The Office of Public Interest (OPI) is the hub for public interest law at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Through pro bono service, experiential learning, career advising, and community partnerships, OPI empowers students to serve the public while developing the skills needed for meaningful legal careers.
Whether students aspire to work in government, legal services, nonprofit organizations, or the judiciary, OPI provides the guidance, opportunities, and professional connections to help them make a lasting impact.
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Pro Bono Volunteering
All JD students are encouraged to engage in community volunteering during law school, particularly pro bono legal volunteering. The Office of Public Interest creates, coordinates, and connects law students to pro bono opportunities throughout the entire 3 years of law school. We also celebrate students who engage in significant volunteering during law school via annual Public Interest Luncheon and our Pro Bono – Public Service Recognition Program.
Academic and Career Opportunities
The Office of Public Interest guides student development via programming and one-on-one advising. We help students blaze a path in academic, extra-curricular, and career pursuits to make sure Pitt Law students graduate ready to serve the public. Pitt Law students can represent low-income clients in a wide variety of Clinics, Practicums and internships, take classes like Public Interest Advocacy Tools, and get involved in student organizations dedicated to the public interest.
Externships
In partnership with the broader Office of Experiential Learning, the Office of Public Interest directs credit-bearing internship opportunities with non-profits, government offices, and judges.
Signature Partnerships, Programs & Events
Summer Stipend Program
Pitt Law knows that financial support is critical for students pursuing a public interest path. Students hired for unpaid summer internships at nonprofit or government law offices are eligible for a summer stipend, administered by OPI. In recent years, 25-30 students each year receive funding to support their summer work in public interest law. The application process is open around spring break each year and is broadly announced to 1Ls and 2Ls.
Pro Bono Intersession
Pitt Law’s signature pro bono programming occurs in the week before the Spring Semester begins, during the law school’s “Intersession” term. During this week, students can train in new legal areas and serve clients with Pitt Law alumni. These projects include a Rural Legal Clinic with Neighborhood Legal Services and a PA Free Legal Answers clinic with the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
Judicial, Government & Public Interest Reception
OPI collaborates with the Professional Development Office for the PDO’s annual fall networking reception. Hundreds of students, public interest attorneys, and judges meet and mingle at this event each year, providing a critical link to the profession for both Pitt Law and Duquesne Kline Law students.
