Remembering Evan J. Chyun L’08

Evan Chyung in the Law Review office in 2008

As a lawyer and an individual, Evan J. Chyun L’08 strove to make the world a better place. Chyun passed away on May 29, four days short of his 40th birthday, in a tragic automobile accident in Anchorage, Alaska.

Chyun cared deeply about social justice and was a passionate advocate for racial and gender equity. As a law student, Chyun devoted much of his time to working with the Prisoner Legal Education Project and the Custody and Support Assistance Clinic. He also served as an Executive Editor of the University of Pennsylvania Law Review, a legal writing instructor, and a member of both the Moot Court Board and the Trial Advocacy Team.

After graduation, he led an impactful career as a public interest advocate, dedicated to pursuing justice in the most vulnerable communities across the country. He began his work as a public defender at the Defender Association of Pennsylvania. He then moved to Alaska to work at the Office of Public Advocacy in Anchorage and later the Alaska Attorney General’s Office.

Chyun with his parents outside the Law School at the 2008 graduation receptionIn honor of Chyun’s ardent dedication to social justice, his family has established the Evan J. Chyun L’08 Endowed Fund to provide financial support for the Criminal Defense Clinic and its adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. In honor of this generous gift, the Law School will recognize the adjunct role as the Adjunct Professor, Criminal Defense Clinic, funded by the Evan J. Chyun L’08 Endowed Fund.

Felicia Lin L’08, Dean of Students, is a former classmate of Chyun, and she remembers his wit and humor.

“Evan was an incredibly loyal and supportive friend as well as being a talented lawyer with a steadfast commitment to public defense,” Lin said. “He truly represented the best of this law school and, although bittersweet, it is an honor to be able to remember him in this way.”