The practice of public interest law, whether at a nonprofit or government agency, requires an attorney to consider a host of issues distinct from those encountered in private practice. For example, how does a host's mission and vision of justice influence long-term and day-to-day strategic decisions? And, how is success measured when there are no obvious or easy things to count? This course will challenge students to apply these questions and others to what they learn from their respective externship experiences. Using reflection, class discussion, and simulation, this course will help students develop skills relevant to public interest practice. Students are required to write weekly reflection papers of 2 to 3 pages. Elements used in grading: Attendance; class participation; weekly reflection papers; and a final reflection paper.
2 units · Law Mandatory P/R/F
The practice of public interest law, whether at a nonprofit or government agency, requires an attorney to consider a host of issues distinct from those encountered in private practice. For example, how does a host's mission and vision of justice influence long-term and day-to-day strategic decisions? And, how is success measured when there are no obvious or easy things to count? This course will challenge students to apply these questions and others to what they learn from their respective externship experiences. Using reflection, class discussion, and simulation, this course will help students develop skills relevant to public interest practice. Students are required to write weekly reflection papers of 2 to 3 pages. Elements used in grading: Attendance; class participation; weekly reflection papers; and a final reflection paper.
Offered in Autumn 2026, Winter 2027, Spring 2027 at Stanford University.