Public Service
Mission
The mission of Saint Louis University is the pursuit of truth for the greater glory of God and for the service of humanity. The School of Law provides students with a variety of opportunities to serve the community through public service agencies, special events and projects and student organizations. Because we also promote public service careers, our wide selection of service-oriented programs provide those considering such a career with a considerable amount of exposure to the field.
Events
Saint Louis University
SPECIAL EVENTS AND PROJECTS
Throughout the year, the School of Law sponsors and participates
in numerous public service events and projects. Below, you will find a listing
of those events in which we participate most frequently. To determine specific
event dates, please visit the Calendar of Events. In addition
to these programs and projects, the University offers additional opportunities
through its Campus Ministry
program.
Light the Night Walk for Leukemia and
Lymphoma
Each September, the School of Law and the law library sponsor a team
to walk in the Light the Night Walk, an event which pays tribute to those whose
lives have been touched by cancer. Law students, faculty and staff raise funds
and carry balloons in the walk. The funds raised from the walk go to support
research and treatment and work toward a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's
Disease and myeloma.
2004 event and team photos
2005 event and team photos
2006 event and team photos
2008 event and team photos
SPONSOR: Public Interest Law Group, Omer
Poos Law Library and the School of Law
Stand Down for Homeless Veterans
Law students and faculty provide free legal services to homeless veterans at
the annual Stand Down for Homeless Veterans. Several hundred veterans attend
the event, which takes place on a Saturday in April, and receive a variety
of free services, from haircuts to job counseling. Students and faculty primarily
assist those veterans with outstanding warrants on minor criminal matters.
Along with the various judges, prosecutors and clerks in attendance, students
are usually able to resolve veterans' cases that same day.
SPONSORS: Public Interest Law Group, 1843
Scholars and the Legal Clinics
First Monday
Each year, the Public Interest Law Group marks the beginning of the new Supreme Court term with Public Interest
Law Week, and First Monday is the first of that week's activities. Speakers
from the local legal community discuss pertinent issues facing the Supreme
Court and the American legal system in general.
SPONSOR: Public Interest Law Group
Career Fair
Public Interest Law Week continues with the Career Fair, a chance for students
to find out about job opportunities available in the public interest field
and meet some dedicated attorneys who devote their careers to working in public
interest. This fair is an excellent opportunity for students to find out more
about the practice of public interest law and network for jobs either during the
summer or post-graduation.
SPONSOR: Public Interest Law Group
Ambulance Chase
The Chase is a 5K run/1 mile walk in St. Louis' scenic Tower Grove Park. Participants
receive a t-shirt, refreshments and a chance at various prizes. Proceeds from
the Ambulance Chase help support Public Interest Law Group activities throughout
the fall and spring semesters.
Runners line up for the Public Interest Law Group's annual Ambulance Chase in October at Tower Grove Park. The event helps raise funds for summer fellowships for law students.
SPONSOR: Public Interest Law Group
Make a Difference Day-Homeward Bound
On the last Saturday of October, law students, faculty and staff join together
for a variety of special projects in the community. The primary event is the
Homeward Bound Homeless Fair, sponsored by Saint Louis University and the Homeless
Services Office of the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County. Approximately
300 homeless families attend the event and are provided with a range of free
services. Law students provide legal assistance in the form of advice, counseling
and referral services. All law students are invited to participate.
SPONSORS: Public Interest Law Group, 1843
Scholars and the Legal Clinics
Sweats for Vets
The Public Interest Law Group is accepting donations of new sweat
suits to give to homeless veterans at a Thanksgiving dinner to be held in their
honor. PILG will also accept cash donations so sweat suits can be purchased.
Law students eat an early Thanksgiving dinner with the guests of the annual Homeless Veterans Thanksgiving Dinner in November in St. Louis
SPONSOR: Public Interest Law Group
Angel Tree
Law students donate gifts of toys, clothing and money for disadvantaged
children during the Christmas Holidays. Students collect the gifts, wrap them
and deliver them to children at the St. Vincent's Home for Children in North
St. Louis County.
SPONSOR: Women
Law Students' Association
Toy Drive
In conjunction with the Toys-For-Tots program, students collect toys
for needy children for Christmas.
SPONSOR: Black Law Students
Association
Public Interest Fellowship
Auction - March 15, 2005
The primary PILG fundraiser of the year, the Auction supplements the endowment
established by benefactors Irvin and Maggie Dagen to supply funding for the
Public Interest Fellowship program. The program provides stipends for Saint
Louis University School of Law students who work in unpaid public interest positions
during the summer. In 2003, 30 students benefitted financially from the fellowship
program. The event itself consists of both silent and live auction items.
CASA
Through the Court Appointed Special Advocates program (CASA), law students
serve as representatives in juvenile court for abused and neglected children
in St. Louis. Students receive intensive training on the issues surrounding the
welfare of the children they represent, and conduct investigations of each child's
individual circumstances.
Training For CASA Volunteers
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) trains volunteers to represent abused
and neglected children in St. Louis Juvenile Court. For more information
call 552-2429 or go to www.stlcitycasa.org
SPONSORS: CASA and the Public Interest Law Group
Blood Drives
Red Cross blood drives are held at the School of Law at various times during
the school year.
SPONSORS: Black Law Students
Association, Student Bar Association, Health
Law Association
Big Brothers, Big Sisters
Law students serve as Big Brothers and Big Sisters to disadvantaged
youth throughout the St. Louis area. The local chapter of the national organization
provides training for student volunteers, who then spend a few hours a month
with their little brother or sister. Students help with homework, play games
or just take the time to listen to their younger friends. Quite often, students
are paired with students at Loyola Academy, a private middle school for disadvantaged
boys, which is within walking distance of the School of Law.
SPONSORS: Phi Alpha Delta and
the Public Interest Law Group
Tax Assistance Project
Every January through March, law students work in partnership with local
attorneys and accountants to provide free tax return preparation for low-income
families. Local accountants provide training through an I.R.S.-endorsed volunteer
program. Students then work two or three Saturdays at local community centers
preparing returns for the families. The primary goal is to maximize each family's
use of the Earned Income Tax Credit. Each year, students help families collect
close to one million dollars in credits and refunds.
SPONSORS: Public Interest Law Group, 1843
Scholars and the School of Law Dean's
Office
Campus Kitchen
Law students, faculty and staff volunteer to prepare meals for the elderly
and homebound at the kitchen facilities located on campus. The meals are then
delivered, by students, to program participants. In addition, individual campus
organizations such as the Black Law Students Association have donated food to
the Campus Kitchen and helped to prepare meals.
SPONSOR: Saint Louis University
Dress for Success
Students work each spring, in connection with the Dress for Success
Program, to collect female business attire and present it to women entering the
work force.
SPONSOR: Women
Law Students' Association
Missouri River Clean-Up
Students help to remove large amounts of trash along the banks of the
Missouri River in St. Charles.
SPONSOR: Environmental
Law Society
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