Law school officials to host career fair for public interest programs

By Noah Johnson, Staff Writer

Sarkeys Law Center officials will host the Public Interest Recruiting Programs Career Fair 3 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 8 in the atrium in Sarkeys Law Center.

The career fair will offer all current law students an opportunity to meet representatives from a myriad of public service organizations who will be offering volunteer opportunities for students, said Debbie Boles, career counselor at the Professional and Career Development Center.

These opportunities have proven to provide experience and education in both civil and criminal law and give networking opportunities for those who may consider working in the public sector or are interested in giving back to the community through pro bono work, she said.

Representatives from a wide variety of public service, public interest, non-profit, and governmental agencies will be present at the career fair.

The list of organizations that will comprise the career fair still is growing, but historically, local, state and federal organizations have operated booths to recruit some of the university’s students, Boles said.

Many of the opportunities being offered at the career fair are volunteer-related.

Interested law students are encouraged to apply for the dean’s summer pro bono and public interest law fellowship if seeking additional finances during the summer, read PCDC’s website.

The program is designed to encourage students to seek out underrepresented organizations that provide legal services to underprivileged members of society.

There are a limited number of fellowship scholarships offered, and interested students must apply for it no later than April 5.

Austin Meyer, first-year law, said he thinks this opportunity was one not to pass up.

“In this economy, it’s never too early to make a good first impression,” he said. “With the employers coming to the law school, this is a great opportunity for me to drop off my resume and, more importantly, network with what could be my future employer.”

For more information about career fair or other opportunities for students interested in pro bono work, call the PCDC at (405) 208-5332.