In light of the Program’s broad definition of “public interest,” it
always has been understood that students admitted to the Program would
evidence significant diversity in their respective career goals, as well
as in their interests. Thus, as envisioned by the faculty who founded
the Program, some students would go on to careers in more traditional
kinds of public interest work – pursuing civil rights litigation,
providing legal services for the poor, or engaging in transactional work
with nonprofit organizations to develop housing or employment
resources. Others would possibly work exclusively in the realm of
politics and policy-making, both inside and outside government. Still
others would start up community-based law practices serving the needs of
specific communities. While others would focus more on educating and
organizing vulnerable communities rather than engaging in more
traditional legal work. And still others would pursue a career in
academia or be appointed to the judiciary.
And so, indeed, the Program alumni – now numbering over 450 and constituting sixteen Program classes – are making their mark in
diverse settings – in the nonprofit, government and private sectors, the
judiciary and academia – across the country and abroad. Engaged in
addressing a broad array of social justice issues both domestically and
abroad, our alumni are innovative thinkers, fierce advocates, recipients
of prestigious national fellowships, exceptional leaders and founders
of pioneering organizations, working to reduce poverty and injustice and
to promote democratic values. And, they remain dedicated to and
engaged with the Program.

