Public Interest Program

As part of a Christian University, Thomas Goode Jones School of Law seeks not only to provide the legal knowledge and practical skills necessary to produce competent and ethical members of the legal community, but also to instill in our students an attitude of service.

This commitment to serve those who otherwise could not afford such assistance complements the legal profession’s rich tradition of service.  Our program supports the efforts of the legal community to encourage service to others and advance the commitment to reach out in the community to share legal experience and knowledge.  The Public Interest Program provides opportunities for our students to begin their career of service while utilizing the practical skills obtained in their legal education.

Program Basics:

  • Students are challenged to perform 35 hours of voluntary service during the academic year.  This goal can be met in less than 4 ½ hours per month.
  • There are a variety of service needs to accommodate every student’s schedule, time of day available, duration of project, and degree of responsibility desired.
  • Students completing the public interest service commitment qualify for recognition including a notation of service on their transcript, a certificate of accomplishment, special recognition in the graduation program and eligibility for the Public Interest Service Award.

Program Benefits:

  • Provides valuable pro bono and community service to those who otherwise could not afford such assistance.
  • Allow students to gain invaluable experience performing legal work with practicing attorneys.
  • Supports the ethical duty to use the knowledge and skills given to help others, not only as attorneys, but also as Christians.

Opportunities:

  • Opportunities are available to individual students and student groups.  Volunteer with:

Alabama Appleseed
Alabama Attorney General
Alabama Civil Justice Foundation
Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyer Program
Dallas County Teen Court Program
District Attorney’s Office
Family Sunshine Center
Federal Defender’s Office
Fifteenth Judicial Circuit
Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program
Legal Services Alabama
Montgomery Public Schools
Southern Poverty Law Center
Volunteer & Information Center