When third-year student Maya Shah walks the halls of Cumberland School of Law, she carries more than textbooks and case briefs—she carries a deep, personal commitment to justice and compassion. As the 2025–26 public interest fellow, Shah is channeling her experiences and values into a career that uplifts others, especially those navigating life’s most difficult challenges.

“Public interest law inspires me because it’s so focused on helping others and the greater community,” Shah said. “It’s about acting in people’s best interests and making sure they’re not alone in the legal system.”

Her dedication to service is more than theoretical. During law school, Shah has immersed herself in hands-on public interest work, gaining experience at Legal Services Alabama and Birmingham AIDS Outreach. At Legal Services Alabama, she helped draft appeals to reverse evictions—critical work that can determine whether a client qualifies for future government housing. At Birmingham AIDS Outreach, she worked on Social Security appeals.

Currently, Shah is participating in the law school’s Medical Legal Partnership Clinic, a collaborative effort between Cumberland and UAB Hospital. “I’m grateful to be part of the second class of students in this clinic,” she said. “We serve patients in the UAB hospital system, helping with legal matters like wills and powers of attorney.”

Her passion for advocacy is deeply personal. At 16, Shah was diagnosed with leukemia, a life-altering experience that shaped her desire to serve families facing similar medical crises. “I want to help children and their families navigate the legal issues that arise during cancer journeys,” she explained. “The last thing they should worry about is a lawsuit or complex legal paperwork while in the hospital.”

Shah’s vision for a more equitable world drives her long-term goals. “I want to ensure that everyone, no matter their background, gets the representation and rights they deserve,” she said. “Public interest law helps provide equal opportunities for good legal service.”

As the public interest fellow at Cumberland, Shah is not only gaining experience, she’s building bridges. “This fellowship allows me to create relationships between the law school and nonprofit organizations in Birmingham,” she said. “It’s a unique opportunity to connect and collaborate.”

She’s already putting that vision into action. This year, Shah is organizing a month-long food drive for the Cumberland community, working closely with local organizations to identify needs and deliver resources. She’s also developing a resource page to help students find public interest opportunities and contacts.

Her advice to fellow law students? “Public interest work is what you make it,” she said. “There are so many ways to get involved, you just have to be willing to reach out and try new things. Even if it’s not your career path, volunteering your time can make a huge difference.”

With empathy, resilience and a clear sense of purpose, Maya Shah is not just studying law—she’s living it. And through her fellowship, she’s helping Cumberland students see how their legal education can become a tool for lasting change.

“As the public interest fellow, Maya is showing her peers that public interest isn’t just a career path, it’s a mindset of service that can start right here at Cumberland,” said Rachel Martin, director of clinics, externships and public interest. “She’s helping her fellow students discover their own passion for service and creating a stronger, more civically engaged law school community.”

Cumberland School of Law’s public interest and pro bono program equips students to make a meaningful impact through service. Working toward fostering a culture of civic responsibility, students are exposed to a variety of ways to engage in public interest work, including student groups, volunteer opportunities, legal clinics, externship placements, service projects and strategic partnerships a. Through these opportunities, students gain practical legal experience, develop strong professional networks, and lay the foundation for fulfilling, service-oriented careers.