University of Alabama School of Law
University of Alabama School of Law
Law School Pro Bono Programs
Contact Information
Cassandra Adams
Assistant Dean for Public Interest Law
Phone: 205-348-8302
[email protected]
Category Type
Formal Voluntary Pro Bono Program Characterized by Administrative Support for Student Group Projects
Description of Programs
The Public Interest Institute promotes pro bono service primarily through its recognition programs: The Order of the Samaritan, The Volunteer Lawyers Program Student Award, The Dean's Community Service Award, and Certificate in Public Interest Law. The faculty and staff of the Institute, with assistance of students, coordinate student placements in law and non-law related volunteer placements. A majority of student organizations participate in volunteer projects through the Institute.
Location of Programs
Public Interest Institute
Staffing/Management/Oversight
The Public Interest Institute is overseen by the Associate Dean for Special Programs and a Program Assistant. The Associate Dean for Special Programs is advised by the Public Interest Committee and the Public Interest Student Board.
Funding
Faculty and Administrative Pro Bono
In addition to teaching and research, all faculty are expected to engage in service to the Law School.
Awards/Recognition
Students volunteering at least 50 hours in a Legal Services office during their law school experience receive the Volunteer Lawyers Program Student Award from the Alabama Bar. These awardees are honored at the swearing-in ceremonies for new members of the Alabama Bar, and receive recognition in The Alabama Lawyer.
The Dean's Community Service Award was created in 1999 "to encourage law students to become involved in public interest activities in their communities, and to continue their involvement throughout their lives."To earn this award, law students must perform at least 40 hours of non-legal community service while in law school.
To be inducted into the Order of the Samaritan, a student must qualify for both the Law School's Dean's Community Service Award and the Alabama State Bar's VLP Student Award OR the Public Interest Institute's Independent Legal Public Service Program.
Students earning the Dean's Service Award wear a special cord at graduation and are recognized during the ceremony. Students earning the Order of Samaritan are recognized at graduation with presentation of a special service medallion.
Alternative Winter or Spring Break Projects
None.
Law School Public Interest Programs
Contact Information
Cassandra Adams
Assistant Dean for Public Interest Law
Phone: 205-348-8302
[email protected]
Certificate/Curriculum Programs
The Certificate in Public Interest Law is awarded to graduates who have completed the Public Interest Lawyering and Poverty Law courses; completed at least 12 hours from a list of approved courses; completed a clinical course through the Law School Clinic; and participated in at least 50 hours of approved community service activities.
Public Interest Centers
Public Interest Institute- www.law.ua.edu/pubinterest/
PI Career Support Center
The Director of the Public Interest Institute is responsible for finding employment opportunities and helping students with career placements in public interest jobs, including government, judicial and non-traditional/alternative (i.e. - public policy and social justice) jobs. In addition, the Director is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with various public-interest groups and organizations throughout the country.
The Director oversees all non-private employment opportunities for students, including all governmental, judicial, and public interest law jobs. The Director gathers information about job opportunities, meets with prospective employers and hiring managers, meets with and advises students, organizes and presents programs to students about such employment opportunities, and serves as the resource person for such employment opportunities to Law School alumni.
Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAP)
None.
Fellowships
08/28/2024