The Path to Public Interest: Public Interest Elements
Some schools may offer Public Interest Concentrations that allow a student to receive a certification in the field upon the completion of required course criteria. In addition, some schools have public interest programs that students can apply to and complete for public interest recognition.
Some schools do not offer such programs, so it is always best to check with your school’s Career Services. However, many of these schools can often provide similar courses that relate to public interest study such as domestic violence and the law, nonprofit organizations, social welfare law and many others. Because these courses may not be available at every school, it is necessary to consult with Career Services to create a personalized public interest track.
By participating in a clinic, students get to be legal advocates in their community under the supervision of a faculty adviser. Most clinics do require a classroom component that teaches trial advocacy, research and writing skills. Clinics are a valuable way to get hands-on experience representing clients, to utilize advocacy skills and to receive guidance from dedicated and knowledgeable faculty members.
Georgia State University College of Law, the primary objectives of an externship program are to train students in lawyering skills, to give students greater insights into the workings of the legal system, to promote a sense of professional responsibility and to develop the ability of students to learn from their legal experience.
Public interest law journals can provide students the opportunity to address public interest matters through writing. Boston University School of Law, for example, carries The Public Interest Journal, which focuses on constitutional law, criminal law and family law, as well as legal ethics, environmental issues, education and civil rights law. Other schools may offer Public Interest Law Review and Public Interest Law Reporter.
While some schools have voluntary pro bono student programs on campus, many have mandatory programs, and yet some schools have no on-campus pro bono programs at all. Many pro bono programs on law school campuses are student led, including Northwestern University School of Law and University of Virginia Law School. Some schools, like the Georgetown University Law Center, have pro bono coordinators who assist students, faculty and staff in finding pro bono and other volunteer opportunities with public interest organizations and government agencies. They also work with student groups in planning and executing pro bono projects in the community. Columbia Law School has a mandatory pro bono program, which grew out of student initiative and continues to be shaped by student interests and needs as well as requests by public interest lawyers and organizations. University of Oregon School of Law and Duke University School of Law have voluntary pro bono programs. Many students find that pro bono programs can greatly enrich their law school experience and add relevance to their coursework. The majority of students perform more than the required hours of service.
Even if your school does not offer pro bono programs, you might still be able to participate by working with Career Services to locate opportunities. You can also visit the ABA website to find a pro bono program in your area.