Public Interest

Through the clinical program, students have the opportunity to represent clients in state and federal court, to represent clients in transactions or to complete substantive research in support of international institutions, domestic government agencies, or international tribunals. All students work under the close supervision of a faculty member.  

The Externship Program allows students to receive course credit for working pro bono in summer and semester externships with faculty-approved legal employers throughout the U.S. and abroad. Students gain valuable work experience by directly immersing themselves in the offices of judges, prosecutors, public defenders, government agencies, corporate legal departments, or legal aid/direct services organizations.

Vanderbilt encourages all students to engage in pro bono work during law school and to carry the practice of pro bono service with them after graduation. In addition to providing public service, which is at the heart of the legal profession, pro bono activities provide students with the opportunity to build their legal skills, explore other areas of the law, and network with legal professionals. Vanderbilt Law’s Pro Bono Pledge recognizes students who engage in pro bono and community service activities while enrolled. Vanderbilt Law students can engage in pro bono service through programs such as the Shade Tree Medical-Legal Partnership and the Woodbine Immigration Clinic. In partnership with the Access to Justice Initiative, students have an opportunity to participate in Court Watch programs with community legal partners.

Vanderbilt law students are active, public-minded, and come from a variety of backgrounds - all qualities reflected by a wide variety of thriving student organizations at the law school. Several student organizations sponsor lectures on timely issues ranging from mass incarceration to reproductive rights and coordinate law-related community initiatives.