The Center for Public Interest Law is the structural formalization of a very long tradition of public service at DePaul University. We are fortunate to be part of a university that places public service on a very high pedestal across all disciplines.

Public service is the cornerstone of DePaul. Its Vincentian identity and urban location allow DePaul to live its mission—service to the poor and underrepresented. But DePaul's Vincentian identity isn't simply a Catholic virtue or even a Christian one. It’s a human virtue. This makes DePaul a very welcoming place for all students, regardless of social, racial and religious background.

DePaul has an astonishing number of professors from public service backgrounds who mentor students and enrich their teaching with their own pro bono and public service work. We encourage our students to keep their humane values and their sense of commitment to the underprivileged when they leave the university. The College of Law has sent more of its graduates into public service, nationwide and locally, than any other law school in Chicago.

There are many reasons why DePaul attracts students with a passion for public interest law. From ample opportunities for public service in Chicago's many communities to the College of Law's rich public interest curriculum, it's no wonder that DePaul is a great place for the public interestminded student. There are so many public interest students at the College of Law that public service is not isolated into one corner of the curriculum or confined to a small segment of students. Whether you're interested in working on policy and law reform, representing clients in our community-based service programs or specializing in poverty law, we have something for you.

We've made it a priority to support public service work and trumpet that support widely. One of our most recent successes is the creation of a Loan Repayment Assistance Program. With the help of an endowed fund and the overwhelming support of the College of Law's students, we now offer a significant number of loan forgiveness awards annually to graduates working in the public service sector.

Public service work is the most satisfying work a lawyer can do. Every lawyer should try to make a commitment to provide services to those who need it and can't afford it, ensuring that all have access to justice. As you look over this website, please think of ways that you can use the law to serve the public good, and if that includes DePaul University College of Law, we will be delighted to welcome you.