Amy J. Schmitz

Please tell us about a piece of your scholarship or your teaching that you are passionate about and that is related to public service.

As consumers, we are presented with confusing and misleading information regarding our finances and purchases.  The Consumer Empowerment Project is a teaching, research, and outreach endeavor I created to address this problem.  The Project provides consumer resources and assistance through an outreach website I developed at MyConsumerTips.info, as well as a companion service-learning class at the University of Colorado Law School and a consumer skills course offered to the public, in collaboration with the Boulder County Department of Housing and Human Services (“BCDHHS”).

This Project is the culmination of research, teaching, and outreach with respect to consumer and contract law.   It stems from a service-learning seminar called “Consumer Empowerment,” which incorporates research of contract and consumer law with outreach in the surrounding community.  The seminar uses an in action approach and aims to humanize law by providing a journey through theory and practice in consumer protection and contract areas.  It guides students to question, analyze, and experience contract law beyond that offered through a basic four-credit contracts course during their first year of law school.

Currently, students in the course analyze and discuss legal and policy readings in an academic seminar format each week.  Students also deepen their analysis of the readings through reflection papers, and develop their analysis and sharpen research/writing skills in writing academic seminar papers.  At the same time, I work with students in creating and presenting a consumer skills course for the clients of BCDHHS.   This spring, we also will be “blogging” on consumer issues on my non-profit website at MyConsumerTips.info.

How are students involved in your public service work? 

See Above. A major component of the overall project is the service-learning class.  However, it goes beyond the class to touch every aspect of my teaching, research, and service.

What motivated you to become involved in public service work?

I feel it is my duty and pleasure to “give back” to the community and feel incredibly fortunate to have that opportunity as a Professor at CU. From a very early age, I have always been passionate about outreach and service.  Moreover, outreach work enhances and informs my teaching and scholarship.

Did you have any experiences in law school that influenced your interest in public service?

Work with various pro bono and public service groups as a law student really invigorated my passion for outreach.  Some of the activities included Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights, Volunteer Lawyers Network, Unlawful Detainer Clinic in Minneapolis, Teen Court, and our school’s Pro Bono pledge project.  I also enjoyed doing various public service and pro bono projects at the law firm where I was a summer associate during law school.

What advice do you have for our students who are interested in public service?

Get involved from day one in outreach activities and projects that excite and interest you.  Seek opportunities for paid and unpaid positions in public service by reaching out to not only government and community groups, but also professors involved in projects that interest you.  Do not be afraid to create your own projects as well!