Brianna Bitler ’27

More Than a Law Degree: How Brianna Bitler Is Turning Public Service Into a Legal Calling

At Widener University Commonwealth Law School, Brianna Bitler is discovering that legal education can be about far more than learning how to argue cases. Through her work with the Center for Equity and Justice, the rising third-year student is helping build programs designed to strengthen communities, expand opportunities and foster trust between people and the institutions that serve them.

Through her work as a fellow with the law school’s Center for Equity and Justice, Bitler has helped develop resources supporting community-centered policing initiatives, work that has already reached beyond Pennsylvania and into communities in the Arkansas Delta, where she saw the programs she helped shape directly impact local families and children.

For Bitler, the experience has reinforced why she wanted to become a lawyer in the first place.

“I have always enjoyed organizing community service projects and participating in community events that support those in need,” Bitler said. “I decided to pursue a legal education because I want to continue helping others and work toward ensuring equal access to legal services.”

Before law school, Bitler earned her undergraduate degree in political science from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. She said her decision to attend Widener Law Commonwealth was shaped in part by the alumni she met before enrolling and the values they reflected in their work and service.

That commitment to service became a natural fit for the Center for Equity and Justice, where Bitler now works as part of the Enhanced Community Policing Project.

As a fellow, she helped create a policing playbook and store manager’s guide for Shop-With-a-Cop programs, where children in need are paired with police officers for a shopping spree at Walmart. The materials were developed to help police departments and Walmart stores organize the events, which foster stronger relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Rather than approaching the work as an abstract academic exercise, Bitler saw it as a chance to contribute to something tangible and lasting.

“I was inspired to get involved with the Center for Equity and Justice because public service is something I am passionate about,” she said. “I enjoy helping others and contributing to meaningful change that creates better opportunities and circumstances for those in need.”

One of the most meaningful moments of the fellowship came when Bitler traveled to the Arkansas Delta to observe one of the Shop-with-a-Cop events firsthand. Watching the guides in action gave her a clearer picture of how legal education and community advocacy can intersect in meaningful ways.

“It was incredibly rewarding to see our work applied in a real-world setting and to witness the positive impact it had on the community,” Bitler said.

She also valued the opportunity to collaborate with fellows from the Bowen Center who partnered on the project, calling the experience both rewarding and eye-opening.

Outside of the Center for Equity and Justice, Bitler serves as vice president of external competition for the law school’s Appellate Advocacy Honor Society, balancing advocacy work alongside the rigorous demands of legal writing, oral advocacy and coursework.

While she is still exploring what path her legal career may ultimately take, she said she is most interested in criminal law, civil rights law and public interest work. After graduation and the bar exam, she hopes to clerk for a judge before entering either private practice or public interest law.

No matter where that journey leads, Bitler said she wants her legal career to remain grounded in service and advocacy for others.

For students considering becoming involved with the Center for Equity and Justice, she said the fellowship offers an opportunity to create meaningful impact while still in law school.

“One piece of advice I would give to law students considering getting involved with the Center for Equity and Justice is that joining the center is an incredible and unique opportunity to help others in ways that can create a meaningful impact beyond a single community,” she said.

The work can be demanding, she acknowledged, but she said the law school’s support system surrounding fellows makes a difference.

“They are extremely supportive and always willing to help whenever you feel overwhelmed,” Bitler said.

Interview was conducted in Spring 2026.