Recognizing the importance of training the next generation of public interest lawyers, LEAF takes an active role in educating law students and encouraging them to identify ways in which they can serve the community if their passions lead them in that direction. To that end, we have established a relationship with Valparaiso University School of Law so that law students can earn academic credit and gain experience in all aspects of environmental law practice and non-profit work through our externship program.
Externs work closely with LEAF's attorney on case development and litigation. Students may draft pleadings, briefs, and other legal documents; conduct legal research and prepare memoranda; develop strategy and legal theories; gather evidence; and attend meetings with clients, conferences with opposing counsel, and any court proceedings. Externs will also have the opportunity to interview potential clients, interact with attorneys and other experts, and attend government or other public meetings.
Legal Extern:Joshua (J.J.) Hermes
Joshua (J.J.) Hermes just finished his first year at Valparaiso University School of Law and was recently elected president of the Valparaiso Environmental Law Society. Prior to attending law school, he studied Film and Journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and worked as a freelance journalist, covering local government. He became interested in pursuing a law degree because of the impact of law on daily life that he saw while working as a journalist and in school. With an ever-growing appreciation for the effects of architecture, design and technology on the environment, J.J. has long been interested in the challenges and opportunities for improving the quality of life that surround environmental issues. He hopes that a career in environmental law will allow him to make an impact in that increasingly important area.
Volunteer: Jenna Gathmann
 Jenna Gathmann is a Valparaiso native who has recently finished her second year at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. She plans to finish her undergraduate there where she is majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in Writing. Jenna has a passion for environmental issues, believing the earth is a gift to be respected through responsible stewardship. She is especially drawn to the wide range of possibilities inherent in sustainable practices in consumption patterns and has recently become interested in environmental law and how it targets local, regional and national issues. This summer she is volunteering with LEAF to gain some real insight into the life of an environmental nonprofit law agency.
For more information or questions about our extern program please contact Kim Ferraro at kim.ferraro@leafindiana.org. 
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