ND Law’s Program on Church, State & Society names three 2024 summer fellows
The Notre Dame Law School Program on Church, State & Society has awarded summer fellowships to students Seth Atisha, Jack Harkin, and Lea Leisure.
The fellowships provide an opportunity for students to gain legal experience working with religiously affiliated organizations during the summer, and include a living stipend for each student.
Seth Atisha will do his fellowship with the Office of General Counsel for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He will research issues related to religious liberty, immigration, and other important legal matters, and he will participate in meetings with members of Congress on Capitol Hill.
“Although I am not fully certain of my long term plans for a legal career, I have a strong desire to work in public interest or serve the Catholic Church in some capacity. I think working for the USCCB this summer will give me valuable substantive experience in various areas of law that relate to the operation and organization of religious organizations such as the USCCB and similar organizations,” said Atisha. “Even if I don't end up working in Washington, D.C. or for the USCCB long term, I am confident my work this summer will not only be fulfilling, but will illuminate the path I am ultimately called to in serving the Lord through my legal career.”
Atisha received his undergraduate degree from Canisius College in New York. He is a managing senior editor for the Journal of Law, Ethics and Public Policy, treasurer of the Student Bar Association, member of the Middle Eastern Law Students Association, and the St. Thomas More Society.
“Being awarded this fellowship is truly a blessing,” said Atisha.
Jack Harkin will also do his fellowship with the Office of General Counsel for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He will research issues related to immigration and religious liberty, along with other projects.
“As a lifelong Catholic whose faith is at the core of who I am, I have always been fascinated by the intersection of faith and the legal world. This fellowship is an incredible opportunity to delve deeper into the legal and social issues that impact the Church and society as a whole,” said Harkin. “My internship with the USCCB will help to prepare me for a future career where I can use my legal skills to advocate for the Church's mission.”
Harkin received his undergraduate degree from St. John's University in New York. He is a member of the St. Thomas More Society.
Lea Leisure will do her fellowship at the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office of Legal Services and General Counsel, where she will conduct legal research, as well as assist attorneys with litigation, employment, and immigration work.
“A driving force in my decision to attend Notre Dame Law School is the Law School’s deep commitment to the idea of a life in the law as a vocation informed by the Catholic faith. I am thrilled to have this wonderful opportunity to support the attorneys of the Archdiocese while gaining a deeper knowledge of their respective areas of law,” said Leisure. “I seek a future legal career that is firmly grounded in the pursuit of a higher purpose and good, and I see this Fellowship to be a formative experience in the pursuit of that goal.”
Leisure received her undergraduate degree from Loyola University of Chicago. She is a member of the Intellectual Property Society and the St. Thomas More Society. Lea will study in England with the London Law Programme for the 2024-2025 school year.
“I could not be prouder to be a member of a law school community that is so richly colored with the Catholic tradition and to be joining an institution this summer whose religious mission I have participated in and been shaped by my entire life,” said Leisure.
Jorge Barrera-Rojas, visiting professor of law and Rodes Fellow for the Program on Church, State & Society, said, “We are proud to support these talented law students as they both hone their legal skills and use them to serve religious organizations. Our Summer Fellowship program is always highly competitive, and we are happy to send our best applicants each year to help religious organizations to achieve their goals and at the same time inspire our students with the spirit of being a different kind of lawyer.”
Richard Garnett, Paul J. Schierl Fort Howard Corporation Professor of Law, and director of the Notre Dame Program on Church, State & Society, said, “Religious institutions play a vital role in American life, policy, culture, and law. Here at Notre Dame, we are pleased to help students acquire the training and experience that will help them serve as prudent advisors to, and advocates for, these institutions.”
The Program on Church, State & Society — in collaboration with the Law School’s larger Religious Liberty Initiative — organizes a variety of opportunities for students, including the fellowship program which seeks to educate young lawyers about the relationship between law and religion. Past placements for summer fellows have included the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Charities, the Catholic University of America, and the American Indian Catholic Schools Network, as well as archdiocese offices and churches in several cities.
Originally published by at churchstate.nd.edu on April 29, 2024.