Community Building
The Public Service Law Center coordinates events year-round to help developing public service lawyers gain valuable skills and create networking opportunities. These include an annual welcome lunch, community service day, and award ceremony, as well as information sessions on careers in public service, workshops, and more.
Academics
The Public Service Law Center offers opportunities to engage in public service through courses and hands-on experience. The Pro Bono Scholars Program allows students in their final year to devote their last semester to performing pro bono service for low-income individuals through an approved externship program, law school clinic, legal services provider, law firm, or corporation.
Pro Bono Projects
Brooklyn Law School has over 20 student-run pro bono projects. Participation in pro bono projects allows students to give back to the community, gain valuable legal experience, and enhance their resume. Pro bono projects span a range of practice areas and populations, including working with alleged debtors, domestic violence survivors, entrepreneurs, immigrants, public benefits recipients, students, and veterans. The Public Service Law Center also hosts alternative spring and winter breaks where students engage in public service in locations including the U.S.-Mexico border and Puerto Rico.
Career Support & Summer Funding
Public service employers look for relevant experience and demonstrated commitment to their mission when considering applicants. Internships, clinics, pro bono projects, and other relevant work experience are critical to landing a public service job after graduation. The Public Service Law Center helps students locate opportunities and, through assistance with resumes, cover letters, and interviews, put their best foot forward in the internship and job search process. The PSLC also offers sources of funding that allow students to both take an unpaid public service summer internship and cover living expenses.
Public Service Awards
Every spring, the Public Service Law Center hosts an award ceremony and reception to celebrate graduating students who have performed extraordinary pro bono and public service work during law school. In addition to working with myriad non-profit organizations including The Legal Aid Society and Legal Services NYC, our students have developed dozens of pro bono projects that help improve the quality of life for vulnerable individuals and families.
Alumni
The Public Service Law Center supports alumni at any stage in their careers—including both those in public service and those looking to transition from the private sector to nonprofit or government work. The PSLC provides counseling, resume and cover letter review, and help preparing for interviews. Alumni also have access to our internal job board and PSJD, as well as our alumni database.
If you are interested in mentoring a BLS student or participating in one of our many student programs, email us at publicservice@brooklaw.edu.
Contact Us
Have questions about the Public Service Law Center?
Email: publicservice@brooklaw.eduPhone: (718) 780-0689