Wednesday, February 16, 2011

My Public Interest Summer, Part 9

This past summer, UBSPI - in conjunction with MLSC and the University of Baltimore School of Law - funded 11 UB law students to work in public interest organizations throughout Maryland.  Their stories and experiences will be highlighted on Out in the Streets throughout the year.  For more information about our summer public interest grants, click here.

 
Interning at Homeless Persons Representation Project (HPRP) was an excellent opportunity to gain practical legal experience and invaluable in shaping my future career plans in public interest. I learned under the mentorship of two experienced public interest lawyers about the unique demands of lawyers assisting clients who are homeless, or facing homelessness, and the many legal challenges that they face. It was eye-opening to see the number of people who need assistance due to government denials of benefits. It was satisfying to see the successes and the effect of, say, an extra $60 a month.  It helped me to realize how important it is to have sound government policies that work for, not against, the needs of our most disadvantaged and vulnerable population.

The internship provided me with an opportunity to interact directly with clients: assisting with the intake process; giving “know your rights” presentations; and engaging in outreach initiatives in the community. 

Through this internship I was able to develop a fuller understanding of the law and how it applies to clients receiving public benefits and/or government-subsidized housing.  Seeing the high demand of the staff attorneys and the seemingly endless demand for legal assistance, I felt I was able to contribute something meaningful to HPRP as well as to the clients that I interacted with. 

--- Catherine Seward, University of Baltimore School of Law

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Summer Grant Application Meeting This Wednesday (2/16)

UBSPI will be releasing the application for its 2011 summer grants on Wednesday, February 16.  Students interested in pursuing internships with public interest organizations this summer are encouraged to apply.  At 12pm and 5pm in LC 201 on February 16, we will hold a brief meeting to explain the application process and answer any questions.

To read about past grant recipients' internship experiences last summer, click here.  

Grant applications will only be available for download on the UBSPI TWEN page.  If you are not yet a member, please add us to your TWEN page courses.  

Saturday, February 5, 2011

UB / UM Public Service Career Fair (2/17)

UB/UM Public Service Career Fair
Thursday, February 17th from 3pm-5:30pm.
University of Maryland School of Law
 
Public sector employers from Baltimore and DC will be in attendance for table talk conversations at this year's career fair.  These employers are accepting applications for summer and/or fall internships and are eligible organizations for UBSPI Public Interest Grants.

The fair takes place at the University of Maryland School of Law, Westminster Hall, 519 W. Fayette St., Baltimore, MD, just a short and easy light rail ride away from UB. Pre-registration is not required.
 
See below some of the employers planning to attend.  (Please note this list is not exhaustive; a final list will be available closer to the fair date).

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Maryland, Baltimore
Baltimore City Law Department
Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office
CASA de Maryland
Catholic Relief Services
Civil Justice, Inc.
Community Law Center
Department of Housing and Urban Development
EEOC Office of Administrative Judges
Federal Bureau of Prisons, Mid-Atlantic Regional Office
House of Ruth
Legal Services Division Baltimore City Department of Social Services
Maryland Disability Law Center
Maryland Office of the Attorney General
Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service
National Labor Relations Board
Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO)
Office of IRS Chief Counsel, Baltimore
Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia
Office of the County Attorney, Rockville, MD
State of Maryland, Office of the Public Defender