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
2021-22 Section Co-Chairs: Sharon Buckingham, Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law and Claire Cusella, Equal Justice Works
July 2021 Board Report (PDF)
Work Groups:
Annual Education Conference and Webinar Planning
Brainstorm with section members on a track of programming and speakers for the 2022 Annual Education Conference. Assist members with completion of the RFP process. Consider the production of webinars throughout the year.
PSJD Resource Development Work Group
In collaboration with the NALP staff and the PSJD Advisory Group, continue developing a long-term plan for adding and revising content to the PSJD website.
Prior to developing new resources on a particular topic, the Group should investigate whether the resource already exists and, if so, whether PSJD can get permission to copy or link to it (to avoid “reinventing the wheel”).
Brainstorm about outreach to employers posting on the PSJD website who are not NALP members. Explore methods of engagement and sharing information about the benefits of NALP membership.
Collaborate with the Judicial Clerkship Section to explore using PSJD as a resource for state court clerkship postings.
LRAP Initiatives/CCRAA Developments
Continue to monitor developments and provide analysis about best practices for creating and maximizing a law school LRAP program.
Continue to monitor public service loan forgiveness, student debt issues, legislative debate and other proposals that impact legal education and public interest practice. Provide updates to the NALP community.
Pro Bono Work Group
Continue to work on the plug and play pro bono/public interest curriculum for law students.
Continue environmental scanning for remote pro bono opportunities for law students and lawyers.
Continue discussions about ensuring equity and inclusion in work with students, attorneys and pro bono clients.
Explore collaboration with the ABA on the creation of a pro bono/public interest resource bank so as not to duplicate efforts.
Look for opportunities to collaborate with the AALS pro bono section and other NALP sections (Lawyer and Law Student PD) as appropriate.
NALP/PSJD Public Service Mini-Conference Planning
Plan content and logistics for the virtual 2021 Mini-Conference.
Publications
Brainstorm about topics for the NALP Bulletin+ and submit proposals. Provide reminders to authors about upcoming submission deadlines.
Encourage and facilitate opportunities for section members to write for the PSJD Blog as appropriate and publish in non-NALP publications (such as ABA, NLADA, local bar associations).
Environmental Scanning
Conduct environmental scanning and compile relevant information regarding effects of the pandemic.
Member Relations
Reach out to new members on a regular basis to welcome them to the section. Educate new and continuing members about ways to get involved. Consider contacting members from other sections and groups to encourage them to join.
Knowledge Management and Resource Implementation
Identify top resources relevant to the section and collaborate with the KM/RI Advisory Group to explore location options for the compilation to provide easy access. Ensure NALPconnect is used for section communications.
2020-21 Section Chairs: Lillian Evans, NY City Law Department and Susan Curry, University of Chicago Law School
April 2021 Board Report (PDF)
February 2021 Board Report (PDF)
November 2020 Board Report (PDF)
July 2020 Board Report (PDF)
Work Groups:
Annual Education Conference and Webinar Planning
Brainstorm with Section members on a track of programming/speakers for the 2021 Annual Education Conference. Assist members with completion of the RFP process. Consider the production of webinars throughout the year.
PSJD Resource Development Work Group
Building upon the PSJD website relaunch, in collaboration with the NALP staff and the PSJD Advisory Group, continue developing a long-term plan for adding and revising content. Prior to developing new resources on a particular topic, the Group should investigate whether this resource already exists and, if so, whether PSJD can get permission to copy or link to it (to avoid "reinventing the wheel").
LRAP Initiatives/CCRAA Developments
Continue to monitor developments and provide analysis about best practices for creating and maximizing a law school LRAP program. Monitor legislative debate on the re-authorization of the Higher Education Act, especially regarding Public Interest Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and other proposals that impact legal education and public interest practice. Provide updates to the NALP community.
Pro Bono Work Group
In order to help schools comply with ABA Standard 303 (b)(2), continue to compile information from the Work Group's survey and draft a "Best Practices" Bulletin article and/or other resource that will include plug and play information on how to prepare students for pro bono and public service. Continue environmental scanning to ensure compliance with any changes given physical distancing orders and postponed Bar Exams. Continue to track (and report back to the Section and NALP's larger membership on) developments with other state bars considering adopting pro bono requirements similar to New York's.
Look for opportunities to collaborate with the AALS pro bono section and other NALP sections (Lawyer and Law Student PD) as appropriate.
NALP/PSJD Public Service Mini-Conference Planning
Plan content and logistics for the 2020 Mini-Conference. Consider content and alternative virtual delivery methods in the event NALP is not able to host an in-person conference this year.
Publications
Brainstorm on topics to be covered in the NALP Bulletin and submit appropriate proposals. Provide reminders to authors about upcoming submission deadlines. Consider partnering with JD Career Advisors Section on a checklist or other information delineating government employers' background checks. Encourage and facilitate opportunities for Section members to write for the PSJD Blog as appropriate as well as to publish in non-NALP publications (such as ABA, NLADA, local bar associations etc).
Environmental Scanning
Conduct environmental scanning and compile relevant information regarding any fallout and opportunities that may arise due to the pandemic, including best practices for providing legal services remotely, partnerships with private law firms in the event of delayed start dates, and the impact of delayed Bar Exams on public service fellowships.
Member Relations
Reach out to new and/or continuing members on a periodic basis to welcome them to the section and educate them about ways to get involved. Consider reaching out to additional members encouraging them to join the section.
Knowledge Management
Collaborate with the KM Advisory Group in helping to identify, review, and classify NALP information relevant to public service to assist in more effective data searches.
2019-20 Section Chair: Rochelle McCain, University of Pittsburgh School of Law, rrm44@pitt.edu
April 2020 Board Report (PDF)
February 2020 Board Report (PDF)
November 2019 Board Report (PDF)
July 2019 Board Report (PDF)
Work Groups:
Strategic Planning
Collect feedback and prepare a memorandum to the Board of Directors highlighting strategic goals for the Section and its subject matter and/or area of interest.
Annual Education Conference and Webinar Planning
Brainstorm with Section members on a track of programming/speakers for the 2020 Annual Education Conference. Assist members with completion of the RFP process. Consider the production of webinars throughout the year.
PSJD Resource Development Work Group
In collaboration with the PSJD Advisory Group (as that Group identifies the need for additional resources that will be useful to public interest and government job seekers), develop new resources that will be available to all NALP members.
Prior to developing new resources on a particular topic, the Group should investigate whether this resource already exists and, if so, whether PSJD can get permission to copy or link to it (to avoid “reinventing the wheel”).
LRAP Initiatives/CCRAA Developments
Continue to monitor developments and provide analysis about best practices for creating and maximizing a law school LRAP programs.
Monitor legislative debate on the re-authorization of the Higher Education Act, especially regarding public interest loan forgiveness and other proposals that impact legal education and public interest practice. Provide updates to the NALP community.
Pro Bono Work Group
In light of the increased national dialogue about by the pro bono requirement for admission to the Bar, continue to compile information for (and draft) a “Best Practices” resource that will include information on how to develop pro bono opportunities for students.
Track (and report back to the Section and NALP’s larger membership on) developments with other state bars considering adopting pro bono requirements similar to New York’s.
Look for opportunities to collaborate with other sections (Lawyer and Law Student PD) as appropriate.
NALP/PSJD Public Service Mini-Conference Planning
Plan content and logistics for the 2019 Mini-Conference.
Publications
Brainstorm on topics to be covered in the NALP Bulletin and submit appropriate proposals. 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).
2018-19 Section Chair: Rashida West, Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law, rtw27@drexel.edu
April 2019 Board Report (PDF)
February 2019 Board Report (PDF)
July 2018 Board Report (PDF)
November 2018 Board Report (PDF)
Work Groups:
Annual Education Conference and Webinar Planning
Brainstorm with Section members on a track of programming/speakers for the 2019 Annual Education Conference. Assist members with completion of the RFP process. Consider the production of webinars throughout the year.
PSJD Resource Development Work Group
In collaboration with the PSJD Advisory Group (as that Group identifies the need for additional resources that will be useful to public interest and government job seekers), develop new resources that will be available to all NALP members.
Prior to developing new resources on a particular topic, the Group should investigate whether this resource already exists and, if so, whether PSJD can get permission to copy or link to it (to avoid “reinventing the wheel”).
LRAP Initiatives/CCRAA Developments
Continue to monitor developments and provide analysis about best practices for creating and maximizing a law school LRAP programs.
Monitor legislative debate on the re-authorization of the Higher Education Act, especially regarding public interest loan forgiveness and other proposals that impact legal education and public interest practice. Provide updates to the NALP community.
Pro Bono Work Group
In light of the increased national dialogue brought about by the NY State’s 50-hour pro bono requirement for admission to the Bar (that other states may follow), continue to compile information for (and draft) a “Best Practices” resource that will include information on how to develop pro bono opportunities for students.
Track (and report back to the Section and NALP’s larger membership on) developments with other state bars considering adopting pro bono requirements similar to New York’s.
Collaborate with the New York Pro Bono Requirement Work Group in the International and Advanced Degree Recruiting and Advising Section as appropriate.
Look for opportunities to collaborate with other sections (Lawyer and Law Student PD) as appropriate.
NALP/PSJD Public Service Mini-Conference Planning
Plan content and logistics for the 2018 Mini-Conference.
Publications
Brainstorm on topics to be covered in the NALP Bulletin and submit appropriate proposals. 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).
2017-18 Section Chair: Amanda Furst, University of Minnesota Law School, amfurst@umn.edu
April 2018 Board Report (PDF)
February 2018 Board Report (PDF)
November 2017 Board Report (PDF)
July 2017 Board Report (PDF)
Work Groups:
Annual Education Conference Program Proposals
Brainstorm with Section members on a track of programming/speakers for the 2018 Annual Education Conference. Assist members with completion of the RFP process.
PSJD Resource Development Work Group
In collaboration with the PSJD Advisory Group (as that Group identifies the need for additional resources that will be useful to public interest and government job seekers), develop new resources that will be available to all NALP members.
Prior to developing new resources on a particular topic, the Group should investigate whether this resource already exists and, if so, whether PSJD can get permission to copy or link to it (to avoid “reinventing the wheel”).
This Group will start with the development of a resource for Capitol Hill careers.
LRAP Initiatives/CCRAA Developments
Continue to monitor developments and provide analysis about best practices for creating and maximizing a law school LRAP programs.
Monitor and report back on developments on the federal legislative front.
Pro Bono Work Group
In light of the increased national dialogue brought about by the NY State’s 50-hour pro bono requirement for admission to the Bar (that other states may follow), continue to compile information for (and draft) a “Best Practices” resource that will include information on how to develop pro bono opportunities for students.
Track (and report back to the Section and NALP’s larger membership on) developments with other state bars considering adopting pro bono requirements similar to New York’s.
Collaborate with the New York Pro Bono Requirement Work Group in the International and Advanced Degree Recruiting and Advising Section as appropriate.
Look for opportunities to collaborate with other sections (Lawyer and Law Student PD) as appropriate.
NALP/PSJD Public Service Mini-Conference Planning
Plan content and logistics for the 2016 Mini-Conference.
Publications
Brainstorm on topics to be covered in the NALP Bulletin and submit appropriate proposals with at least one article on government hiring issues and/or initiatives. 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).
2016-17 Section Chair: Katie Dilks, Georgetown University Law Center, skd9@law.georgetown.edu
April 2017 Board Report (PDF)
February 2017 Board Report (PDF)
November 2016 Board Report (PDF)
July 2016 Board Report (PDF)
Work Groups:
Annual Education Conference Program Proposals
Brainstorm with Section members on a track of programming/speakers for the 2017 Annual Education Conference. Assist members with completion of the RFP process.
PSJD Resource Development Work Group
In collaboration with the PSJD Advisory Group (as that Group identifies the need for additional resources that will be useful to public interest and government job seekers), develop new resources that will be available to all NALP members.
Prior to developing new resources on a particular topic, the Group should investigate whether this resource already exists and, if so, whether PSJD can get permission to copy or link to it (to avoid “reinventing the wheel”).
This Group will start with the development of a resource for Capitol Hill careers.
LRAP Initiatives/CCRAA Developments
Continue to monitor developments and provide analysis about best practices for creating and maximizing a law school LRAP programs.
Monitor and report back on developments on the federal legislative front.
Pro Bono Work Group
In light of the increased national dialogue brought about by the NY State’s 50-hour pro bono requirement for admission to the Bar (that other states may follow), continue to compile information for (and draft) a “Best Practices” resource that will include information on how to develop pro bono opportunities for students.
Track (and report back to the Section and NALP’s larger membership on) developments with other state bars considering adopting pro bono requirements similar to New York’s.
Collaborate with the New York Pro Bono Requirement Work Group in the International and Advanced Degree Recruiting and Advising Section as appropriate.
Look for opportunities to collaborate with other sections (Lawyer and Law Student PD) as appropriate.
NALP/PSJD Public Service Mini-Conference Planning
Plan content and logistics for the 2016 Mini-Conference.
Publications
Brainstorm on topics to be covered in the NALP Bulletin and submit appropriate proposals with at least one article on government hiring issues and/or initiatives. 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).
2015-16 Section Chair: Danielle Sorken, Brooklyn Law School
April 2016 Board Report (PDF)
November 2015 Board Report (PDF)
July 2015 Board Report (PDF)
2014-15 Section Chair: Kim Bart, Duke University School of Law
April 2015 Board Report (PDF)
February 2015 Board Report (PDF)
November 2014 Board Report (PDF)
July 2014 Board Report (PDF)
2013-14 Section Chair: Samantha Z. Kasmarek, Syracuse University College of Law
April 2014 Board Report (PDF)
February 2014 Board Report (PDF)
November 2013 Board Report (PDF)
July 2013 Board Report (PDF)
2012-2013 Section Chair: Leeor Neta, Golden Gate University School of Law
April 2013 Board Report (PDF)
February 2013 Board Report (PDF)
November 2012 Board Report (PDF)
July 2012 Board Report (PDF)
2011-2012 Section Chair: Jessica Kitson, Rutgers University School of Law – Newark
April 2012 Board Report (PDF)
February 2012 Board Report (PDF)
November 2011 Board Report (PDF)
July 2011 Board Report (PDF)
2010-2011 Section Chair: Alisa Rosales, DePaul University College of Law
April 2011 Board Report (PDF)
February 2011 Board Report (PDF)
November 2010 Board Report (PDF)
July 2010 Board Report (PDF)
2009-2010 Section Chair: Nicole Vikan, Georgetown University Law Center
April 2010 Board Report (PDF)
February 2010 Board Report (PDF)
November 2009 Board Report (PDF)
July 2009 Board Report (PDF)
2008-09 Section Chair: Karen Comstock, Cornell Law School
March 2009 Board Report - PDF
February 2009 Board Report - PDF
July 2008 Board Report - PDF
2007-08 Section Chair: Michelle Stevens, Emory University School of Law
July 2007 Board Report - PDF
November 2007 Board Report - PDF
February 2008 Board Report - PDF
April 2008 Board Report - PDF
