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Public Interest Institute

Pro Bono & Public Service Opportunities

The Public Interest Institute offers a number of pro bono projects throughout the year and also helps students to find other volunteer opportunities that align with their interests. Below is a list of regular pro bono opportunities. If you are interested in other pro bono work, contact the Assistant Dean for Public Interest Law. In addition, the Public Interest Student Board has compiled a list of local community service opportunities:

For more details about volunteer work, see the Pro Bono Handbook.

Free Legal Advice Clinic

  • Conduct intake interviews with clients to determine legal issues and financial eligibility for further pro bono representation. Assist volunteer attorneys as needed.
  • Third Thursday of every month, 2:30 – 5:00 at the Tuscaloosa Public Library Main Branch
  • Legal Clinic sign-up sheet
  • For more information, contact Assistant Dean Glory McLaughlin.

Habitat for Humanity Wills Clinic

  • Assist Habitat for Humanity homeowners with preparation of wills and other estate planning documents. Conduct initial intake interviews, prepare documents, and participate in execution and signing of documents.
  • Clinic is typically held one day each semester on a Saturday.
  • For more information, contact Assistant Dean Glory McLaughlin.

International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP)

  • IRAP organizes law students and lawyers to develop and enforce a set of legal and human rights for refugees and displaced persons. Mobilizing direct legal aid, litigation, and systemic advocacy, IRAP serves the world’s most persecuted individuals and empowers the next generation of human rights leaders.
  • For more information, contact Assistant Dean Glory McLaughlin.

SaveFirst Tax Preparation

  • Assist low-income families with income tax preparation
  • Training required – 8-hour IRS certification; will be in January (dates TBD)
  • Runs from January – April, with various dates and times available
  • For more information, contact Assistant Dean Glory McLaughlin.

Veterans Legal Help Desk

  • Students will conduct initial client interviews with veterans in need of legal help, and will assist pro bono attorneys as needed at these walk-in clinics.
  • Clinics will be held twice each semester; dates TBD.
  • For more information, contact Veterans Law Fellow Scott Sloss.

Volunteer Ombudsman

  • Assist in monitoring conditions at West Alabama long-term care facilities. Conduct regular visits and talk with residents at assigned facilities.
  • Time commitment is 2 to 4 hours per month for the academic year.
  • Training will be held in September.
  • For more information, contact Program Coordinator, Felecia Linton.