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Recent Grants and Awards to USD School of Law

San Diego Gas & Electric Awards $82,500 Contract to EPIC

Scott Anders, Director of the Energy Policy Initiatives Center (EPIC), has been contracted by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E)—partner in a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy—to provide professional services in support of SDG&E's Borrego Springs MicroGrid Demonstration Project. EPIC's goal is to provide technical and policy advice in the areas of energy policy, regulatory provisions and rate incentives to help determine effective regulatory approaches that will facilitate the integration of microgrids into the overall resource planning process. EPIC's task is to support SDG&E for the DOE's Renewables and Distributed Systems Integration (RDSI) project to develop a San Diego microgrid. Building upon the work that EPIC has already conducted on smart grids, the Center will support the phase of this project that analyzes and extrapolates the benefits of a Distributed Energy Resources based microgrid to the region and the state. This is a two-year project with funding of $82,500.

The California Wellness Foundation Awards $140,000 to the Children's Advocacy Institute

The California Wellness Foundation awarded $140,000 to the Children’s Advocacy Institute (CAI) according to Professor Robert Fellmeth, Executive Director of the Center for Public Interest Law (CPIL), Children’s Advocacy Institute, and Elisa Weichel, Administrative Director. This renewal award will support CAI as they inform and participate with policymakers and stakeholders in implementing AB 12, to ensure that the state scheme provides maximum flexibility and offers age-appropriate post-18 opportunities for foster youth that will meaningfully prepare them to become healthy, independent and self-sufficient young adults; and inform policymakers and stakeholders about other promising alternatives for improving the health and well-being of former foster youth, such as the Transition Life Coach proposal.

IRS Funds Low Income Taxpayer Clinic at $85,000

Margaret Dalton '94,, Director, Legal Clinics has received notice of 2012 funding from the IRS for the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC). This is year three of a three-year continuation award, with $85,000 awarded for this year—an increase over the last several years. Each semester, upper-division law students, supervised by attorneys, advocate on behalf of low-income taxpayers who have on-going disputes with the IRS. During the semester, the students will conduct client interviews, identify the federal tax issue(s) in dispute, determine the best course of action to resolve those tax issues, review client tax documentation, conduct federal tax research, review IRS Code, contact IRS personnel and represent their clients in negotiations with the IRS.

The C.E. and S. Foundation Awards $30,000

The C.E. and S. Foundation has awarded $15,000 to the law school's Summer Study Abroad Fund and $15,000 to the Entrepreneurship Clinic. USD’s study abroad programs provide intensive training in international law, while introducing American students to the legal institutions of another country. At the same time, students from Commonwealth and civil law traditions experience American legal viewpoints and problem-solving methods. Programs bring together students and expert faculty for a rich experience of academic and cultural interchange.

Through hands-on opportunities, students in the Entrepreneurship Clinic provide pro bono legal services to low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs who want to start or expand their small businesses. The Entrepreneurship Clinic does not engage in litigation-related services; instead, it focuses on advising clients on legal matters relating to starting their business and assisting in drafting and filing necessary documents. Such work includes: determining the appropriate choice of business entity; assistance in obtaining necessary permits and licenses; advising on employment and independent contractor issues; drafting and reviewing commercial contracts and leases; and assisting with the establishment of tax-exempt organizations.

The Stephen & Lynne Doyle Family Foundation Awards $10,000

The Doyle Family Foundation has awarded $10,000 to the Stephen P. Doyle, '84, Endowment Fund at the School of Law to be used at the discretion of the Dean.