Directory
Saint John's University School of Law
Saint John's University
Law School Pro Bono Programs
Contact Information
Jeanne Ardan
Associate Dean for Career Development and Externships
St. John's University School of Law
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY 11439
[email protected]
P: (718) 990-6614
Category Type
Formal Voluntary Pro Bono Program Characterized by Administrative Support for Student Group Projects.
Description of Programs
The Public Interest Center offers students a range of opportunities to explore, experience and practice public interest law. We are also committed to teaching students the value and reward of pro bono work. In 2003, the Law School inaugurated the Pro Bono Service Project in furtherance of the University's Vincentian Mission and the principle that law students and members of the legal profession have a special obligation to assist in providing quality legal services to unrepresented communities, groups or interests.
The Pro Bono Service Project will recognize students with a Public Service Award which will be given at Commencement to students who have completed at least 500 hours of qualifying service. Students who demonstrate an exceptional level of pro bono service, including dedicated service to specific pro bono projects (including student run programs), will be eligible for additional awards at Commencement.
Location of Programs
The Public Interest Center administers the Law School's Pro Bono Service Project.
Staffing/Management/Oversight
The Director of the Public Interest Center oversees the Law School's Pro Bono Service Project and works collaboratively with the various pro bono projects, the partner agencies, and each project's student coordinator.
Funding
The Pro Bono Service Project receives funding through the Law School's operating budget. Additionally, many of the projects receive funding from the Student Bar Association.
Faculty and Administrative Pro Bono
Yes.
Awards/Recognition
The Pro Bono Service Project recognizes students with a Public Service Award which will be given at Commencement to students who have completed at least 500 hours of qualifying service. Students who demonstrate an exceptional level of pro bono service, including dedicated service to specific pro bono projects will be eligible for additional awards at Commencement.
Alternative Winter or Spring Break Projects
The Public Interest Law Students Association (PILSA) and the Public Interest Center coordinate a Spring Break Service Trip to engage in pro bono work. Additionally, student groups participate in community outreach and education, including Street Law Programs, Financial Literacy seminars at local libraries, and presentations at Senior Centers regarding consumer issues.
Law School Public Interest Programs
Contact Information
Jeanne Ardan
Associate Dean for Career Development and Externships
St. John's University School of Law
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY 11439
[email protected]
P: (718) 990-6614
Public Interest Centers
Building on St. John's Vincentian mission of serving those in need, the Center recognizes the ethical obligation of lawyers to promote social justice. The Center is charged with coordinating and expanding the Law School's Pro Bono Service Project, the Public Interest Auction, the Public Interest Summer Fellowship Program and other pro bono and public interest initiatives. The Center also collaborates with the Public Interest Law Students Association to host programs on public interest law, counsel students on public interest opportunities and generally foster a view of public interest as intrinsic to the study and practice of law.
PI Career Support Center
Counselors in the law school's Career Development Office meet with students interested in pursuing a public interest career and provide many resources, guides and programs designed to help students with public interest career planning.
Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAP)
St. John's Law School's Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) provides financial assistance to qualified Law School graduates working in public interest positions by paying a portion of their law school educational loan debt. Qualifying employment consists of full-time employment with a non-profit organization. In keeping with the St. John's Vincentian mission of service to others, the Program seeks to enable graduates to select their employment without being precluded from public interest and government options because of financial hardship. It also aims to encourage St. John's law graduates to choose public interest and public service careers. The Law School recognizes that the legal community has a responsibility to provide services to people who cannot otherwise afford representation.
Fellowships
None.
8/15/2023