Law School auction draws over 400 attendees

Expecting to raise $40,000, Penn's School of Law hosted the Annual Equal Justice Foundation Auction last night.

Drawing over 400 people, the event allowed faculty, students and Philadelphia residents to come together for both silent and live auctions to benefit the EJF's summer grant fund.

"We raise money to fund students who do public interest legal work over the summer," said Rachel Hannaford, chairwoman of Penn's EJF chapter.

"We give out grants every summer. This is our biggest fundraiser," she said, adding that the event draws students, alumni, faculty and others from the Philadelphia legal community.

"Faculty donate lunches with them[selves], and that is very popular," Hannaford said.

Some of the other items up for auction included jewelry and gift certificates to various restaurants and massage parlors.

Penn's EJF chapter formed in 1986 and began the formal annual auction fundraiser in 1995.

"We also have other fundraisers throughout the year ... but this is our biggest one," Hannaford said.

The proceeds, given to Penn Law students in the form of grants, help fund summer positions in areas ranging from New York City to Geneva.

"It's nice because the whole [Law School] gets involved, not only [by] coming, but preparing the auction. ... The faculty donate a lot of things," said second-year Law student Ellen London, who helped organize the event. "It's nice because we really come together."

Students praised the social dynamic of the event.

"I've been involved for all three years that I've been in law school," Terri Keeley, a third-year Law student said. "It's a good group of people, and it's a really exciting time because ... it's a nice way for everybody to be at school but not be at class."

Third-year Law student Nicole Isaac said she enjoyed attending because of her affiliation with EJF.

"I was funded by EJF during my first year for an internship in Geneva, and therefore I try to support the program," she said.

Isaac added that she bid on a Pennsylvania Bar exam review course and was excited about potentially winning the auction.

"This is one of the biggest and best parties of the Law School every year," second-year Law student Liz McCuskey said, adding that the "live auction is where all the action is at."

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.