From: Office of Public Interest/Public Service Law and Careers
Date: March 29, 2023
Subject: Looking Ahead to 2L Year, Pro Bono Spring Break Caravan Debrief, and More


Columbia Law School Social Justice Initiatives
Events and Programs

SJI Monday: Looking Ahead to 2L Year


Monday, Apr. 3
12:10-1:10 p.m. on Zoom
Register

Get set for success in your 2L year! Current 1Ls are invited to join this program for guidance on how to use the next year to chart a path toward a public interest, government, or human rights career. Hear from SJI advisers on how you can best use your time at the Law School so that you graduate ready to achieve your goals.

Pro Bono Spring Break Caravan Debrief


Tuesday, Apr. 4
12:10-1:10 p.m. on Zoom
Register

Spring break caravan leaders, fresh off their week providing much-needed assistance around the world, will discuss their experiences. Welcome them back and hear what it was like working in Hamburg, New Orleans, Nairobi, Ramallah, and more.

SJI Monday: Looking Ahead to 3L Year


Monday, Apr. 10
12:10-1:10 p.m. on Zoom
Register

Get set for success in your 3L year! Current 2Ls are invited to join this program for guidance on how to use the next year to chart a path toward a public interest, government, or human rights career. Hear from SJI advisers on how you can best use your time at the Law School so that you graduate ready to achieve your goals.
Upcoming Deadlines

SJI Is Here for You


Make an advising appointment on Symplicity

Marka Belinfanti
Pro Bono

Joel Dodge
Postgraduate Fellowships, Public Interest Lawyering

Solmaz Firoz
1Ls, LL.M.s, Public Defense

Alex Hogan
Government

Kerry McLean
Human Rights, Public International Law, HRIP

Tory Messina
Career Transitions, LRAP, Public Interest Law Firms

Devi Patel
PI/PS Fellows

Hasan Shafiqullah
Direct Services, Immigration, Housing, Welfare Benefits, LGBTQ+ Advocacy

Full staff list and bios
News and Notes

Join the CLS Energy Reading Group

Are you interested in energy law or passionate about the climate crisis? Want to join a group of CLS students discussing climate/energy law? The group will meet regularly to discuss a climate/energy law paper, energy-related current events, or climate/energy policy. Please fill out this form to indicate interest and help shape this new group! To share questions or ideas, reach out to Kai Salem at kai.salem@columbia.edu. 

Announcing the Mindfulness and Racial/Social Justice Award

Open to J.D.s and LL.M.s., the award includes a $350 prize and an invitation for the recipient to share their thoughts at a CLS Mindfulness Program event or help plan a session on a topic or with a teacher of their choice. Apply by April 19 at noon.

Also @ Columbia (and Beyond)

N. Jansen Calamita - After the Treaty is Signed
Apr. 3, 12:10 p.m.

Crossing the Darien: Mirgration to the U.S. 
Apr. 5, 4:30 p.m.

Human Rights Week: Neurorights
Apr. 6, 12:10 p.m.

Join Professor Katherine Franke's Gender Justice Class
Tuesdays through Apr. 25
4:20-6:10 p.m.
Professor Franke will open her class to the public and feature a guest speaker.

Still Seeking a Summer Internship?


Take a look at our HotJobs List of public interest employers still seeking interns. And reach out to an SJI adviser to discuss your search!

Donate a Bar Prep Course or Receive a Free Course!


Many bar prep courses (which firms will purchase for incoming associates) include a second course that can be donated to a public interest student.

Fill out this Student Senate form to be matched with a classmate who can offer or who needs a bar prep course.

Questions? Email Jermel McClure.

Parole Advocacy Project Fundraiser:
Mr. Johnson's Return Home

Emma Alzner and Priyanka Radhakrishnan of the Parole Advocacy Project are raising money to help a client who was just granted parole after more than 20 years in prison. Learn more about their client, Mr. Johnson, and help support him as he returns home!

Select Deadlines
Download applications

J.D. Pathways:
May 2

Resources

Sign up for fellowship emails for LL.M.s, 3Ls

Intro to Fellowships (Video)

Organization-Based Fellowship Tracker

Funding Opportunities

MAX Scholarship Opportunities
MAX by AccessLex, which provides financial education for law students, automatically enters students into scholarship drawings if they complete online courses or attend events.

CLS Funding Resources
Internal and external funding available to and/or specifically for CLS students.

3L Bridge Loan
Receive assistance with the costs of bar registration, bar prep, and living expenses. Requires demonstrated commitment to public interest/public service. Due May 12.

Social Justice Initiatives (SJI) inspires and prepares students and graduates to pursue public service and public interest work throughout their careers anywhere in the world.

Staff List