Directory
Lewis & Clark Law School
Lewis & Clark Law School
Law School Pro Bono Programs
Contact Information
Alice Emerson
Director of Public Interest Law
[email protected]
P: (503) 768-6609
Category or Type of Program
Formal Voluntary Pro Bono Program Characterized by a Referral System with a Coordinator.
Description of Programs
The Pro Bono Program, created in 1997, offers students opportunities to serve as volunteer legal interns with public service organizations. Pro bono opportunities are advertised through online and paper postings, through a pro bono and public interest email list, through individual student meetings, and through annual pro bono panels (bringing organizations on campus to meet students).
Pro bono opportunities range from work with legal service providers and issue advocacy groups to work with private attorneys assisting pro bono clients. Students also volunteer with a variety of groups doing non-law community service work. For students seeking a Certificate in Public Interest Law, 50 hours of pro bono work are required.
During the 2014-2015 school year, students reported more than 15,500 hours of pro bono and community service combined.
Location of Programs
Career & Professional Development Center
Staffing/Management Oversight
The Pro Bono and Community Service Programs are coordinated by the Director of Public Interest Law, who is a full-time employee of the law school, and a member of the Career Services team.
Funding
Law school funded.
Faculty and Administrative Pro Bono
None.
Awards/Recognition
The Pro Bono Honors Program recognizes students who contribute 30 or more hours of law-related volunteer work during the school year. Students receive a notation on their transcripts and recognition in the commencement program.
Lewis & Clark Law School offers a Public Interest Law Certificate for students who complete academic, pro bono, and paper requirements.
Law School Public Interest Programs
Contact Information
https://law.lclark.edu/programs/public_interest_law/
John Parry
Associate Dean of Faculty
[email protected]
P: (503) 768-6600
Certificate/Curriculum Programs
Certificate in Public Interest Law The Certificate in Public Interest Law allows students with a passion for serving the public to focus their studies and gain the skills they need to pursue a public interest career. To receive the certificate, students must complete a selection of public interest courses, write a comprehensive research paper on a subject relating to public interest law, and complete 50 hours of student pro bono service. Students have the option to further focus their studies into a specific subject area and receive recognition of that focus on their certificate. Focus areas include: Health, Disability, & Aging, Labor & Employment, Consumer Law, International Law & Immigration, Family & Juvenile Law, Civil Rights, and Indian Law.
Other Certificates: in addition to the dedicated Public Interest Certificate, Lewis & Clark offers students a chance to focus on the following areas related to Public Interest Law:
Criminal Law and Procedure Certificate
Environmental and Natural Resources Certificate
International Law Certificate
LL.M. in Environmental and Natural Resources Law
Public Interest Centers
https://law.lclark.edu/programs/public_interest_law/clinics-and-practical-skills/
PI Career Support Center
https://law.lclark.edu/programs/public_interest_law/careers-in-public-service/
Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAP)
https://law.lclark.edu/programs/loan_repayment_assistance/
Fellowships
Lewis & Clark Law School offers and/or coordinates several fellowships funded through the school and with outside entities.
8/15/2023