Church, State and Society 2021 Scholars share their summer experiences | News | Law School

Three Notre Dame law students gained valuable exposure this summer in the practice of religious institutions. Sponsored by the Faculty of Law Program on Church, State and Society, each summer scholar has helped a religiously affiliated organization.

Lizzie Walter interned for the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office of Legal Services and Attorney General. “This summer at the Archdiocese, I was able to deepen my understanding of legal work in both transactional and litigation work. I have worked with an impressive team of qualified lawyers who took the time to teach me much more complex concepts than we are capable of. to cover in a year in law school, including the different ways religious freedom is interpreted under the First Amendment, “Walter said.” I had the opportunity to learn more about the state current religious freedom cases, district court cases to the end. up to those who plead before the Supreme Court. Witnessing the high caliber legal work done in the Archdiocese opened my eyes to the variety of legal careers that can be explored in the nonprofit legal sectors.

Alec Afarian has worked with the Napa Legal Institute. “This summer, with the Napa Legal Institute, I was able to improve my research skills and learn more about nonprofit faith-based organization considerations such as religious freedom restoration laws, tax law and intellectual property. Working closely with NLI exposed me and put me in touch with a group of professionals and lawyers who empower those who are trying to make the world a better place, ”Afarian said.

Mary Coleman completed her scholarship with her alma mater, Saint Mary’s College. “Working with the Saint Mary’s Planned Giving Office this summer has given me valuable access to the life of a Planned Giving Lawyer. I enjoyed meeting donors to develop tax strategies to get the most out of their donations. Conducting tax research and learning more about development work was fascinating. Learning from other planned giving professionals was a great opportunity to explore all of the ways lawyers support development and planned giving, ”said Coleman. “It was a great opportunity to return to my alma mater and I am grateful that the Church, State and Society program of Notre Dame supports such opportunities.”

The scholarship is one of the many ways the Church, State, and Society program seeks to educate young lawyers on the relationship between law and religion. The scholarships allow students to experience a variety of career options that combine law and religion and involve legal services to religious institutions of all types. Scholarships will be offered again for the summer of 2022. Notre Dame law students interested in this opportunity can contact the program director, Jonathan Hannah, at [email protected].