Public Service and Public Interest Law
- Public Service Mission
- Public Service Pledge Program
- Career Opportunities
- Financial Support
- Academics
- Externship Program
- Loan Repayment Assistant Program
- Public Interest Students Association
- Equal Justice Works
Public Service Mission
Colorado Law is a public institution with a public spirit. As a community dedicated to teaching and learning about law, we have a deep appreciation of the responsibilities that go hand-in-hand with the privileges of being part of the legal profession. To that end, one of the three central tenets of the Colorado Law's Mission Statement is a commitment to public service:
We believe that our faculty and students all have obligations to the Law School, the University, the profession, and the local and global communities for the privilege of being part of an honored endeavor. Moreover, a commitment to service is an ingredient of a full and satisfying life. Accordingly, we will contribute our time and talents in pursuit of our mission in ways that match our individual interests and abilities. As a public institution with a tradition of public service, we will strive to instill in our students an awareness of a lawyer's civic responsibilities and opportunities to serve and lead.
Public Service Pledge Program
In this voluntary Public Service Pledge Program, Colorado Law students pledge to volunteer a minimum of 50 hours of law-related service during their time at the school. For those students who complete the hours, their public service is recognized on the students’ transcript. Faculty help connect law students with organizations and lawyers who need pro bono assistance. In addition, the program became one of four collaborative model projects for CU's Institute for Ethical and Civil Engagement.
Academics
Colorado Law’s public interest curriculum includes a large clinical program and a broad range of courses, including the Consumer Empowerment Service-Learning Seminar that teaches a consumer skills to the public. Faculty work with students interested in pursuing independent research projects in public interest topics and to provide advice and support on career choices.
Student Organization
The Public Interest Students Association, which organizes public service opportunities for students, brings speakers to campus, and helps develop and support student interest in engaging in public service.
Career Opportunities
Colorado Law School is dedicated to providing support for our students and alumni interested in public service careers. The Office of Career Development supports public interest by having a dedicated director and resources, and participating in yearly symposiums and career fairs.
Financial Support
The Law School recognizes that law school debt burden can make the choice to pursue a career in public service a difficult one. We are working to provide financial support to give our graduates more flexibility in career selection by providing scholarships and fellowships, administered by the Financial Aid Office, and by supporting Loan Repayment Assistant Program (LRAP), which provides partial loan forgiveness to graduates in public service careers.
