The University of Michigan Law School recognizes the importance of serving the community and is dedicated to assisting current students and graduates who are interested in pursuing opportunities in public interest or government. Our Law School highly encourages students to contribute to the community through pro bono programs, volunteer work, and public service oriented fellowships. At least half of all U-M Law students commit themselves to some type of community service project, many organized by Law School student-run organizations, before they graduate.
Since its beginnings in 1995, the Office of Public Service (OPS) has offered unparalleled support and continues to be an invaluable resource for students in search of careers in the public sector. Our nationally recognized Office of Public Service provides:
- One-on-one counseling to students and alumni
- Assistance with seeking grants and fellowships
- Activities and mentoring opportunities with the Public Interest/Public Service Faculty Fellows
- Mentoring and networking contacts worldwide
- Jobnet a searchable database on the Web containing summer and permanent public interest and government job postings as well as information on fellowships
- A community of government and public interest-minded students, faculty, and alumni, including the Organization of Public Interest Students (OPIS), a group of law students "interested in public interest work and advocating for better programming, funding and faculty for public interest at the law school."
- Opportunities to develop skills and experience through pro bono projects
- The Inspiring Paths Series, a lectureship series highlighting alumni who have incorporated public service into their legal careers
- One of the nation's best loan repayment assistance programs which makes a career in public service financially feasible (through the Law School Financial Aid Office)
- Stewardship of University of Michigan Law School Fellowships such as the Robert B. Fiske Jr. Fellowship Program for Public Service, the Dean's Public Service Fellowship and the Perry Watkins Fellowship.
If you are interested in making an appointment with a counselor, attending the Inspiring Paths Lectureship series, or have any questions please contact us.
Office of Public Service
625 S. State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1215
734.647.3256
ops@umich.edu