The Public Service Section is for NALP members who have an interest in or responsibility for advising law students whose career paths lead to public sector, public interest, and pro bono work during law school and after graduation. The section supports NALP's role as one of the leading providers of information and education about public service opportunities for law students and lawyers. NALP's public sector and nonprofit employer members and those responsible for implementing or marketing law school or law firm pro bono programs also participate in this section.
Join Section Group on NALPconnect
2012-2013 Section Chair: Leeor Neta, Golden Gate University School of Law, lneta@ggu.edu
Work Groups:
ABA Accreditation Revision Process
Monitor ongoing accreditation revision developments, with a particular focus on how revision proposals may
affect public service programming on law school campuses. Vice Chair: Keeley Mitchell, University of Pittsburgh School of Law
Annual Education Conference Program Proposals
Brainstorm with Section member on a track of programming/speakers at the Annual Conference. Assist
members with completion of the RFP process. Vice Chair: Andrew Chapin, Fordham University Law School
Diversity in Public Service Employment Sector
Collaborate with NALP staff and the Diversity Section to explore options of expanded data information and
analysis on diversity in the public interest and government employment settings. Vice Chair: Matt Gewolb, Columbia University School of Law
Government Career Resources
Continue to implement changes in the Federal Legal Employment Opportunities Guide and among state and
local government job search resources. Promote these resources through Bulletin articles and other non-
NALP publications. With the NALP staff, collaborate with the Recruiting Section to assess the need for
expanded content about public service offerings in the NDLS and other products. This work group will also
continue the federal work study project of launching the online Comprehensive Guide to Federal Work Study. Vice Chair: Kim Bart, Duke University School of Law
LRAP Program Changes in a Post College Cost Reduction & Access Act (CCRAA) World
Monitor developments and provide analysis about best practices as law schools, employer organizations, and
others explore the possibility of maximizing their LRAP programs’ benefits by dovetailing them with the
CCRAA’s LRAP provisions. Vice Chair: Kirsten Hill, UC Davis School of Law
NALP/PSLawNet Public Service Mini-Conference Planning
Plan content and logistics for the 2012 Mini-Conference. Vice Chair: Danielle Sorken, Brooklyn Law School
Publications
Brainstorm on topics to be covered in the NALP Bulletin and submit appropriate proposals and provide
reminders to authors about upcoming submission deadlines. Encourage and facilitate opportunities for
Section members to publish in non-NALP publications (such as ABA, NLADA, local bar associations etc). Vice Chair: Samantha Z. Kasmarek, Syracuse University College of Law
Recession’s Impact on the Public Service Hiring Market
Gather information and report in Bulletin articles or among discussion list membership on the impact of the
current economic downturn on public interest employment. Suggest strategies for law schools to keep public
interest and pro bono programs vibrant and for students to maintain commitment to public interest while
seeking employment. Monitor the impact of the placement of deferred associates from law firms on the
public interest employment market. Work with NALP staff to develop, distribute, and analyze snapshot
surveys of public interest employment trends. Vice Chair: Philip A. Guzman, North Carolina Central University School of Law
2011-2012 Section Chair: Jessica Kitson, Rutgers University School of Law – Newark, jkitson@kinoy.rutgers.edu
February 2012 Board Report (PDF)
November 2011 Board Report (PDF)
July 2011 Board Report (PDF)
Work Groups:
Annual Education Conference Program Proposals
Brainstorm with Section membership on a track of programming/speakers at the Annual Conference. Assist members through the completion of the RFP process. Vice Chair: Cybele Smith, Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.
Recessional Impact on Public Interest Employment
Gather information and report in Bulletin articles or among discussion list membership on the impact of the current economic downturn on public interest employment. Suggest strategies for law schools to keep public interest and pro bono programs vibrant and for students to maintain commitment to public interest while seeking employment. Monitor the impact of the placement of deferred associates from law firms on the public interest employment market. Work with NALP staff to develop, distribute, and analyze snapshot surveys of public interest employment trends. Vice Chair: Leeor Neta, Golden Gate University School of Law.
Government Job Seekers Resources
Continue to implement changes in the Federal Legal Employment Opportunities Guide and among state and local government job search resources. Promote these resources through Bulletin articles and other non-NALP publications. With the NALP staff, collaborate with the Recruiting Section to assess the need for expanded content about public service offerings in the NDLS and other products. Vice Chairs: Keeley Mitchell, University of Pittsburgh School of Law; Alisa Rosales, DePaul University College of Law; and Jarrod Shirk, American University Washington College of Law.
Public Service Mini-Conference Planning
Work closely with NALP staff to plan logistics and programming for the 2011 Public Service Mini-Conference. Work with the section’s Equal Justice Works liaison to collaborate on jointly sponsored NALP/Equal Justice Works programming events at both the PSLawNet Mini-Conference and the Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair. Vice Chair: Nicole Vikan, Georgetown University Law Center.
Publications
Brainstorm on topics to be covered in the NALP Bulletin and submit appropriate proposals, and provide reminders to authors about upcoming submission deadlines. Encourage and facilitate opportunities for Section members to publish in non-NALP publications (such as ABA, NLADA, local bar associations etc). Vice Chair: Carol Vizzier, Washington University School of Law.
Newer Professionals
Collaborate with the Newer and Experienced Professionals Sections to attract more experienced public interest professionals as well as targeted networking or programming opportunities at the Newer Professionals Forum. Vice Chair(s): TBD
Diversity
Collaborate with NALP staff and the Diversity Section to explore options of expanded data information and analysis on diversity in the public interest and government employment settings. Vice Chair: Andrew Chapin, Fordham University School of Law.
Public Service and Legal Education
Collaborate with the NALP staff to support the collaboration with the CAPSILS (Consortium for the Advancement of Public Service in Law Schools) members (NALP, Equal Justice Works, ABA Center for Pro Bono, and AALS Pro Bono and Public Service Opportunities Section). Finalize the Overview Guide to Experiential Learning Opportunities. Monitor the ABA Accreditation Process standards to ensure the public service concerns are being addressed. Vice Chair(s): TBD
Federal Work Study
Launch online Comprehensive Guide to Federal Work Study. Continue gathering data to supplement the Guide.
Track Programming
Collaborate with the CSO Employer Outreach Section and the Law Student Professional Development Section to identify and compile resources that are designed to help new members interested in nontraditional legal career advising. Resources should include “best of” sessions from the 2010/2011 NALP educational programming (Annual Conference, Diversity Summit, the Lawyer Professional Development Program, Newer Professional Forum, Professional Development Institute, and PSLawNet Mini Conference), as well as NALP and NALP Foundation webinars. Vice Chair(s): TBD
2010-2011 Section Chair: Alisa Rosales, DePaul University College of Law, arosale3@depaul.edu
April 2011 Board Report (PDF)
February 2011 Board Report (PDF)
November 2010 Board Report (PDF)
July 2010 Board Report (PDF)
June 16, 2010 Quarterly Conference Call Summary (PDF)
Work Groups:
Annual Education Conference Program Proposals
Brainstorm with Section membership on a track of programming/speakers at the Annual Conference. Assist members through the completion of the RFP process. Vice-Chair: Cybele Smith, Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
Recessional Impact on Public Interest Employment
Gather information and report in Bulletin articles or among discussion list membership on the impact of the current economic downturn on public interest employment. Suggest strategies for law schools to keep public interest and pro bono programs vibrant and for students to maintain commitment to public interest while seeking employment. Monitor the impact of the placement of deferred associates from law firms on the public interest employment market. Work with NALP staff to develop, distribute, and analyze snapshot surveys of public interest employment trends. Vice-Chair: Nicole Clark, The University of Texas School of Law
Government Job Seekers Resources
Continue to implement changes in the Federal Legal Employment Opportunities Guide and among state and local government job search resources. Promote these resources through Bulletin articles and other non-NALP publications. With the NALP staff, collaborate with the Recruiting Section to assess the need for expanded content about public service offerings in the NDLS and other products. Vice Chair: Donna Miller, University of Illinois College of Law
Public Service Mini-Conference Planning
Work closely with NALP staff to plan logistics and programming for the 2010 Public Service Mini-Conference. Working with the section’s Equal Justice Works liaison, collaborate on jointly sponsored NALP/Equal Justice Works programming events at both the PSLawNet Mini-Conference and the Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair. Vice-Chair: Jarrod Shirk, American University School of Law
Publications
Brainstorm on topics to be covered in the NALP Bulletin and submit appropriate proposals, and provide reminders to authors about upcoming submission deadlines. Encourage and facilitate opportunities for Section members to publish in non-NALP publications (such as ABA, NLADA, local bar associations, etc). Vice Chairs: Heather DiFranco, Case Western Reserve University School of Law and Carol Vizzier, Washington University School of Law
Newer Professionals Work Group
Collaborate with the Newer and Experienced Professionals Sections to attract more experienced public interest professionals as well as targeted networking or programming opportunities at the Newer Professionals Forum. Vice Chairs: Sharon Booth, Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center and Alisa Rosales, DePaul University College of Law
Diversity Work Group
Collaborate with NALP staff and the Diversity Section to explore options of expanded data information and analysis on diversity in the public interest and government employment settings. Vice Chair: Andrew Chapin, Fordham University School of Law
Public Service and Legal Education Work Group
Collaborate with NALP staff to support the collaboration with the CAPSILS (Consortium for the Advancement of Public Service in Law Schools) members (NALP, Equal Justice Works, ABA Center for Pro Bono, and AALS Pro Bono and Public Service Opportunities Section). In the upcoming year, the goal is to develop an Overview Guide to Experiential Learning Opportunities, which will provide an overview of the various practices currently utilized in law schools (clinics, practical component in doctrinal courses, Street Law, externships, etc.) with suggested considerations for developing, expanding, or combining such programs. Monitor the ABA Accreditation Process standards to ensure the public service concerns are being addressed. Vice Chair: Teresa Schmiedeler, University of Maryland School of Law
2009-2010 Section Chair: Nicole Vikan, Georgetown University Law Center, nav6@law.georgetown.edu
April 2010 Board Report (PDF)
February 2010 Board Report (PDF)
November 2009 Board Report (PDF)
July 2009 Board Report (PDF)
Work Groups:
Annual Education Conference Program Proposals
Brainstorm with Section membership on a track of programming/speakers at the Annual Conference. Assist members through the completion of the RFP process. Vice-Chair: Cybele Smith, Ohio State University Moritz College of Law
Recessional Impact on Public Interest Employment
Gather information and report in Bulletin articles or among discussion list membership on the impact of the current economic downturn on public interest employment. Suggest strategies for law schools to keep public interest and pro bono programs vibrant and for students to maintain commitment to public interest while seeking employment. Monitor the impact of the placement of deferred associates from law firms on the public interest employment market. Vice-Chair: Alisa Rosales, DePaul University College of Law
Federal Job Seekers Resources
Continue to work to implement changes in the Federal Legal Employment Opportunities Guide.
Public Service Mini-Conference Planning
Work closely with NALP staff to plan logistics and programming for the 2009 Public Service Mini-Conference. Working with the section's Equal Justice Works liaison, collaborate on jointly sponsored NALP/Equal Justice Works programming events. Vice-Chair: Jarrod Shirk, American University Washington College of Law
Publications
Brainstorm on topics to be covered in NALP Bulletin and submit appropriate proposals.
2008-09 Section Chair: Karen Comstock, Cornell Law School, kvc2@cornell.edu
2007-08 Section Chair: Michelle Stevens, Emory University School of Law, michelle.stevens@emory.edu
