Why I Give: Julia Pilcer Lichtenstein, Esq.

WHY I GIVE

Julia Pilcer Lichtenstein, Esq.

Julia Pilcer Lichtenstein has a deep and impactful connection to Notre Dame. As the daughter of ND Board member and School Life Committee Chair Dr. Grace C. Pilcer, PhD., Julia has been attending Notre Dame events since she was a high school student. She has been a regular and faithful supporter of the school’s annual Chez Nous Benefit. Right away, Julia was drawn to the school’s mission and to the population it serves. Working for justice has always been a part of her professional and personal ethos.

Most recently, Julia was an attorney at WilmerHale, where she handled state and federal litigation matters. She also maintained a very active pro bono practice that covered a range of issues, including cases involving capital punishment, immigration, and women’s rights. She has contributed to cases brought to the Supreme Court, including one seeking an appeal of the federal death penalty. In addition, she clerked for the Honorable Katherine Polk Failla of the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of New York, managing both civil and criminal cases.

Educational access and equity are key values for Julia. After graduating from The Dalton School, Julia earned a BA from Johns Hopkins University and a JD from New York University. While still in law school, she started sponsoring a Notre Dame student and kept up this generous practice annually. Eventually, Julia shifted her gift to a more targeted area—funding the Notre Dame sports program. While in high school, she registered the often hidden high cost of participation for students in co-curricular activities. Julia does not want extra costs to stand in the way of any Notre Dame student athlete. School sports and participation in her school’s Model UN team had been a real benefit to her personally and had built her confidence and drive. She notes that even students who don’t play sports value the school spirit and pride that athletics teams bring to a school community. Notes Julia, “Non-academic high school experiences are just as important yet can be out of reach in a way that drives inequity.” Julia hopes her gift breaks down barriers and opens sports participation for all, making it possible for every student to grow and thrive.

On March 19th, Julia was presented theChez Nous Angel Award at the school’s annual Benefit. Thanks to Julia’s remarkable generosity, Notre Dame students have equal access to all our school has to offer inside and beyond the classroom. Whether on the playing field, track, or pitch, ND athletes are free to push toward excellence without presenting a financial burden to their best and most important fans, their families. Julia is a dear friend to all of us Chez Nous, and we are ever grateful for her generosity. Next time our school celebrates a big win, we should add a note of thanks to Julia Pilcer Lichtenstein!