The long-term goal of this Project is to create a culture that highly values public interest law as a viable and meaningful career. The Project will utilize a system similar to the medical school resident matching concept to place students with organizations. All efforts will be made to secure highly motivated students as well as meaningful experiences with the coordinating service providers. At all times the students will be made aware of the rules of professional responsibility and the need for professionalism. A reflective requirement as well as student presentations at the conclusion of each semester will add to the evaluation aspect of the project.
For students this is a special opportunity to explore what could become lifelong careers in public interest law. It is also a chance to set personal and professional goals and work as a team with your supervising attorney to meet those objectives. There will be moments to reflect on your work and how it impacts an unrepresented and often overlooked segment of SC's population. Before applying law students will have the opportunity to read the job descriptions of the host organizations and indicate their preferences. The host organizations will also have an opportunity to read the law student applications and express their preferences. All efforts to create a working match will taken by the USC School of Law and the SC Bar Foundation but there is no guarantee that everyone will get their first choice.
SC Bar Foundation Fellows must
- be in good academic standing at the Law School
- submit a completed Fellows Application
- submit a current resume
- sign a Fellows agreement
- establish learning objectives
- have a demonstrated interest in public interest law
- be willing to work for the entire semester or summer for the approved hours
- complete all required financial aid forms