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Staff Biographies

David A. Simon, Founder & Director

David is a lawyer with experience practicing in the areas of civil and criminal law. He oversees the daily operations and guides the strategic direction of the PWCLP. David has worked in the Refugee and Immigrant Program at Advocates for Human Rights, the Secure Futures Program for Kidsave International in Moscow, the Child Protection and Violent Crimes Divisions of the Hennepin County Attorney's Office, and the Economic Crimes Unit of the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Minnesota. David is a member of the Faegre & Benson litigation practice and teaches a course on foreign affairs and the Constitution as an adjunct professor of law at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. A Rhodes Scholar and Truman Scholar, David received a BA from the University of Minnesota Summa cum Laude and Phi Betta Kappa, an MPhil from Trinity College Oxford, and a JD from Harvard Law School.

David has been published in a number of publications, and recently authored "Equal Before the Law: Toward a Restoration of Gideon's Promise," Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review, Vol. 43.2 (Summer 2008). He is a member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies and serves on the Board of the Truman Scholarship Association and the National Security Forum at William Mitchell College of Law.

To get in contact with David, email david.simon@clp.phylliswheatley.org

Brad Bourn, Coordinator of Volunteer Lawyers

Brad is responsible for coordinating volunteers for both the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center and the Community Lawyering Project. A recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award after completing a year of National Service through Americorps, Brad is an advocate for National Service and believes that it is key to strengthening our economy and community as well as increasing the skills of our future workforce. In his free time, Brad volunteers for humanitarian and arts based non-profits, including People Serving People, Habitat for Humanity and 3AM Theater. Brad received a BA from Augsburg College, and a MA in Non-Profit and Public Administration from Metropolitan State University.

Law Student Interns

Matt Kulseth, Law Student Clerk

Matt strongly believes in strengthening the North Minneapolis community and enjoys volunteering his time. At the PWCLP, he creates memorandums for attorneys, follows up with clients, and conducts client intake and research. Matt is a student at William Mitchell College of Law. He graduated from the University of Richmond with a double major in leadership studies and political science.

Steve Forrest, Law Student Intern

Steve believes that providing indigent clients a means to navigate the legal system is vital way of addressing structural inequality in our communities. Steve is proud to volunteer his time at the PWCLP. Steve is a student at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. He graduated from the Northern Illinois University with a major in political science.

Andy Blair

Andy has enjoyed volunteering in North Minneapolis in the past and is grateful for the opportunity to serve the Phyllis Wheatley community through the PWCLP. Andy is currently a student at the George Washington University Law School. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a major in Computer Science.

Ashley Schellhas

Ashley is currently a student at the University of St. Thomas School of Law. She graduated from Vanderbilt University with a major in Human and Organizational Development. She earned her Master's in Sport Management from the University of Minnesota. Ashley believes the value in volunteering is two-tiered: it has a positive impact on the community and a deep impact on the individual. At PWCLP, Ashley assists with client intake, research, and follow-up with clients regarding their issues. Ashley enjoys interacting with the clients at PWCLP and believes it is a great way to understand practical legal matters.

Oluyemi Ige, Intern

Stefanie Lightner, Intern

Becky Jergenson, Intern

Tyler O'Neil, Executive Intern