From: Office of Public Interest/Public Service Law and Careers
Date: March 14, 2024
Subject: Radical Lawyering in Conservative Spaces, Salon with Prof. Baylor, New 3L Fellowships


Columbia Law School Office of Public Interest/Public Service Law and Careers (PI/PS)
Programs and Events

Public Interest Monday: Radical Lawyering in Conservative Spaces

Monday, Mar. 18
12:10-1:10 p.m. in JG 103
Register five days in advance to prevent food waste
 

Interested in environmental rights in the South or public defense in Oklahoma? Want to learn more about the fight for economic justice in Mississippi? Thinking about capital defense in Texas? Curious about how lawyers push for radical change in conservative places?

Hear from practitioners across the country about how they work in political environments that are deeply counter to their beliefs and legal missions—and why you might want to, too.

  • Allyson Merlin '21, Associate Attorney, Southern Environmental Law Center
  • Estelle Hebron-Jones, Director of Special Projects, Texas Defender Service
  • Kenda McIntosh, Criminal Practice Leader, Still She Rises in Tulsa
  • Harya Tarekegn, Director of Advocacy and Policy, Mississippi Center for Justice

Public Interest Community Coffee Hour

Wednesday, Mar. 6
3-4 p.m., NEW LOCATION: Outside Drapkin

Join the Public Interest Community for coffee hour every Wednesday afternoon. Meet other students interested in public interest, connect with PI/PS advisers, and recharge between classes. No RSVP needed. Coffee, tea, and cookies provided.
 

PI/PS Faculty Salon: In Conversation with Professor Baylor

Thursday, Mar. 21
12:10- 1:10 p.m. in JG 304
Register now—Space is limited!

Clinical Professor of Law Amber Baylor will join a small group of students for lunch. Chat about her criminal defense clinic, her scholarship on criminal justice and human rights, her career path, and much more. Come prepared with questions!

Public Interest Monday: Making the Most of Your 1L Summer

Monday, Mar. 25
12:10-1:10 p.m. in JG 103
Register five days in advance to prevent food waste

Summer internships hold enormous value! Make the most of yours by getting the view of summer internships from the other side—the employer's. What do public interest supervisors look for in their interns? What stands out? What is expected but not said? How can you have a rewarding experience and get good assignments, great recommendations, and mentorship? This program is especially recommended for students thinking about public interest careers. 

Save the Dates!

For in-person events, please RVSP at least five days in advance to prevent food waste.

Fellowship Info Sessions

Mar. 26: Skadden Fellowship
12:10- 1:10 p.m. in WJW 209
Register
Following the session, the Skadden Foundation director will meet with individual students. Sign up for a consultation.

Apr. 2: Equal Justice Works
12:10-1:10 p.m. online
 

Mar. 27: Public Sector Everything: 3L Drop-Ins with PIPS, OFA, and OJC
2-4 p.m. in WJW 415 and 416
Register
Bring your questions for the Office of Judicial Careers, the PI/PS Office, and Financial Aid.

Mar. 28: Zigzag: Moving Between the Public and Private Sectors
12:10-1:10 p.m. in JG 103
Register
Join us for a panel on navigating career transitions and sector switches.

Interested in Social Justice?

Regardless of where you will work after graduation, you should join the Columbia Public Interest Community!
Upcoming Deadlines

Pro Bono

Mar. 22: Deadline for 3Ls participating in a spring break caravan to submit an exit questionnaire and request a supervisor’s report

Other

May 10: 3L Bridge Loan

Postgraduate Fellowships

Apr. 19: Manne/Texas Civil Rights Project
May 2: J.D. Pathways

The PI/PS Office Is Here for You

Make an advising appointment on Symplicity

Joel Dodge
Postgraduate Fellowships, Public Interest Lawyering

Jean Fischman
Berger Fellows

Emily Harris
Public Defense, General 1L Advising

Alex Hogan
Government

Kerry McLean
Human Rights, Public International Law, HRIP

Tory Messina
Career Transitions, LRAP, Public Interest Law Firms, General 1L Advising

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

Grace Shim
Employment, Housing, Civil Rights, Nonprofit Management, Mediation, General 1L Advising

Full staff list and bios
News and Notes
Postgraduate Fellowship Corner

New for 3Ls 

J.D. Pathways Fellowships

Funds work at a host organization in the U.S. or abroad for one year. Deadline: May 2.
 

Manne Fellowship with the Texas Civil Rights Project

Funds one year of work with this community lawyering organization that works in and out of the courts to serve the movement for equality and justice in Texas. Deadline: Apr. 19
 

Info Sessions

Skadden Fellowship and Meetings with Individual Students
Mar. 26 at 12:10 p.m.

Equal Justice Works
Apr. 2 at 12:10 p.m.
 

Resources

Other Funding Opportunities

3L Bridge Loan
LRAP-eligible loan for pre-bar expenses. Due May 10.

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

MAX Scholarship Opportunities
MAX automatically enters students into scholarship drawings if they complete online financial education or attend events.

The Office of Public Interest/Public Service Law and Careers (the PI/PS Office) inspires and prepares students and graduates to pursue public service and public interest work throughout their careers anywhere in the world.

Staff List