The Josiane Dixon Public Interest Law Foundation Memorial Endowment

Josiane M. Dixon '06 made tremendous contributions to California Western during her three years as a student, and touched the lives of many at the law school. She served as a Student Ambassador, Trial Team member, 3L Gift captain, president of the Public Interest Law Foundation, and participated in Moot Court competitions. Perhaps Josi’s most noteworthy contribution was her pivotal role in establishing the Adrianne Baker Fellowship, California Western's loan repayment assistance program, in 2005.

Shortly after graduating and successfully passing the Bar exam in 2006, Dixon was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. On Christmas Eve, 2009, after years of battling the disease, Josi peacefully passed away surrounded by family.

To honor Josi's commitment to using the law to change lives, California Western named the Public Interest Law Foundation Grant Fund in her honor. The Public Interest Law Foundation is dedicated to increasing awareness of the inequities that exist in the legal system and the need for commitment to public service work, and to encouraging law students to become involved in public interest law during law school and in practice. The Josiane Dixon Public Interest Law Foundation Memorial Endowment will ensure that future generations of California Western students enjoy the opportunity to serve in public interest internships for years to come.

The Josiane Dixon Public Interest Law Foundation Memorial Endowment provides support for PILF grants to facilitate student clerkships with public interest agencies. Funds will be distributed from this endowment beginning the first full academic year after the fund reaching an amount of $50,000. The initial value of the award will be $2,500 and may be increased per the school’s spending policy. This award will be referred to as the "Josiane Dixon Public Interest Law Foundation Memorial Endowment Grant".

MAKE A GIFT: To make a donation, please use this form.

California Western Distinguished Practitioner Mario Conte knew and worked with Josiane Dixon. He recently talked with faculty and staff about the mark she left on the law school and all who knew her. See the video below.