The School of Law is committed to the idea that lawyers should serve the community. Introducing students to public service through the curriculum sets the stage for a lifetime of commitment.
This mission is realized through the Feinstein Institute for Legal Service, established in 1997 by a generous grant from the Feinstein Foundation. The Institute provides hands-on learning experiences through the Public Interest and Judicial Externship Program and the Public Service Program.
It also supports and encourages public interest activities through the following programs and partnerships:
Curricular Programs
Public Service Requirement As part of the School of Law's commitment to public service, all students perform uncompensated law-related public service in order to meet a 50 hour graduation requirement. Students can choose from a variety of approved placements.
Public Interest & Judicial Externships
Students receive academic credit while gaining valuable legal experience working in public interest organizations, government agencies and state and federal courts.
Law School Clinical Programs
Three in-house clinical programs, the Criminal Defense Clinic, the Immigration Clinic, and the Mediation Clinic, provide students the opportunity to handle their own cases under the supervision of Professors Horwitz, Holper, or Kogan. +
Community Partnerships
The Pro Bono Collaborative
Partners major RI law firms, law students, and community organizations to address unmet legal needs through pro bono projects. The projects cover a range of issues including housing, domestic violence and special education, and involve advice and counsel, representation, legal education, and legislative and policy change.*
Medical Legal Partnership
Student externs work under the supervision of an attorney to provide legal services to low-income families in health care settings. Students may also take a joint class offered to law students and medical students from Brown University on medical-legal collaboration.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
In partnership with several local agencies, including the John Hope Settlement House and the International Institute, students offer tax assistance to low-income individuals and families during tax season. *
Street Law
Law students partner with classroom teachers to teach urban high school students about their legal rights and responsibilities. *
Public Interest Opportunities
Public Service Award & Recognition
Graduating students are recognized for exemplary commitment to Public Service during law school.
Public Interest Career Fairs
Law students may participate in two national public interest career fairs hosted by Equal Justice Works in Washington, DC each October and the NYU School of Law each February.
Public Interest Panels & Speaker Series
The Institute presents speakers from within the Law School & the greater community on public interest law topics and practice.
Funding Opportunities
Public Interest Summer Stipend Program
Students may apply for modest stipends for summer legal work with non-profit organizations, government agencies and judges, giving them the opportunity to enhance their legal education with meaningful employment while contributing valuable legal services to the community.
Public Interest Loan Repayment Assistance Program
Graduates who are providing legal services to indigent clients may apply for financial assistance to help them with repayment of loans incurred for legal education.
Public Interest Scholarships
The Law School offers scholarships to students committed to using their legal skills during and after law school to serve the public interest.
