MSP Launches Inaugural Summer Fellowship Program
The MSP program at Rutgers Law in Newark launched the inaugural People's Electric Law School (PELS) Summer Fellowship Program in August. This initiative is all about exposure by opening doors to diverse career paths in law, building leadership skills, and exploring how the law impacts daily life. Sponsored in part by Lowenstein Sandler, the program offers a dynamic platform to empower law students through immersive legal education, mentorship, and public service.
This year’s cohort included Tahlyah Ellis, Stephanie Aydin, and Gabrielle Muir, now second-year law students (2Ls) and active members of Rutgers Law’s prestigious legal journals. Throughout the summer, these fellows collaborated with faculty and legal professionals to develop research topics.
“I am honored to have been part of the inaugural PELS Fellowship cohort—this experience has been transformative in preparing me for my second year at Rutgers Law,” said Ellis. “The comprehensive training in legal research, negotiations, and mentorship has given me both the strategic framework I need to excel in my classes and the confidence to step into leadership roles within our law school community.”
Fellows participated in a robust six-week program that included:
*Week-long legal research training led by Rutgers Law Professor Marjorie Crawford that emphasized the importance of intersectionality in legal research
*How to choose a thesis topic, led by MSP Assistant Director Dr. Lenore Pearson that discussed how to develop your thesis topic
*Negotiations workshop facilitated by Rutgers Law Staff Attorney Alaina Thomas, of the Housing Justice and Tenant Solidarity Clinic, that provided insights into public interest practice
*LexisNexis research seminar conducted by Heather Whyte-Kattas that focused on developing legal notes and maximizing research platform capabilities
*Career exploration series of fireside chats with legal professionals including Christina Rivera, Policy Counsel for The Bronx Defenders’ Criminal Defense Practice; Ralph Charles, Mediator for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; Asia Norton ’23, Associate at Gibbons Law Firm; Oluwatobi "Tobi" Odubekun ’23, Clerk for the Honorable Roselyn Holmes-Grant, J.S.C.; and Danita Minnigan-Cooper ’12, Senior Employment Counsel at Demant
A cornerstone of the fellowship was the PELS Legal Enrichment High School Student Summer Program, developed in partnership with the Society for Education Advocacy and Law (SEAL). Fellows spent two weeks mentoring and teaching constitutional law and college preparation to Bard High School Early College and Technology High School students—embodying the spirit of service that defines Rutgers Law.
"Foremost, we thank all our partners, faculty and staff, and our beloved MSP Alumni for helping to bring this initiative to fruition,” said MSP Newark Director Clifford Dawkins. “The spirit of the People's Electric Law School is alive and well, as seen in the fantastic efforts of our PELS Summer Fellows and their high school mentees. I love that our PELS Fellows went to the local YMCA to source the wonderful high schoolers that participated in our program. We are proud to continue to deepen our bonds with the people of Newark and keep open the door to higher educational opportunity for the fantastic talent that grows here."
The program culminated in a celebratory luncheon with Rutgers–Newark’s previous Interim Chancellor Dr. Jeffrey Robinson. Fellows also presented their research insights to the incoming 1L MSP class, showcasing their growth as scholars and mentors.
“As an MSP alum, I know firsthand how meaningful the MSP program can be,” said Sophie Kim, Associate at Lowenstein Sandler. “I’ve personally benefited from its support and community. That’s why I’m especially proud that Lowenstein Sandler is sponsoring the MSP PELS Summer Fellowship this year. It’s inspiring to see my firm investing in opportunities that empower the next generation of students committed to public interest and social justice work.”
The PELS program will return next summer with dates forthcoming. Interested MSP students can contact Dean Dawkins and Dr. Pearson.
MSP is committed to fostering inclusivity and supporting all students who have faced socioeconomic or educational disadvantages. This nationally acclaimed program is designed for individuals of underrepresented groups in the legal profession who have encountered discrimination or overcome social or socioeconomic challenges. MSP takes a proactive approach to ensure the success of its students by providing essential resources such as legal skills development, academic support, mentoring, networking opportunities, internships, and more. Regardless of race or ethnic background, all Rutgers Law School students can be considered for MSP in Newark or Camden.
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