Student Spotlight

Allison Novelly '10
Before law school, Allison Novelly ’10 was already an accomplished sailor and licensed scuba instructor, having worked for six years with ActionQuest...

Upcoming Events

Commencement 2012

Commencement 2012

Pro Bono Collaborative Cocktail Reception
MAY
31
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
One Citizens Plaza Rotunda
Law Alumni Association Annual Breakfast Meeting
JUN
14
7:45 am - 9:15 am
Rhode Island Convention Center - First Floor West Lobby, Providence
Philadelphia Area Alumni Reception
JUN
27
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Maggiano's Little Italy, 1201 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, Pa.
14th Annual Rhode Island Attorney General Open Government Summit
JUL
27
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
School of Law, Bristol, R.I.
13th Annual Law Alumni Association Scholarship Golf Tournament
AUG
18
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cranston Country Club, 69 Burlingame Road, Cranston, R.I.


Public Service Requirement

“Every lawyer, regardless of professional prominence or professional workload, has a responsibility to provide legal services to those unable to pay, and personal involvement in the problems of the disadvantaged can be one of the most rewarding experiences in the life of a lawyer.”

- Model Rule 6.1 of Professional Conduct,
American Bar Association, Comment #1

The School of Law is committed to the principle that every lawyer has a responsibility to serve the community. The public service requirement helps to instill in law students the value and habit of using a legal education to serve the community and to provide access to justice to those unable to pay.

The purpose of the graduation requirement is to:

  • Incorporate public service into the law school experience and to encourage and nurture the habit of providing pro bono legal services
  • Engage students in the delivery of important legal services to understand populations and the community
  • Develop student’s legal skills and knowledge through hands-on experience working with public interest lawyers.

The Feinstein Institute for Legal Service offers students a wide range of opportunities to fulfill their public service requirement and to make a difference in the community.

As part of the School of Law's commitment to public service, all students are required to perform 50 hours of uncompensated law-related public service in order to graduate.