A commitment to service

Our tradition of service is rooted in our Jesuit identity. Our commitment to working for the public interest means our students have the opportunity to use their legal skills to help those in need. And our mission doesn’t end at graduation. Countless alumni are working directly in the public interest community or doing substantial pro bono work.

With the support of students, faculty, and staff, the work of Loyola University School of Law's Center for Public Interest touches our community in many ways:

Programs

• Public Interest and Social Justice Certificate
• Public Interest Law Seminar
• JD-MPP dual degree program
• Fellowships for graduates engaged in public interest work
• Public interest internships

Events

• Annual Public Interest Luncheon recognizing students' community service
• Amaker Midwest Public Interest Retreat
• 1L Public Interest Law Convocation
• Hunger Week programs and activities to raise money for local organizations
• Constitutional Law Day
• Screenings of public interest films and discussions on civil rights issues
• Summits regarding restorative justice, and urban education
• Summer public interest book discussions

Education

• Supporting diversity and inclusion through programming at Loyola
• Election law training for election protection work
• Law related education in schools, libraries, detention centers, and community centers
• Curriculum development in areas such as immigration, environmental law, and election law
• Advising, developing programming with, and supporting student groups dedicated to civil rights
• Researching the experience of undocumented students at Jesuit universities
• Youth training on educational rights and immigration issues

Service

• Days of service during first year orientation and on Dr. King’s birthday
• Serving meals to low income residents
• Mentoring high school and college students, including Arrupe College's Black Male Success program
• Providing representation to individuals in police custody
• Expunging and sealing criminal records
• Volunteering at citizenship workshops

Degree Program

We are pleased to offer a Certificate in Public Interest for JD students. This certificate is designed to prepare you to represent underserved population and protect legal rights of those in need.