Public Interest and Pro Bono
Fostering a culture of civic responsibility and commitment to service
Cumberland School of Law’s Public Interest and Pro Bono Program prepares students to make a meaningful impact through service—from Serve Day at orientation through graduation and beyond.
The program fosters a strong culture of civic responsibility, offering multiple pathways for engagement, including student organizations, volunteer opportunities, legal clinics, externships, service projects and partnerships with organizations such as Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham and Legal Services of Alabama.
Through these experiences, students gain hands-on legal training, build professional networks and explore service-oriented career paths.
Get Involved
From first-year orientation through graduation, Cumberland School of Law students have many opportunities to engage in public interest and pro bono work.
Orientation Serve Day
Each year, first-year orientation concludes with Serve Day, when students, faculty and staff volunteer across the Birmingham area. Projects have included working with Habitat for Humanity, supporting local food banks, assisting elderly residents, and volunteering with the Birmingham Humane Society. Established in 2007, Serve Day is a longstanding tradition that builds community while advancing Cumberland’s commitment to service.
Cumberland Public Interest and Community Service Organization (CPICS)
CPICS is the law school’s leading student organization dedicated to public interest and pro bono work. The group connects students with service opportunities, supports local nonprofits through fundraising and drives, and promotes involvement in advocacy and policy initiatives throughout the year.
Volunteer Network
Students have access to a broad network of legal and community organizations committed to serving those in need. Whether through independent service, student groups or structured programs, these opportunities allow students to engage meaningfully with communities and deepen their commitment to public interest work.
Clinics
Through Cumberland’s legal clinics, students receive academic credit while representing real clients who may otherwise lack access to legal services. Working pro bono, students develop core lawyering skills across areas such as criminal defense, parole advocacy, estate planning, family law and housing—while advancing access to justice.
Externships
Externships with government agencies, legal aid organizations and nonprofit employers allow students to apply classroom learning to real-world legal work. Opportunities are available locally and beyond, helping students gain practical experience and grow as service-oriented attorneys.
Public Interest Liaison
Each year, first-year orientation concludes with Serve Day, when students, faculty and staff volunteer across the Birmingham area. Projects have included working with Habitat for Humanity, supporting local food banks, assisting elderly residents, and volunteering with the Birmingham Humane Society. Established in 2007, Serve Day is a longstanding tradition that builds community while advancing Cumberland’s commitment to service.
"Public interest law inspires me because it’s so focused on helping others and the greater community. It’s about acting in people’s best interests and making sure they’re not alone in the legal system."
—Maya Shah, ’JD 26, public interest liaison, 2025-26
Exploring Public Interest Careers
Cumberland School of Law supports students pursuing public interest careers through targeted programming, experiential learning and structured pathways to internships and full-time employment.
Panels and Networking Events
Throughout the year, the Public Interest Program partners with student groups and community organizations to host panels and networking events connecting students with attorneys in government, nonprofit and advocacy roles. These programs offer insight into career paths while helping students build relationships with potential employers.
Public Interest Fair
Each spring, the Public Interest Program, Career Development Office (CDO) and CPICS host the Public Interest Fair, bringing together employers from legal aid organizations, government agencies and nonprofits. The event gives students a focused opportunity to explore internships and career options while expanding their professional networks.
Public Interest Employment Resources
The Career Development Office (CDO) supports students pursuing public interest careers through targeted job postings, individualized application guidance and mock interviews. The CDO also facilitates on-campus interviewing for internships and post-graduation roles with government and nonprofit employers.
Summer Stipends
Through the support of generous donors, Cumberland School of Law offers stipends to rising second- and third-year students completing qualifying unpaid public interest internships. Students must complete at least six weeks of legal work that provides meaningful educational and community impact, helping remove financial barriers to service-based career exploration.
Celebrating Public Interest
Cumberland School of Law recognizes and celebrates student commitment to public interest work throughout the year, reinforcing its mission to develop attorneys dedicated to service, integrity and purpose.
Pro Bono Month
Each October, Cumberland participates in the statewide Pro Bono Month celebration, led by the Alabama State Bar and aligned with the American Bar Association’s National Pro Bono Week. Students can engage in additional clinics, service projects and educational events focused on expanding access to legal services for underserved communities.
Pro Bono Pledge
During Pro Bono Month, students are encouraged to take the Pro Bono Pledge, committing to prioritize service throughout law school and their legal careers. Cumberland consistently demonstrates strong participation, reflecting a deeply rooted culture of service.
Awards
Students who complete 35 or more hours of pro bono or community service are recognized with the Spirit of Service Award. Hours are tracked throughout the academic year, with awards presented at the annual spring Awards Day.
Contact
Rachel Martin
Director of Clinics, Externships and Public Interest
