As part of the School of Law's
commitment to public service, all
students are required to perform 20
hours of uncompensated law-related
public service prior to graduation.
Students are encouraged to use the
public service program as a way to
explore their interests, gain hands-on
experience, and build their resumes.
The School of Law offers students the
opportunity to receive academic credit
while gaining valuable experience
through the Public Interest and Judicial
Externship Programs.
Students receive academic credit for
participation in one of the school's
three clinical programs: the Criminal Defense Clinic, the Mediation Clinic, and the Community Justice and Legal Assistance Clinic.
Students committed to a career in public
interest law may pursue post-graduate
fellowships working for public interest
organizations. As these fellowships are
highly competitive, students should plan
for them early in their School of Law
career.
The Pro Bono Collaborative mobilizes Rhode Island law firms, law students, and community organizations to provide legal assistance within the community.
The School of Law has been at the
forefront of several innovative
community partnerships to further social
justice. Current partnerships are the
Rhode Island Medical-Legal Partnership
for Children, the Pro Bono Collaborative, Street Law, Racial Justice and Civil Rights,and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program.
