Public Law & Policy Practical Experience

Clinics

The Nonprofit Clinic

The Nonprofit Clinic is an interdisciplinary clinic that brings students within the School of Law, the School of Planning, Public Policy, and Management, the Lundquist College of Business, and the Conflict and Dispute Resolution Program together at the law school to serve the Oregon nonprofit community. Students conduct a governance assessment of several nonprofit organizations, draft an assessment report, and present their findings and recommendations to their organizational clients.

You will work in highly supported interdisciplinary teams and have an opportunity to conduct interviews, review documents, hone your writing, plan and facilitate meetings, and learn about organizational function and dynamics.

To date, the clinic has served organizations working in the following areas:

  • Art, Culture, and Humanities
  • Civil Rights and Advocacy
  • Environmental Amelioration & Advocacy
  • Human Services
  • Domestic Violence Services
  • Healthcare and Counseling
  • Housing and Shelter
  • Recreation and Sports
  • Youth Development
  • Community Based Dispute Resolution Services
  • Adoption Services
  • International Support and Partnership

By addressing the real-world needs of the participating nonprofit organizations, the students’ work reaches all Oregonians depending on nonprofits for a broad array of critical services and cultural enhancements. Oregonians place high reliance on nonprofits for many essential services traditionally located under local government purview. While providing this valuable service to participating nonprofits and the broader community, the students reap significant professional benefit and experience.

They are the next generation of nonprofit leaders and volunteers. 

Learn More About the Nonprofit Clinic

Practical Skills Training

FIRST YEAR (1L)

  • Legal Research & Writing
  • Law-related Pro Bono work

 

SECOND YEAR (2L)

  • Judicial Field Placements
  • Local Government Field Placements
  • Environmental Law Clinic

THIRD YEAR (3L)

  • Civil Practice Clinic
  • Nonprofit Clinic

Professional Development 

FIRST YEAR (1L)

Summer experience examples:

  • Professional Development Seminar
  • Explore public interest/public service law practice areas
  • Meet with career counselor
  • Oregon DOJ
  • Judicial Field Placement
  • Legal Aid
  • ACLU
  • Civil liberties Defense Center
  • Alaska Office of Public Advocacy

SECOND YEAR (2L)

Summer experience examples:

  • Narrow career exploration to specific employers/locations
  • Seek out networking opportunities
  • Public Interest/Public Service Law Summer Field Placement
  • Oregon DOJ
  • Judicial Field Placement
  • Legal Aid
  • ACLU
  • Civil liberties Defense Center
  • Alaska Office of Public Advocacy

THIRD YEAR (3L)

  • Public Interest/Public Service Law Summer Field Placement
  • Apply for jobs

Public Law & Policy Extracurriculars

FIRST YEAR (1L)

Consider:

  • Joining a student group related to your interest.
    • OLSPIF, Community Action Public Service, and Land, Air, Water (LAW) are just a few of the options.

SECOND YEAR (2L)

Consider:

  • Volunteering for OLSPIF Applying for an OLSPIF Stipend
  • Participating in Moot Court
  • Participating in pro bono work

THIRD YEAR (3L)

Consider:

  • Participating in pro bono work
  • Volunteering for OLSPIF
  • Learning about loan forgiveness and payment options after graduation for public sector and public interest work