Third-year LSU Law student Alaysia Johnson is a 2024 Louisiana State Bar Association Law Student Pro Bono Award recipient.
Third-year LSU Law student Alaysia Johnson will be honored with a 2024 Louisiana State Bar Association Law Student Pro Bono Award in recognition of her outstanding work in three of LSU Law’s legal clinics at the LSBA 39th Annual Pro Bono Publico & Children’s Law Awards Ceremony on May 21.
Through her participation in the Parole Assistance and Re-entry, Wrongful Conviction, and Juvenile Defense clinics, Johnson represented clients in legal proceedings, and even continued to represent them after the conclusion of her semester in two of the clinics.
Additionally, Johnson has volunteered for the past year at the East Baton Rouge Public Defender’s Office, where she has represented hundreds of clients as a student attorney in various stages of the Louisiana criminal legal system, from bond hearings and initial appearances to trial and post-conviction probationary review hearings.
“It is an honor to be recognized by the Louisiana State Bar Association for my efforts in pro bono services across the great state of Louisiana,” said Johnson, a Baltimore native who earned her undergraduate degree at LSU in 2021. “Most importantly, as a Black, female, first-generation law student, it has been rewarding to use my pro bono efforts to highlight and aid in closing the gap in racial and gender disparities within our criminal legal system.”
The LSBA annually awards the Law Student Pro Bono Award to students who demonstrate dedication to providing legal services to the impoverished by initiating a new program at their law school, being a model for other volunteers, becoming involved in one or more pro bono programs, providing leadership, or participating in other pro bono activities while earning a law degree.
“I was extremely honored to nominate Alaysia for this award,” said LSU Law Professor and Assistant Dean of Experiential Education Bob Lancaster. “Through her involvement in multiple clinics in law school, Alaysia has demonstrated just how phenomenal a lawyer she is going to be. Clinics have opened many doors of opportunity for her, and I am happy the Louisiana State Bar Association has recognized all she has accomplished while a law student.”
LSU Law clinics give students the opportunity to practice law under close faculty supervision by representing real clients with important legal issues or serving as mediators in real cases of controversy. Students practice in local courts, before administrative agencies and other venues.
“I am so grateful to the community and LSU Law for giving me the platform and support to assist in providing legal services to ensure all of Louisiana, regardless of economic status, have access to justice,” Johnson said. “Geaux Tigers!”
