WLAM award Carolyn Stell Scholarship to Jessica Chang

By Roberta M. Gubbins Legal News Jessica Chang was awarded the Carolyn Stell Scholarship Award by the Women Lawyers of Mid-Michigan (WLAM) on October 13th at the Walnut Hills Country Club. Chang, a resident of Okemos and a University of Michigan law student, was awarded the $1000 check for her outstanding scholarship and her contributions to the community. Selection of the winner is based on academic achievement, financial need and career objectives. Each year WLAM presents the Carolyn Stell Scholarship Award to a deserving woman law student. The purpose of the scholarship is to promote greater access to the legal system and to better serve the legal needs of women in the community. The scholarship provides financial assistance to women law students and recognizes the achievements of these students. WLAM also honored Lori Purzon and Legal Services of South Central Michigan (LSSCM) for its contribution to the impoverished and disenfranchised population of our society. Lori Purzon, who accepted the award said that the award came at a time when "the unfortunate truth is that given the state of the economy the need for our services grows as the number of people living in poverty grows. Last year, LSSCM handled nearly 11,000 cases." "LSSCM," she said, "provides legal assistance to low income persons with an emphasis on: * Homelessness prevention * Domestic violence prevention * Assistance in accessing health care, food and needs-based income programs. * Elder law assistance and * Defending against consumer predatory lending practices." LSSCM employs 11 attorneys in the Lansing office, one local grant manager, two legal assistants, and 12 to 15 law students during a semester. Purzon expressed a need for more attorneys willing to take cases pro bono. "This award is not about me," she said, "It is about the local community support and partnerships that we have." Thanking WLAM for the award which "recognizes the hard work, the quality work and the zealous advocacy that LSSCM brings to the community." WLAM provides a source of professional development, support, and networking for lawyers and law students living and/or working in the capitol city area. Women Lawyers Association of Michigan with more than 700 member attorneys, judges and law students, has worked to secure the rights of women in society since 1909. By meeting their mission to advance the interests of women members of the legal profession, to promote improvements in the administration of justice, and to promote equality and social justice for all people, WLAM has made a difference. Published: Thu, Oct 27, 2011

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