Faulkner Law believes that attorneys are called to serve. The American Bar Association, as well as state and local bar associations nationwide, recognize the important role attorneys play in community development and enrichment. In fact, the motto of the Alabama State Bar is, “Lawyers Render Service.” Additionally, as part of a Christian university, the law school seeks to instill an attitude of service in our students, encouraging them and inspiring them to aid people in need and contribute to their communities.
Faulkner Law’s Public Interest Program
The Public Interest Program at Faulkner Law has three goals: to provide students with opportunities for service, to reward students for contributing to their communities, and to facilitate placement of students in public interest careers.
Public Interest and Public Service Law Opportunities in Montgomery
Faulkner Law’s location in the capital city of Montgomery, Alabama allows law students a unique year-round opportunity to intern and gain valuable experience in public service law. Montgomery is home to the Alabama Supreme Court, the Federal Defender’s Office, and a variety of state departments. Montgomery is also the location for the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, the Alabama Legislature and the Office of the Governor. For students considering military service, Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery houses the Air Force’s JAG school.
For students interested in internships in public interest fields, Montgomery is also home to Alabama Appleseed, the ACLU, Legal Services Alabama and the Southern Poverty Law Center. The Alabama Law Foundation and the Alabama State Bar are also based in Montgomery.
Faulkner Law maintains relationships with all these organizations, and more, to ensure that our students have an opportunity to gain experience, no matter what their chosen field of legal service.
Nationally Recognized for Public Service
In 2011, National Jurist magazine listed Faulkner Law as one of the top law schools for preparing students for public service in government.
Organizations Seeking Volunteers
Any organization seeking assistance from law students for pro bono, public interest, public service or charitable work may contact the Director of Public Interest Programs, Prof. Kelly McTear.
Public Interest Summer Stipends
First and second year law students may apply every spring for a limited amount of public interest stipends given to law students working in approved public interest career internships during the summer.
Questions relating to stipends, should be directed to the current President of JPILF or Prof. Kelly McTear, Director of Public Interest Programs at 334-386-7924 or kmctear@faulkner.edu.
Public Service Student Debt Relief Programs
Programs for loan forgiveness can be available for law students interested in careers in public interest law.
Contact information
Prof. Kelly McTear, Director of Public Interest Programs
Thomas Goode Jones School of Law
5345 Atlanta Hwy
Montgomery, AL 36109
Phone: (334) 386-7924
Kristal Darnell
Financial Aid Office
Faulkner University
5345 Atlanta Hwy
Montgomery, AL 36109
Phone: (334) 386-7478
Fax: (334) 386-7201