Matthew Broussard, Class of 2025
Matthew Broussard has always had a heart for public service. Before he became a rising 2L at the Paul M. Hebert Law Center, he was a full-time paramedic. When Broussard decided to return to college, he only had one career in mind.
“I made the decision to go to law school with the overwhelming intention to pursue a career in public defense,” Broussard said.
In his first legal internship with the Colorado Springs Public Defender’s Office, he has had the opportunity to witness criminal trials, help in juror selection and assist with critical legal research.
“I cannot imagine a more fulfilling opportunity ensuring that everyone has access to quality legal representation in both criminal and civil litigation,” Broussard said.
He first caught wind of the opportunity during Public Interest Week in the fall semester of 2022. The Public Interest Law Society student organization at LSU Law teamed up with the Office of Career Services to host a series of events at the Law Center, including panel discussions with legal professionals in various public interest sectors.
“Neal Favorite (’15) came to speak about their experience working with the Colorado Public Defenders, and really sold me on applying for a summer position there,” Broussard said.
But relocating to Colorado for the summer is no easy feat. The cost of moving to complete an out-of-state internship often limits students. Broussard was fortunate to have his Public Interest Law Society fellowship to support his journey.
“The PILS fellowship has allowed me to take care of living expenses while gaining valuable hands-on experience in criminal law,” Broussard said. “Thank you so much to the Dean’s Council for your contributions to the PILS Fellowship.”
