Public Service

Information for Students

Student Roles and Responsibilities

Selecting a project: The public service requirement is much more than an opportunity to provide critical legal assistance to the community. It is also as a valuable way for students to explore career interests, improve their legal skills, and interact with public interest lawyers and potential future contacts. Students should make the most of this opportunity by selecting a public service project that really resonates with them personally.

Initial Meeting: The student is responsible for meeting with the Project Supervisor at the beginning of the placement to discuss the project, the hours that will be required, and the work schedule.

Professionalism: The student should perform all work in a timely and professional manner. If the student is unable to complete the work in a satisfactory manner, s/he should immediately inform the Project Supervisor and the Director of Public Service and Community Partnerships.

Confidentiality: The student will maintain confidentiality for all work done on client cases. The work will not be discussed with anyone other than the Project Supervisor.

Satisfactory Performance: If the student does not complete the project to the satisfaction of both the Project Supervisor and the Director of Public Service and Community Partnerships, the hours worked will not count toward the 20-hour public service requirement.

Submission of Paperwork: The student is responsible for completing all required paperwork. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that all paperwork is complete and received by the Feinstein Institute by the appropriate deadlines.

Process for Fulfilling the Public Service Requirement

1. Select a placement from the List of Approved Public Service Placements or Create a Student-initiated Placement

2. If the placement is not on the List of Approved Public Service Placements, complete the Pre-Approval for Student Initiated Public Service Placement form and submit it to the Feinstein Institute before you begin work.

3. Meet with your supervisor, complete the Confirmation Agreement and Conflict of Interest forms, and ask him/her to sign both forms. Mail or fax (401-254-4540)both forms to the Feinstein Institute within 5 days of beginning your placement

4. Maintain a careful Log of Hours during your work. Include all hours completed, not just the required 20 hours.

5. Upon completion of your public service work, complete the Student Evaluation and Student Journal and ask your supervisor to complete and sign the Supervisor Evaluation.

6. Submit the Log of Hours, Student Evaluation, Student Journal and Supervisor Evaluation to the Feinstein Institute within 10 days of completing your public service work.

7. You will receive notice from the Feinstein Institute when your public service requirement has been certified as complete.