October 1999
Animal Law Cited by
New York Times
Our law school has been a national leader in public interest programming, in large part due to the efforts of our students. The Public Interest Law Project (PILP) has been a great success. Its annual auction has become the social event of the year while raising over $40,000 to support public interest jobs during the summer. PILP has also been the driving force behind our development of the Loan Repayment Assistance Program. We have much to be proud of, but I want to issue another public interest challenge to our students.
Several years ago, Oregon's lawyers inaugurated the Campaign for Equal Justice with the purpose of raising money to support legal services for the poor. Because of federal funding cutbacks, Oregon's Legal Services offices were unable to meet the extensive needs across the state for legal services. The Campaign for Equal Justice has been a great success. Oregon lawyers contributed in excess of a half million last year, and an even more ambitious target has been set for this year.
Our faculty and staff have contributed to the Campaign in increasing amounts over the last few years. Professor Susan Mandiberg has taken it upon herself to encourage faculty and staff participation, and I am optimistic that we will contribute more this year than last. Faculty and staff contributions have made an important statement to the practicing bar and the community about our commitment to public interest law.
Even more impressive evidence of our school's dedication would be a significant effort from our students. If every student made a $10 contribution, we would raise in excess of $6,000 for support of legal services to the poor. Think about it.
- Dean James Huffman