Seminar – 2 hours. This class will examine issues and challenges associated with providing legal services to individuals and communities who cannot afford legal representation from the private bar. Class discussions and readings will address the definition, history and development of public interest law; current trends and strategies in public interest advocacy; different venues for public interest lawyering, including non-profit, government, and private sector settings; the role and/or obligation of the private bar (and law schools) to contribute to public interest law; professional responsibility and ethics in public interest practice; and public interest career development. The course will explore issues in contemporary public interest practice through sessions led by practicing public interest lawyers and student presentations.
Final Assessment: Evaluation is based on class participation, short reflections, a written project, and class presentation.
Grading Mode: Letter Grading.
Graduation Requirements: May satisfy Advanced Writing Requirement with instructor's permission.