Your Opportunity to Advocate
New England Law’s Center is a hub for research, thought leadership, and experiential learning in public interest law. There, you will gain real lawyering experience by tackling pressing social issues, learning from and working alongside practitioners driving social change.
Tackle Emerging Issues
Understand the multi-faceted arena of public service law as you explore its evolving issues, including:
Criminal justice
Immigration
Education
The environment
Women’s issues
Children’s issues
Real-World Experiences
Here, you will have the opportunity to engage in public service through legal advocacy, volunteer and pro bono work, and other practical projects. You can also earn recognition on your law school transcript and be listed on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Pro Bono Honor Roll.
Law and Social Responsibility Projects
You can participate in real-world public interest law projects as early as your first year. Here are some examples.
Women’s and Children’s Advocacy Project
You will work on projects dedicated to protecting victims of domestic and sexual violence, from updating shelters and crisis centers on current laws to identifying and revising inappropriate language in court opinions.
Contact: wcap@nesl.edu.
Criminal Justice Project
Pursues litigation, legislation, education, and policy reform to create a fairer criminal justice system for low-income individuals. You will assist clients in sealing their arrest and criminal records (CORI Initiative), review case files for the New England Innocence Project, advocate for legislative changes, draft amicus briefs, and more.
Project Director: David M. Siegel
The CORI Initiative
Boston’s Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) can prevent otherwise eligible individuals from getting jobs, housing, and financial services. The CORI initiative connects student volunteers with people who have a CORI record that might be sealed but need help through the process. As a volunteer, work directly with these clients to analyze their criminal records and prepare affidavits for them.
Contact: CORI@nesl.edu
The Jails Lesson Initiative
The U.S. has the highest incarceration rate in the world, disproportionately impacting the poor and racial and ethnic minorities. Combined with limited economic and educational opportunities, this often results in significant disengagement among detainees. However, learning about the criminal justice process can help individuals better understand their situation and actively participate in it. In the Jail Lessons, you can support these individuals by teaching Nashua Street Jail detainees about basic evidence and criminal procedure concepts.
The Public Service Project
Observe and collaborate with experienced attorneys in pro bono public service opportunities. Whether interviewing a client or presenting an argument in court, you will witness the impact of your efforts while developing skills in legal procedures. Project participants have helped families experiencing homelessness access shelter, prepared legal defenses for indigent individuals charged with crimes, and advocated for clients with custody and visitation rights issues.
Project Director: Professor Russell Engler
Stories of Success
“Choosing a law school with a part-time program enabled me to pursue my dream of becoming an attorney and provided the flexibility to build my Résumé through full-time internships, clinics, and employment.”
“I was able to experience what life is really like as counsel for an international corporation.”
“Our graduates stay, grow their careers, and help build our communities. We’re woven into the fabric of New England.”
“There are hundreds of law schools to choose from, but very few of them leave the impression New England Law does on its students.”
Faculty at the Center for Law and Social Responsibility
Our faculty have established public legal service as a cornerstone of the center’s academic and co-curricular programs.
Professor Russell Engler
Professor Engler, a member of the Massachusetts Access to Justice Commission, is a nationally recognized scholar on Access to Justice and Civil Gideon—the right to civil legal representation for persons whose access to health, housing, child custody, or food is at stake.
Professor David M. Siegel, Director
A founding member of the New England Innocence Project, Professor Siegel has written on the history of mental health defenses in criminal law and the involuntary medication of criminal defendants. He directs the Center for Law and Social Responsibility at New England Law.
Pro Bono Contact
Patrick Niebauer
Assistant Director of Career Services and Pro Bono Coordinator
pniebauer@nesl.edu
(617) 422-7231
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a career in public interest law?
A career in public interest law allows you to make a meaningful impact by advocating for individuals, communities, and causes that serve the greater good. Public interest lawyers work in areas such as civil rights, environmental protection, housing, immigration, criminal justice reform, and nonprofit advocacy.
How can the Center help me become a public interest lawyer?
By participating through the center, you will gain practical lawyering experience on pressing social issues while collaborating with practicing professionals in the field.
How soon can I begin participating in Center activities?
You can participate in Center and pro bono projects your first year, gaining practical experience in research, writing, client advocacy, and more.
What other hands-on opportunities does the Center provide?
There’s a summer fellowship program for first year students, clinics and externships in which you will represent real clients under supervision, as well as international opportunities.
Are there opportunities to interact and network with leading public interest lawyers?
Yes, the Center hosts special networking and other events throughout the year.
How can I find pro bono work?
New England Law students engage in pro bono projects through our centers and student organizations, as well as through external organizations.
Can I highlight pro bono work on my resume?
Yes. Qualifying students will receive formal recognition for their work on their school transcript and may receive other honors.
Who should I contact if I need assistance finding the right pro bono opportunity?
Patrick Niebauer, Career Services Assistant Director and Pro Bono Coordinator, helps students with pro bono, public interest and government opportunities.
Related Clinics, Concentrations, and Experiences
Contact Us
New England Law Admissions staff is here to help you through the application process. If you have any questions, please complete the form below or contact the Office of Admissions at admit@nesl.edu or call 617-422-7210.