Building on Oregon Law’s extraordinary legacy of creating change through advocacy, research, and a commitment to the underserved, the Public Service and Policy Program (PSP) elevates the education and practical experience of law students on the path to leadership positions critical for access to justice, well-functioning government, and a legal system that works.

Oregon Law debuted at No. 11 among all US law schools for the most graduates in public interest law in the 2025 US News & World Report rankings. “The law school has a long tradition of public service,” said Jennifer Geller, managing director of PSP. “Many people come to Oregon Law because they either want to serve the public or they want to contribute to the greater good. Our program is designed to propel this tradition.” 

Through an innovative and expansive Pro Bono program and financial support for students and alumni serving in the areas of public interest and public service, PSP fuels study and practical experience in areas of public interest law, public service, and public policy.

Championing Pro Bono Contributions

Each Oregon Law student has the opportunity to gain practical experience through coordinated opportunities to volunteer for organizations that serve individuals who would otherwise not have access to justice. Students may choose to volunteer for an organization of their choice, an established opportunity with a local nonprofit, or an in-house project such as the school’s Wills for the Underserved project. If a student completes fifty hours of pro-bono work, they are honored with a Pro Bono Honors Certificate at graduation. 

One way that we support access to justice is ensuring ample opportunities for every student to do pro-bono work,” Geller said, “because regardless of whether you end up doing public interest work full-time or not, all lawyers have an obligation to participate in closing the access-to-justice gap.”   

Critical Financial Assistance    

Many who want to work in public interest jobs will consider whether they can afford the costs of law school and their choice of career path. To foster access to justice and address financial concerns, PSP offers numerous opportunities for these dedicated future leaders.  

To facilitate and support students’ public interest work during the summer, the Oregon Law Student Public Interest Fund awards summer stipends to help cover student’s living expenses while working at organizations that serves underrepresented people and causes.    

Each year, the program administers a wide variety of paid fellowship opportunities for students with demonstrated interest in public policy.  And to further bridge the financial gap for students who are committed to justice, the Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) distributes forgivable loans to qualifying graduates in public service positions for up to three years. “It’s essential that we help make law school attainable for those who want to work in government or public interest careers. Our communities depend on lawyers who serve the public and seek to bridge the access-to-justice gap,” Geller said. 

Seeds of Inspiration 

While Oregon Law’s practical experience opportunities and financial support initiatives help students build success, PSP includes both academic and extracurricular options to inspire students. In line with professional goals, students can earn either a concentration in Public Interest Law or Law and Public Policy. 

Outside the classroom, PSP organizes engaging learning opportunities throughout the school year. These extracurricular events are designed to provide context and understanding around emerging legal issues, reflective understanding of law and policy, and engage students in questions and dialogue with elected officials, thought leaders, and public interest and service practitioners.   

“We need lawyers who represent individuals but who also think about how legal systems and policies can be modified to best serve the greater good and justice for all, ” Geller said.