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Text: Impact in Action featuring Elizabeth Kamya, Public Interest Scholar. In the picture, there are three people standing in front of San Jose City Hall. There is an arrow pointing to which person is Elizabeth Kamya.

Text: Impact in Action featuring Elizabeth Kamya, Public Interest Scholar. In the picture, there are three people standing in front of San Jose City Hall. There is an arrow pointing to which person is Elizabeth Kamya.

Elizabeth Kamya, Summer Clerkship at The Law Foundation

Written by: Elizabeth Kamya, Public Interest Scholar
This summer, I had the opportunity to clerk with the Housing Program at the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, where I was introduced to the fundamentals of eviction defense and tenant advocacy.

The experience was eye-opening, incredibly rewarding, and it reinforced my commitment to pursuing public interest law.

Over the course of the summer, I observed court proceedings, shadowed staff attorneys and housing advocates, and participated in a wide range of legal tasks. My responsibilities included conducting client intakes, drafting answers to unlawful detainer complaints, and assisting with initial discovery filings and motion for summary judgment drafts. These tasks helped me grow more confident in legal writing, client communication, issue spotting, and organizing evidence to support case strategies.

One of the most impactful parts of my summer was collaborating with the law Foundation's housing and tenant organizer on an Apartment Rent Ordinance (ARO) petition campaign. We supported a group of tenants facing similar habitability issues with the same landlord, helping them prepare for hearings before the City of San José. It was powerful to see how legal advocacy and grassroots organizing can work together to empower tenants and hold landlords accountable.

Another highlight of my summer was representing the Law Foundation during public comment at the City of San José’s June budget meeting. The city was proposing to divert taxpayer funds away from affordable housing initiatives toward increased encampment sweeps and emergency interim housing. The proposed policy raised significant constitutional and legal concerns in how it was being implemented. It was an honor to voice the Law Foundation’s position directly to the mayor and city council. That experience not only deepened my understanding of the legal and ethical issues at stake in housing policy but it also helped me build confidence and develop strong public speaking skills.

Overall, my time at the Law Foundation was incredibly meaningful, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to the important work they do for our community.

Oct 1, 2025
Law, Law
public interest jd