (2L, 151 hours)
  • Celia Kiesel (2L, 152 hours)
  • Abhay Paharia (2L, 172 hours)
  • Victoria Steckler (2L, 202 hours)
  • Amiah Richardson (2L, 207 hours)
  • Ke’Lynn Enalls (2L, 219 hours)
  • Lily Quirk (2L, 272 hours)
  • Leielani Ealey (2L, 367 hours) 

Medha Patel (2L) and Marion Phalanger (2L) received Certificates of Appreciation for their hard work with SLLS. 

During their internships, these students supported a wide range of SLLS practice areas, including domestic violence advocacy, housing preservation, employment and benefits, tax assistance, and consumer protection. Many continued volunteering into the academic year. 

"We're always grateful for the dedication and professionalism our Tulane Law volunteers bring to our offices," Carey said. "Their research and hard work were invaluable to many cases." 

In addition to the student awards, two distinguished Tulane Law alumnae were recognized for their leadership and service to the judiciary. Hon. Desiree C. Calvin (L’94) and Hon. Rhonda Goode Douglas (L’95) each received the Distinguished Jurist Award, honoring their commitment to justice and community. 

The recognition of Tulane students and alumni at this year’s SLLS Volunteer Awards underscores the law school’s strong tradition of public interest work and its enduring partnership with organizations advancing access to justice across Louisiana.