Commitment to Public Service

Carolina Law has a long tradition of training leaders who serve not only their clients, but also their communities, state and nation with great distinction. Records of significant service often begin well before attending Carolina Law but develop in significant ways during the student's time in Chapel Hill. Over the years, many graduates have been touched by the spirit of public service that has long characterized Carolina Law, and go on, in their own way, to share the benefit of their training with those in need. In the past three years, approximately 30 percent of Carolina Law students went on to work in the public interest.

Carolina Law students interested in public service careers can:

• Learn from public interest practitioners and scholars
• Enroll in courses and clinics preparing students to practice in public interest settings
• Enroll in relevant dual degree programs
• Participate in numerous student organizations focused on public interest law issues
• Participate in the Carolina Law Pro Bono Program. The Pro Bono Program offers students the opportunity to assist N.C. attorneys with their pro bono cases.
• Participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program that provides free income tax assistance to low-income individuals and families at sites in the Triangle area. Carolina Law students who participate in the program are certified by the Internal Revenue Service.

There are over 30 active student organizations that are centered around a public interest law issue area, many of which also have a community service component.