Supervisor Information

Why does the School of Law have a public service requirement?
The School of Law values service to the community as a fundamental part of legal education. The public service requirement is intended to help law students develop a commitment to pro bono legal service and public service that they will take into their legal careers.

What exactly is the graduation requirement?
All students must complete at least 50 hours of law-related public service in order to graduate. This service may be done at any time during the student’s three years of law school. At least 20 hours must be completed at one placement.

What type of placement qualifies as public service?
Students may complete their public service in the following types of settings:

• legal service offices that serve indigent clients
• non-profit organizations (including, but not limited to 501(c)(3) organizations)
• public interest groups
• legislative offices
• private law firms handling pro bono cases (including court appointed cases) or working on pro bono projects
• government agencies
• faculty pro bono work

What type of work qualifies as public service?
Public service must be uncompensated, law-related work which contributes to the public good.

Client Representation/Litigation: Law students must be under the supervision of a licensed attorney for all work involving direct client representation and litigation.

Non-profits: Students who do advocacy work on behalf of a non-profit organization should be supervised by an attorney or an advocate with expertise in the relevant subject matter. Students and student work should not be used as a substitute for consultation with legal counsel.

Legislators/Policymakers: Student work with legislators and policymakers should be confined to research on policy and legislative matters. Student work should not be substituted for consultation with relevant legal counsel.

What is expected of me as a supervisor?
Initial Meeting: The Supervisor should meet with the student at the beginning of the project to discuss his/her expectations for the student, including how the project should be preformed, the hours required, and the work schedule. The student and the supervisor should then sign a “confirmation agreement” and a "conflict of interest" form provided by the student.

Training and Supervision: The Supervisor is responsible for training and continued oversight of the student’s work during the project.

Evaluation: The supervisor will complete a short evaluation of the student at the end of the project/placement. The form should then be returned to the Feinstein Institute.

How can my organization become a public service placement?
Organizations that are interested in hosting law students through the public service program are encouraged to contact Liz Tobin Tyler, Director of Public Service and Community Partnerships at ltyler@rwu.edu or 401-254-4634.

For more information, please contact Liz Tobin Tyler, Director of Public Service and Community Partnerships at the Feinstein Institute for Legal Service at 401-254-4634.